Big Brake Design
Big brakes are essentially the same as regular brakes, just bigger. Sounds simple, right? It all comes to the coefficient of friction, or Mu, that we spoke about in our Brake Service and Upgrades article. The idea of Big Brake Kits is to improve the clamping force and that force distribution to create more brake torque. Additionally, more friction means more heat. Big brakes need to be able to deal with the additional heat in their design so they hold up to high-performance driving. Lastly, big brakes need to be as light as possible since they are unsprung, or not supported by the sprung suspension assembly. The more unsprung weight you have on each wheel, the worse your cornering becomes. So big brakes have to stay as light as possible in the material the manufacturer chooses.
Below, we have outlined three major manufacturers of competitive big brake kits who we believe will be excellent choices for your BMW. Each manufacturer has specific kits for different driving needs. This guide will take you through each stage of their kits so you can understand more about which ones will work best with your application.
Tech Tip:
Bigger brakes are not accounted for by the engineers who designed the wheels for most BMWs. If you are going to put bigger brakes on your car, you need to measure for clearance.
Sparta Evolution
From Seattle, Washington, Sparta Evolution is a recent breakout success who manufacture high-performance big brake kits to compete with the biggest names in racing brake solutions. Their specially designed big brake conversion kits for your BMW are meticulously engineered to bring precise stopping power to your street performance car, a weekend track toy, or dedicated competitive race car.
Triton R
For those of you who spend every free minute driving your BMW on the track, the Sparta Evolution Triton R Big Brake Kits were designed with dedicated track performance in mind. The front and rear calipers are forged aluminum for strength and weight savings, offering a 15% weight reduction over the standard Triton models. The Triton R calipers are available in 4 or 6 piston variants housed in their larger frame for better ventilation of the castellated pistons. The Triton R calipers use a through bolt system for durability and offer fast pad changes with quick release pad retainer pins to give you more time on the track and less working on your car.
Triton
Their mid-range kit is the Triton Big Brake Kit, that offers similar characteristics to its big brother, the Triton R, but at a lower cost. This kit is available in both 4 or 6 piston variations for most models and features the same Sparta Evolution DSS (dual seal system) as their other brake calipers. This kit is excellent if you enjoy track days as well as daily driving your BMW, but do not need the additional weight savings seen in the more aggressive Triton R kit.
Saturn
Sparta Evolution’s street-oriented upgrade solution is the Saturn Big Brake Kit. These calipers are forged aluminum like the others but are a solid caliper design. With 4 or 6 piston options like the Triton and Triton R calipers, these brakes still provide significant improvements over the factory or even upgraded brakes as they still feature the same larger frame for efficient ventilation and excellent durability. The calipers function similarly to the Triton and Triton R, but are the heaviest of the three aluminum caliper choices, making them more appropriate for street use and some mild track use. These calipers are also powder-coated rather than anodized like the other options for cost savings, but can be anodized optionally.
Pegasus
The Sparta Evolution Big Brake Kits all include Pegasus S-Groove 2-Piece Rotors that offer both longevity and predictable braking. Their ten S-Slot grooves contact the brake pad with a leading edge which offers a fresh friction surface for consistent pedal feel and even pad wear over the life of the SPP 1.5 performance pads also provided in their kits. These pads have a high initial bite in a low-temperature range to be used in daily or spirited driving, so you can install and use these big brake kits on the street straight out of the box. All kits do include the upgraded stainless steel braided brake lines, which are Teflon-coated, for improved pedal feel and better durability.
SHOP SPARTA EVOLUTION
From Seattle, Washington, Sparta Evolution is a recent breakout success who manufacture high-performance big brake kits to compete with the biggest names in racing brake solutions. Their specially designed big brake conversion kits for your BMW are meticulously engineered to bring precise stopping power to your street performance car, a weekend track toy, or dedicated competitive race car.
