B6 A4Q 1.8T to 3.0L Front Brake Upgrade

[vwmeister]

Most of you probably don't need a step by step guide to do this simply but very effective front brake upgrade so it won't be very detailed. Just a few photos, part numbers and results.

As most of us know the stock front brakes on the 1.8t equipped B6 A4 are marginal on a un-modded car. Add a few mods like a K04 and related parts then they become terrible!

List of upgrade parts needed:


(2) 8E0-615-301R (312 x 25mm) Front Brake Rotor. Around $45 each
(2) 4B0-615-125C Caliper Frames. Around $125 each


Your stock calipers will bolt right up the the new frames. The front brake pads are the same too. I decided to use Akebono Ceramic Brake Pads

As you can see from the photos, the rotor size increase is quite obvious. Stock 1.8T rotor diameter is 288 x 25mm. You math majors can figure out the sweep area increase ;)

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa293/vwmeister/IMG_3593.jpg
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa293/vwmeister/IMG_3592.jpg

I recommend this inexpensive upgrade to anyone with a 1.8T B6 A4 with or without engine mods. The end results are well worth it!

[sic_A4]

I have actually been considering doing this on my car. Ecs tuning has a kit like that for $400, or for $900 it will come with 2 piece cross drilled and slotted rotors.

[manguyen]

why not go and do the B7A4 upgrade? 320x30 and it doesnt cost that much either. You will get a much larger caliper.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2878255592_470cd47fec_o.jpg

[lenny]

why not go and do the B7A4 upgrade? 320x30 and it doesnt cost that much either. You will get a much larger caliper.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2878255592_470cd47fec_o.jpg


Because that's a waste of resources on a car that barely pushes 200 AWHP (unless it's modded to shit, in which case, why bother with stock parts at all?)

To be fair Mihn (I can never remember how to spell your name... shit), It's a good point to bring up if the parts can be found for relatively the same cost (I'd say withing 5-10% of the original upgrade) then why the hell not? But, if the B7 brakes aren't within the given cost parameter, then we're getting into a cost-vs-benefit debate which will more than likely result in stock equipment getting the boot. I guess it all kinda depends on what car you're installing them on then, eh?
-Dan

[manguyen]

haha its Minh :-) but its alright. dan, i personally can get B7A4 calipers and carriers for about 150 bucks used. as for rotors, about 100 bucks for those. I've heard comparisons between the b5s4 brakes vs the b7a4 brakes, and people are saying that the b7 brakes are much better (after owning both setups of course) also the larger calipers look better behind the wheel.

[manguyen]

currently im working on a project with the Q7 6 piston brembo calipers. they are a direct bolt on to the b6/b7 line. with 352mm rotors. I found this set like a year back for 350 bucks. calipers, rotors, pads, and dust shields. i might be over doing it, but it sure hell will look good.

[vwmeister]

I wonder if the stock master cylinder has enough umph to make them work as designed?

[John2.0T]

I was also going to go the BBK route when I upgraded my brakes... in the end, its definitely not worth it for me.

I don't see the point in BBK's unless you track and autocross your car a lot. It does look cosmetically pleasing, but the price far exceeds the desire to have bigger brakes, IMO.

slotted rotors, SS lines and Hawk pads were an excellent upgrade to my B7. Great pedal feel, extra bite and they look sharp too. Also, I dont have to worry about my stock 17's with snows fitting ;).

[manguyen]

I wonder if the stock master cylinder has enough umph to make them work as designed?

it will hand the 6 pistons fine. There are a few b6s running around with 8piston rs4 front brake setups.