Welp after getting a bit more used to throwing the XJR around it has become very apparent the single piston floaty calipers up front are not as confident inspiring as I would like and feel a major oversight on such a ride. I have been doing some research and coming up a bit short.

Other than spending a load on some used beat up Brembo 4 piston take off units has anyone come up with any other options? Anyone found any reputable kits or reasonable adaptations from other vehicles? Or is the only option go all in on the 2002/2003 R? Brembo 4 piston option.

thank you for taking the time guys! (this vehicle has been one of the hardest I have ever owned to find stuff for and it adds even more to the adventure that is this vehicle, and I currently find it makes this even more rewarding, among the presence of all the stairs and complements it has attracted already).

 

Select a more aggressive pad compound, do a thorough flush of the brake fluid and use steel lines. Generally the steel lines are pointless on newer cars but they really did improve the mushiness of the pedal on my r.

 

Both the X308s I've owned had a lot better brakes after a fluid change. If you've not done that already then try it before spending proper money on things.

 

You would have to check, but 98-99 sometimes came with 305mm front rotors, the 325's from 2000+ might swap right in along with twin piston fronts (possibly caliper brackets needed ). Very good pad and rotor choices for better stopping, like the others have said. Converted my 1998 XJR (305mm's) to Brembo's, after going through a few front rotors and pad sets (drove in a way, back in the day...), the swap was pretty straight forward. Brake feel was marginally improved, fade was vastly improved, and brake squeal with every low speed stop (but it looked good). Not sure if 325mm's would have solved my problems, but you don't see better brake posts from people with 325mm fronts as much (XKR or XJR). Pictures of my swap might be in my profile albums still. Getting BBS R1's took the most time and money, I think there are some non BBS, OEM wheels that will work (atlas?) all the info will be in the forum.

 

My 01 XJR has single piston calipers on the front with the 325mm rotors. Were dual piston calipers offered in any packages or was the the R1 Brembo setup?

 

https://www.pbbrakes.com/jaguar-xj-x...brake-kit.html

This mean anything to anybody - I've never heard of them and country of origin scares me a bit but allegedly they offer for the x308

Also just to verify 2000-03 came standard with dual piston calipers and slightly larger rotors? (xjr specifically or all x308 cars?) Im assuming still floating? But still an upgrade that may solve the issue some

 

I can tell you that my 01 XJR has ordinary single piston floating calipers at all 4 corners.

Its a relatively big, heavy car. What are you doing with yours? Are you tracking it?

 

No track work, but It entices the spirited drive, and though I'll throw a pully on it and either get wheels or use adapters to widen the track a bit, maybe do a few other small upgrades, brakes and tires I almost always upgrade on vehicles as they have saved me many atimes and this vehicle feels slightly under braked for the use. As a cruiser it's perfectly acceptable

 

Try out some good pads, fluids, and lines first. These generic bbks are of dubious quality and likely won't do much to improve the situation.

 

Will do - generally my pads and rotos of choice are EBC which should fall in line perfectly... unless there is something different that has been deemed the gold standard for these?

 

About a year ago I set C6 calipers up on 325mm Jag rotors with stainless lines front and rear (Vette based). Inexpensive and works well, fit 18" Pentas easily. May fit 17", will not fit 16". Last pic is a C5/325mm setup I finished and will be putting on my X300 with the same Pentas.



Before and after:


C5 on 325 for X300 with 18":


C6 in a Penta:


My 308 now has BBS 20's and will be going to 14" and four pot Brembos. I'm sure many will dislike the "Corvette" script, easily removed with a flapper disc for aluminum, you don't see it much behind the wheel anyway.

Not a kit, not for sale. Easy to CAD something up and make, that's what I did. 1/2 steel was used.

 

Interesting!!! thank you for the information👍🏼

 

It’s been a hot minute but, several years ago we were trying to get some X308 wheels on an X300. If I remember correctly, I think the front hub was larger diameter than the X308 wheel could handle. This is specifically the flange for the wheel bearing I’m talking about. Thoughts?

 

I have X308 ('Solar' 17x7.5" VDPSC/SV8) wheels on my X305....

 

While the hub arrangement is much different, the diameter is the same. Similarly the 300/308 wheel backspacing is the same, which is why (rather how) I used 325mm rotors on the X300 and moved the caliper to the position it would be on a 308.

That’s a key difference in the brackets I’ve made to do this; 308 bracket sits inboard of the original caliper mount point and requires more abutment modification, where the 300 bracket sits outboard and is a bolt on.

 

The Duchess has never had much of a problem with her braking, however
it is nice to know there are options. ixfn, you are correct about the corvette
logo, it would get the black paint treatment.

 

welcome to our community and allow me to say a few words...our Jaguar X308 is not BMW, mustangs nor Corvettes. we will not and never have many aftermarket supports and options for parts, upgrades. sometimes we can no longer get the OEM parts brand new anymore. that is something each of us needs to take into consideration for owning a X308. you will be a lonely warrior by yourself (outside of this group) and we need to accept the terms and conditions as is.

speaking of calipers from cheapest to most $$$ in this order.

• replacement of your single piston calipers, new one widely available.
• upgrade to stainless brake lines, pads (like EBC pads,Goodridgelines)
• retro fit the R1 Brembo calipers (good luck to find ones)
• then will be all custom one off upgrade--$$$$$
• AP racing calipers with 2 piece rotor
• Arden calipers
• Mina Gallery calipers
• 6 piston calipers. Maybe carbon ceramic will be feasible if money is not even a matter to you

 

Nothing wrong with being a lonely warrior that enjoys a challenge, free thinking, and problem solving. ✌️

 

 

I want them!!!