For those of you who spend every free minute driving your BMW on the track, the Sparta Evolution Triton R Big Brake Kits were designed with dedicated track performance in mind. The front and rear calipers are forged aluminum for strength and weight savings, offering a 15% weight reduction over the standard Triton models. The Triton R calipers are available in 4 or 6 piston variants housed in their larger frame for better ventilation of the castellated pistons. The Triton R calipers use a through bolt system for durability and offer fast pad changes with quick release pad retainer pins to give you more time on the track and less working on your car.
Their mid-range kit is the Triton Big Brake Kit, that offers similar characteristics to its big brother, the Triton R, but at a lower cost. This kit is available in both 4 or 6 piston variations for most models and features the same Sparta Evolution DSS (dual seal system) as their other brake calipers. This kit is excellent if you enjoy track days as well as daily driving your BMW, but do not need the additional weight savings seen in the more aggressive Triton R kit.
Sparta Evolution’s street-oriented upgrade solution is the Saturn Big Brake Kit. These calipers are forged aluminum like the others but are a solid caliper design. With 4 or 6 piston options like the Triton and Triton R calipers, these brakes still provide significant improvements over the factory or even upgraded brakes as they still feature the same larger frame for efficient ventilation and excellent durability. The calipers function similarly to the Triton and Triton R, but are the heaviest of the three aluminum caliper choices, making them more appropriate for street use and some mild track use. These calipers are also powder-coated rather than anodized like the other options for cost savings, but can be anodized optionally.
The Sparta Evolution Big Brake Kits all include Pegasus S-Groove 2-Piece Rotors that offer both longevity and predictable braking. Their ten S-Slot grooves contact the brake pad with a leading edge which offers a fresh friction surface for consistent pedal feel and even pad wear over the life of the SPP 1.5 performance pads also provided in their kits. These pads have a high initial bite in a low-temperature range to be used in daily or spirited driving, so you can install and use these big brake kits on the street straight out of the box. All kits do include the upgraded stainless steel braided brake lines, which are Teflon-coated, for improved pedal feel and better durability.
StopTech
In 1999, a change in the automotive world had already begun. It was around that time that cars with affordable price tags were outperforming the elite performance cars from less than a decade before. To use a BMW example, around that time the market saw the transition from the E30, to the E36, up to the E46. The advancements in technology and power between an E30 and an E46 are mind-boggling when you look at the differences side by side and realize the last E30s were produced only seven short years before the introduction of the E46, and only a decade would separate the last E30s from the E46 M3.
StopTech emerged in 1999 as well with a mission to become the leading supplier of aftermarket performance brakes and braking systems. Since their foundation, StopTech has prided themselves on incredible quality and their ability on and off the racetrack. Most recently, StopTech has earned ISO/TS certification allowing them to supply OEM vehicles with StopTech braking systems, and propelled them into industry-wide recognition for performance stopping power.
In 1999, a change in the automotive world had already begun. It was around that time that cars with affordable price tags were outperforming the elite performance cars from less than a decade before. To use a BMW example, around that time the market saw the transition from the E30, to the E36, up to the E46. The advancements in technology and power between an E30 and an E46 are mind-boggling when you look at the differences side by side and realize the last E30s were produced only seven short years before the introduction of the E46, and only a decade would separate the last E30s from the E46 M3.
StopTech emerged in 1999 as well with a mission to become the leading supplier of aftermarket performance brakes and braking systems. Since their foundation, StopTech has prided themselves on incredible quality and their ability on and off the racetrack. Most recently, StopTech has earned ISO/TS certification allowing them to supply OEM vehicles with StopTech braking systems, and propelled them into industry-wide recognition for performance stopping power.
StopTech Single Piece Rotor Big Brake Kits
If your street car is boasting additional horsepower and improved suspension but your performance brakes have become a weak spot that does not allow you to use your car’s full potential, then it is time to increase the clamping force of your calipers. Since you may not be trying to take your car to the track, but still need more stopping power than can be achieved with factory calipers, your options are limited. StopTech’s 1-piece Rotor BBK is a set of forged 2-piece calipers and 1-piece performance rotors. While they are not intended for track use, they are perfect for a street car that needs additional stopping power but still wants to be able to stop and go with cold brakes. The added pistons and greater area of pressure increases your stopping power and will allow you to squeeze more power from your car on the street without having to back off prematurely due to inadequate brakes.
