Big Reds vs. Wilwoods, etc

[Ron Wood <vw-audisport@worldnet.att.net>]

There has been a lot of discussion on both sides of the fence
 concerning the true path to brake nirvana. Having used the Wilwoods on
 my Rally Quattro for two seasons gives me some experience with their
 effectiveness & reliability. Although they see less miles than most
 street cars, the conditions are certainly harsher (I hope) than what 
 you subject your street car to. So far, there have been no problems
 whatsoever, with no annual rebuilds. I check them after every event &
 there has bben no corrosion or leaking at all. Water & dust are normal
 conditions for the rallies & have not caused any problems, I tend to
 think the will go at least 2 years on the street.
    Brembo Big Reds are a very nice piece, no doubt about it. Do they
 stop twice as well as a Wilwood or an AP-probably not. If you want the
 most street friendly setup-use the Brembos. If you are willing to do a
 little extra maintaince I think you will be happy with the Wilwoods. A
 annual or bi-annual rebuild is not really a big job-a few hours of work
 for a pretty big savings.
    You can build your own kit & save money-time is involved to spec out
 adadpters, etc. With the kits you are paying for someone else's time &
 investment in designing all the pieces. Go ahead & do it
 yourself-probably a lot more time involved than you realize.
    Wilwoods are a very good part-check out how many pro race teams use
 them, but they were designed as a race caliper, not a 100,000 mile
 street caliper.
     A good brake system is very important, especially so if horsepower
 is to be upgraded. Unless you run at Bonneville, I think would worry
 about brakes first. I havent met a stock Audi with enough brakes yet 
for
 severe driving-street or otherwise. Good pads, slotted rotors, etc will
 help, but, you can never have to much braking capacity.
    Well thats enough for now-always open to other peoples experiences.
 Ron Wood-Audis a plenty
 82 URQ (will be getting Wilwoods w/ 330mm x 30 mm rotors in 16" wheel)
 84 4KQ
 85 4KQ
 87 4KQ
 87.5 CGT
> 8? Rally Quattro (Wilwoods w/ 300mm x 30mm in 15" wheels !!)