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It stops - very - quickly when I stamp on the brakes. Only, I can get a set of brand new calipers, pads, discs and sensors in the larger (red) size for significantly less than Jaguar asked for as an Option on the configurator.
Past experience has familiarised me with the good and bad points of bigger brakes, so I'm curious as to how those who have tried both (my test drives were a V6 vert, and an R coupe with carbon ceramics...) rated the difference.
I also feel the base brakes are pretty impressive, and my perception is that they clamp very hard and fast. However, I'm not sure one can sense the difference on a test drive. The only good test is measured stopping distances in the same car.
More disk and pad surface area, along with bigger caliper pots will most certainly equate to shorter stopping distances on the same car. Even if the difference is only 5-10 ft., that could be the difference between hitting something vs. not.
Even if the difference is only 5-10 ft., that could be the difference between hitting something vs. not.
If you need brake pads or rotors soon anyway, then buy the parts and do the upgrade. I would not upgrade if your existing brakes are not worn out. The fact that you might need different rims would be a factor as well. If you don't like your 18" rims then the larger brakes will look a little better with the 20s.
In my experience, the super performance brakes are capable of multiple repeated high speed stops without fading or any decrease in pedal feel or power. I have not tracked them but I have used them hard, passing cars and slowing down repeatedly from 100 mph or more back down to 60 after completing passing maneuvers, all in 100 degree F temps. There was enough heat that day to temporarily disable a tire pressure monitor yet the brakes were still working fine. I now have 14,000 miles on the super performance brakes and they show very little wear.
I suspect the standard brakes offer similar power with perhaps a bit quicker wear since you may have to apply them more firmly to get the same results. They may get hot faster as well. Having said that, I have driven a V6S with standard brakes several times and did not notice any difference in the braking performance over what my car offers. In all it is probably more of a cosmetic decision.
Thanks for the perspective. Both F-Typical and I upgraded to 20" Gyrodynes shortly after we took delivery of our base cars. As you say, I'd probably be in the market for an upgrade when I need pads/rotors, since I'd be paying a tidy sum for the replacements anyway.
Does anyone know if the F types steel rotors wear along with the pads, so both have to be replaced when worn? My old BMW was that way and it became very expensive.
Does anyone know if the F types steel rotors wear along with the pads, so both have to be replaced when worn? My old BMW was that way and it became very expensive.
Based on the lip that is starting to develop on my rotors I would say yes. This is fairly normal on high end cars. Blame the never ending quest for better performance statistics.
Based on the lip that is starting to develop on my rotors I would say yes. This is fairly normal on high end cars. Blame the never ending quest for better performance statistics.
Thanks, that's what I assumed since they aren't cross drilled. One more excuse to order the C/C brakes.
I didn't do brake tests on any of my test drives, but stopping distance isn't the only measure of braking performance. I expect that even the base model's brakes can overcome traction to the point that stopping distance is limited by the tires.
The larger brakes will be more resistant to fade given the greater mass of metal, at the expense of unsprung weight (that greater mass).
I like the feel of the "Super Performance" brakes, but it was too long ago that I drove the base model to make a comparison with the "High Performance" (I think I've got the nomenclature right). I prefer a progressive feel, without too much initial bite. I haven't pushed them to the limit yet, either in heat or stopping distance. I need to do some testing in a safe place to see what the real capabilities are.
One option would be to switch to a floating rotor design with the "bobbin" or "McLaren" springs. This will aide in radial and axial expansion under heavy load or performance race braking. This will also extend the longevity of the rotor and brake package.
I don't think anyone makes a direct kit, but with a few simple tweaks I'm sure there is a manufacturer out there that has a rotor which would only require machining a hat.
Anyone have the rotor spec dimensions or the F-types? I know the R's are a 380mm rotor, what is the thickness? What is the base dim rotors?
Do I want bigger brakes???