If your street car is boasting additional horsepower and improved suspension but your performance brakes have become a weak spot that does not allow you to use your car’s full potential, then it is time to increase the clamping force of your calipers. Since you may not be trying to take your car to the track, but still need more stopping power than can be achieved with factory calipers, your options are limited. StopTech’s 1-piece Rotor BBK is a set of forged 2-piece calipers and 1-piece performance rotors. While they are not intended for track use, they are perfect for a street car that needs additional stopping power but still wants to be able to stop and go with cold brakes. The added pistons and greater area of pressure increases your stopping power and will allow you to squeeze more power from your car on the street without having to back off prematurely due to inadequate brakes.
StopTech Big Brake Kits
For street performance vehicles that see some moderate track use, the flagship kit from StopTech is your best choice. These kits use 6, 4, or 2 piston calipers depending on the vehicle application and their own patented 2-piece AeroRotors. The kit offers optimized cooling for high-performance driving as well as dramatically increased stopping force and clamping area. Additionally, each StopTech caliper is weight optimized after construction to reduce unsprung weight as much as is possible with the setup for the best performance.
The StopTech BBK includes everything you need to take your street or track car and outfit it for optimal balanced performance for a wide range of driving situations. The kit comes with braided lines, mounting brackets, and of course the calipers and rotors.
StopTech Trophy Big Brake Kits
This is the ultimate kit from StopTech. If you are looking for lightweight components that handle the stress and rigors of competitive use while being some of the most competitive systems around, the Trophy Kit is for your BMW. The fully forged and anodized calipers are designed to hold up under intense heat and use while the MAX Float hardware allows for the greatest amount of float between hat and rotor for the best cooling. These brakes are the ultimate brakes for street and track cars, depending on your application, and are tailored to your order. You can select either the Ultimate Track Racing kit or the Ultimate Street Performance kit, which are designed to work best in their respective scenarios.
SHOP STOPTECH BBKS
For street performance vehicles that see some moderate track use, the flagship kit from StopTech is your best choice. These kits use 6, 4, or 2 piston calipers depending on the vehicle application and their own patented 2-piece AeroRotors. The kit offers optimized cooling for high-performance driving as well as dramatically increased stopping force and clamping area. Additionally, each StopTech caliper is weight optimized after construction to reduce unsprung weight as much as is possible with the setup for the best performance.
The StopTech BBK includes everything you need to take your street or track car and outfit it for optimal balanced performance for a wide range of driving situations. The kit comes with braided lines, mounting brackets, and of course the calipers and rotors.
StopTech Trophy Big Brake Kits
This is the ultimate kit from StopTech. If you are looking for lightweight components that handle the stress and rigors of competitive use while being some of the most competitive systems around, the Trophy Kit is for your BMW. The fully forged and anodized calipers are designed to hold up under intense heat and use while the MAX Float hardware allows for the greatest amount of float between hat and rotor for the best cooling. These brakes are the ultimate brakes for street and track cars, depending on your application, and are tailored to your order. You can select either the Ultimate Track Racing kit or the Ultimate Street Performance kit, which are designed to work best in their respective scenarios.
Brembo Big Brake Kits
Lastly, Brembo is most likely the company even novice BMW enthusiasts think of when they think big brake kits. Brembo has been the undisputed champion brake manufacturer since the 1960s. Founded in Italy in 1961, Brembo quickly became a leading supplier of performance braking systems to Nissan, Chrysler, BMW, Porsche, and even Formula 1. In the years that followed, Brembo slowly became the standard in terms of performance OEM and aftermarket brake systems with their constantly expanding catalog and improvements on designs. For the last 50 years, competitive teams, manufacturers, and hobbyists have turned to Brembo to supply the pinnacle in braking technology to their cars.
