DIY Brembo BBK

[crystalworks]

redliner... for most, I think this mod is mostly about aesthetics. Myself included. I think most willing to do a BBK on one of these is probably running fairly wide and grippy tires as the vehicle is usually going to be a 4.6 or 4.8.

I'm definitely game if the cost is "reasonable." As you said, reasonable (or valuable) will have to be evaluated on an individual basis.

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Assuming OE brakes are balanced, and when you slam on them ABS kicks in, bigger brakes won't be worth the cost unless tires are included that do not skid as easily. Very similar to increasing HP/TQ and then burning the tires off instead of getting traction.

I changed to slotted/drilled rotors, stainless front lines, higher boiling point fluid and left it at that even though that is mostly feel good stuff. I'm not going to bigger tires (staggered 87s) and already have sticky tires. Needs to pass the value equation of cost verses benefit, doesn't in my circumstances.

Likewise, I did the same mods (DOT 5.1 synthetic) on my 4.4 with stock sized rubber. The brake fluid flush and stainless lines at all four positions did give me a firmer pedal feel and improved braking response for the pedal pressure applied.

Mike

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Assuming OE brakes are balanced, and when you slam on them ABS kicks in, bigger brakes won't be worth the cost unless tires are included that do not skid as easily. Very similar to increasing HP/TQ and then burning the tires off instead of getting traction.

I changed to slotted/drilled rotors, stainless front lines, higher boiling point fluid and left it at that even though that is mostly feel good stuff. I'm not going to bigger tires (staggered 87s) and already have sticky tires. Needs to pass the value equation of cost verses benefit, doesn't in my circumstances.

I am simply doing this as an aesthetic upgrade because I simply do not like the way the front brake calipers look on the X5. Now my only real cost outlay so far for this project is the cost of the calipers and the donor hub spindles that I used for the measurements and fitment. My X5 is going to need new brakes in the next 3 months so I decided to do this upgrade in this timeframe. I would have needed new rotors, new pads, hoses and fluid to flush the lines. So once again its just to outlay for the calipers and $50 for the used spindles.

[Joshdub]

I'm in the same boat where I'll need to refresh my brakes sooner than later. I have the 3.0 so I wanted to upgrade to the is anyway, this is just even better.

[bcredliner]

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer. Big Brembo brakes look great! Just mentioning that if shorter stopping distance is the goal there are other considerations.

With the 6 pistons to even out pressure on the bigger pads, with slotted rotors and street pads, I'm sure you will notice that at least initial bite is better--comforting as confirmation your brakes are going to do their job. Should take less pedal pressure for same slowing rate.

Great project!

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Assuming OE brakes are balanced, and when you slam on them ABS kicks in, bigger brakes won't be worth the cost unless tires are included that do not skid as easily. Very similar to increasing HP/TQ and then burning the tires off instead of getting traction.

I talked to my buddy who is a BMW master mech at the dealer here- he worked for my Indy before that. Really a good guy.

He said that the X5's master cylinder is balanced in an 'X' configuration wherethe front left is 'connected' with the rt rear and vice versa. This allows the master cylinder to send the rt amount of fluid/pressure across the chassis so that one wheel- or set of wheels- will not be out of balance with the others. Pretty smart. Of course, this is not done on the basis of future brake upgrades, but to balance out the system as it wears pads and rotors at different rates front to rear.

I did jut put six pots on my X5 and it is very firm. The pad surface area over my previous StopTech 4 calipers is very big even though the rotors are the same size.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

I talked to my buddy who is a BMW master mech at the dealer here- he worked for my Indy before that. Really a good guy.

He said that the X5's master cylinder is balanced in an 'X' configuration wherethe front left is 'connected' with the rt rear and vice versa. This allows the master cylinder to send the rt amount of fluid/pressure across the chassis so that one wheel- or set of wheels- will not be out of balance with the others. Pretty smart. Of course, this is not done on the basis of future brake upgrades, but to balance out the system as it wears pads and rotors at different rates front to rear.

I did jut put six pots on my X5 and it is very firm. The pad surface area over my previous StopTech 4 calipers is very big even though the rotors are the same size.

Nice. Its time for you to provide some pictures of the eye candy and take the pressure off of me.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is

Nice. Its time for you to provide some pictures of the eye candy and take the pressure off of me.

Dirty wheels.

I leave for S Fl this week as well. Maybe it'll be warm enough there to wash them.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

Dirty wheels.

I leave for S Fl this week as well. Maybe it'll be warm enough there to wash them.

Ah your keeping board members in suspense.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

I talked to my buddy who is a BMW master mech at the dealer here- he worked for my Indy before that. Really a good guy.

He said that the X5's master cylinder is balanced in an 'X' configuration wherethe front left is 'connected' with the rt rear and vice versa. This allows the master cylinder to send the rt amount of fluid/pressure across the chassis so that one wheel- or set of wheels- will not be out of balance with the others. Pretty smart. Of course, this is not done on the basis of future brake upgrades, but to balance out the system as it wears pads and rotors at different rates front to rear.

I did jut put six pots on my X5 and it is very firm. The pad surface area over my previous StopTech 4 calipers is very big even though the rotors are the same size.

That is hydraulic pressure which is balanced per design.

My reference is to the balance or imbalance of friction generated by pads against rotors and the grip of associated tires from wheel to wheel.