Aidan's Daddy

I STFA and found some info. on the subject, but still would like some opinions.

During my search, I've read statements such as:

1) BBKs are only good for track use, stock is sufficient for street use

2) BBKs are for bling and don't justify the price

3) BBKs are worth the price because they weigh less than stock, because of shorter stopping distances and better resistance to heat, fade, etc.

4) Changing to SS lines, high performance pads and slotted rotors are all you need and are about half the price of a full BBK

I'm confilicted w/ which way to go. In my previous C5 A6, I did upgrade to Stoptech BBK and added SS lines to the rear as well as slotted rear rotors, too. I was happy w/ it at the time. But the stock brakes on my current S4 seems good enough for me.

To upgrade stock brakes, is it possible to just change to SS lines (if it doesn't already have it) and upgrade the brake pads -OR- do I have to change the rotors and brake fluid as well to see a difference -OR- for those w/ BBKs, do you highly recommend changing over from your experience? FYI, I don't plan on tracking my S4.

Any help is appreciated.

DiscerningInfusco

4 + change fluid and you should be very pleased. I thought about doing it in the spring.

deeno20

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/63138/audi_1.jpg"></center><p>Can't really tell...too small...but I had a set on my A6 and thought they made the best looking setup I'd ever come across.

CA_Dan

Glad u posted, I was going 2 ask same. Just wish the stock calipers looked better.

Aidan's Daddy

5-spoke w/ polished lip and rivets (strictly for show). They bent constantly, I must've bought new or repaired them 4 or 5 times in a 2+ yr. period. I bet the ABTs would've been a better wheel.

Here's a more close-up pic...

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/24398/98_a6_sold.jpg">

DiscerningInfusco

paint them, put the /S/ logo on them.. people have done it and they turn out pretty decent.

Car Crazy

1) The stock lines are rubber. You can upgrade the stock brake lines to SS. Some say this will make the pedal less squishy although with today's high tech stock lines I wonder if the difference is noticeable.
2) The stock fluid should be fine for the street unless you are planning on driving canyons and using lots of brake.
3) You can upgrade pads w/o upgrading rotors. Just make sure you bed in the new pads thoroughly.
4) I would guess you have never had any brake fade from the stock pads or a really squishy pedal from overheated fluid since you don't track the car. Why worry about slotted rotors to cool the pads if your pads have never overheated? If you upgrade rotors, it will be for looks (or weight saving in the case of the ECS rotors).
5) True a BBK will save weight. Will you notice this on the street?
6) A BBK does look good.
7) A BBK is great for the track because of less weight, increased cooling, and reduced fade.
8) I think pads make more of a difference in stopping distance then upgrading to a BBK. Of course if you are on the track, a BBK will stop better at the end of a 20 min session then stock because of the increased cooling. This can also be fixed with better pads, fluid, and slotted rotors. If you have a track which requires serious breaking then a BBK is the way to go (I know you are not interested in tracking you car).

Did this help or confuse?

808S4DRVR

When I had stock rims/rotors/pads/lines/fluids, I went for a 1 day track session sponsored by the local Audi Dealership. It was a short and not a fast track. Average speed was 80-90 mph on the 1/8 mile straight, followed by a left 90 degree turn (Heavy Braking), then 1 chicane, immediately followed by a left 90 degree turn (Heavy Braking), then a left hand sweeping turn, merging with 1/8 mile straight again.

By the end of the day, my pedals were soft. I then switched over to 18" OZ SL, ECS Rotors, Bobcat Pads, SS Lines, and stock fluid. Went to the same track again 1 yr later and no soft pedal feeling at the end of the day, better transitional movements through the chicane (I attribute that to lighter rims/rotors), later braking capability into corners (attributed that to pads/rims/rotors), and better acceleration out of corners and the straights (attributed that to rims/rotors). Of course, these are my perceptions. YMMV.

Well, to make a long story short, if you're going to upgrade your OEM brakes for the streets, I would just do pads and SS lines. If you want noticeable improvements in acceleration and performance, I would go with lighter rotors/rims. The stock rims/rotors are HEAVY.

Hope that helps.

TXurS6

Stock brakes are good enough for light sessions on the track but you should upgrade your pads. And do both front and rear pads. Under heavy braking the car gets a little tail happy if you only do the fronts.

If you track often or if you run a track that is hard on brakes, a BBK will help.

My advice? Run a day or two on the stock brakes with upgraded pads. If you get some fade, then consider upgrading the calipers. And I don't think SS lines help that much. Some, but only marginally and when you are already at the point where you should consider a BBK. But, it's probably worth doing it if you are going to go the BBK route.

KMarshall

I have the 2Bennett 6 Piston Brembos and Yellow Pagids. Smooth as butter on the street... frozen butter shot out of a canon that is. I love 'em!