Brembo GT Braking System
For the BMW driver who is demanding in both appearances and performance, the GT Braking System is the ultimate solution for you. These kits are 4, 6, or 8 piston calipers depending on the application that offers an immediate increase to brake torque as well as massive reductions in heat retention. These kits are most likely what the average driver thinks of when they think “big brake kit” for a reason: the available monoblock billet aluminum calipers are a hallmark design feature that sits behind the wheel spokes of OEM-spec performance vehicles and aftermarket setups around the world. The monoblock design, should you need the additional rigidity, are excellent for both street and track use. The multi-piece design is not as durable, but still a great choice for street driving.
Brembo GTR Braking System
If you are in need of a system that will keep up with the most aggressive braking, the GTR kit is the most sophisticated big brake kit available and draws upon 50 years of R&D experience to be the most competitive aftermarket options Brembo has to offer. Single block calipers in billet aluminum offer racing characteristics with their lightweight design and heat resistance. They are intended to reduce unsprung weight and are available in 4 and 6 piston caliper options. These calipers provide a constant locking strength and a stable, reliable, consistent pedal feel, unlike any other kit. The most aggressive, most capable, and most durable kit on the market should only be used for the most extreme BMWs that see excessively hard driving or require the top-shelf parts to meet the incredibly high standards of the driver.
With no more work than a standard brake service, your BMW can benefit from the most capable brakes available and do it for less by choosing Sparta Evolution. These kits are light, thanks to the forged aluminum calipers, are drivable on and off the track and are simple to install to provide improved braking feel and performance. Make your BMW drive the way you imagined on the road and perform the way you want on the track with Sparta Evolution Big Brake solutions.
Lastly, Brembo is most likely the company even novice BMW enthusiasts think of when they think big brake kits. Brembo has been the undisputed champion brake manufacturer since the 1960s. Founded in Italy in 1961, Brembo quickly became a leading supplier of performance braking systems to Nissan, Chrysler, BMW, Porsche, and even Formula 1. In the years that followed, Brembo slowly became the standard in terms of performance OEM and aftermarket brake systems with their constantly expanding catalog and improvements on designs. For the last 50 years, competitive teams, manufacturers, and hobbyists have turned to Brembo to supply the pinnacle in braking technology to their cars.
Brembo GT Braking System
For the BMW driver who is demanding in both appearances and performance, the GT Braking System is the ultimate solution for you. These kits are 4, 6, or 8 piston calipers depending on the application that offers an immediate increase to brake torque as well as massive reductions in heat retention. These kits are most likely what the average driver thinks of when they think “big brake kit” for a reason: the available monoblock billet aluminum calipers are a hallmark design feature that sits behind the wheel spokes of OEM-spec performance vehicles and aftermarket setups around the world. The monoblock design, should you need the additional rigidity, are excellent for both street and track use. The multi-piece design is not as durable, but still a great choice for street driving.
Brembo GTR Braking System
If you are in need of a system that will keep up with the most aggressive braking, the GTR kit is the most sophisticated big brake kit available and draws upon 50 years of R&D experience to be the most competitive aftermarket options Brembo has to offer. Single block calipers in billet aluminum offer racing characteristics with their lightweight design and heat resistance. They are intended to reduce unsprung weight and are available in 4 and 6 piston caliper options. These calipers provide a constant locking strength and a stable, reliable, consistent pedal feel, unlike any other kit. The most aggressive, most capable, and most durable kit on the market should only be used for the most extreme BMWs that see excessively hard driving or require the top-shelf parts to meet the incredibly high standards of the driver.
With no more work than a standard brake service, your BMW can benefit from the most capable brakes available and do it for less by choosing Sparta Evolution. These kits are light, thanks to the forged aluminum calipers, are drivable on and off the track and are simple to install to provide improved braking feel and performance. Make your BMW drive the way you imagined on the road and perform the way you want on the track with Sparta Evolution Big Brake solutions.