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SF-Tuning / Brake Knowledge

BIG BRAKE KITS
EXPLAINED.

What are the real benefits of upgrading your brakes? From heat management and brake fade resistance to multi-piston calipers, larger discs and better consistency, we break down what a properly developed big brake kit actually does.

Go Fast. Stop Faster.

PERFORMANCE
ISN'T JUST
ABOUT GOING
FASTER.

When modifying a car or van, it's easy to concentrate on making it faster. More power, better suspension, bigger wheels and improved tyres are usually high on the list.

But there's another side to performance that's every bit as important: stopping it.

A properly developed big brake kit can transform the braking capability, consistency and appearance of a vehicle. And contrary to popular belief, fitting bigger brakes isn't simply about producing the shortest possible emergency stop.

The real advantages become apparent when the brakes are being worked hard repeatedly.

At SF-Tuning LTD, we've specialised in performance brake upgrades and big brake conversions since 2017, developing solutions around high-performance braking hardware from manufacturers including Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Audi RS.

SF-Tuning big brake kit performance brake upgrade
Built For Performance

MORE THAN
JUST A
BIG CALIPER.

A performance brake conversion is a complete system. Caliper, disc, pad, mounting, brake line and vehicle all need to work together.

Back To Basics

WHAT IS A
BIG BRAKE KIT?

A big brake kit, often abbreviated to BBK, replaces or upgrades significant parts of a vehicle's original braking system.

The objective isn't simply to fit the biggest components physically possible. A properly engineered conversion needs to consider the complete braking system.

Larger Brake Discs
Multi-Piston Calipers
Larger Brake Pads
Caliper Adaptors
Performance Pads
Braided Brake Lines
Mounting Hardware
Vehicle-Specific Engineering
BIGGER ISN'T AUTOMATICALLY BETTER.
The complete braking system needs to work together.
The Important Bit

WHY GO BIG?

Bigger brakes aren't just about appearance. A properly specified performance brake system can provide significant benefits when braking demands increase.

01

Heat Management

Larger brake discs generally provide greater thermal capacity, allowing the braking system to absorb and manage more heat during demanding use.

02

Fade Resistance

Increased thermal capacity can help the brakes remain more consistent during repeated heavy braking rather than deteriorating as temperatures rise.

03

Braking Leverage

Increasing the effective radius at which the caliper acts on the disc can increase braking torque for a given clamping force.

04

Multi-Piston Calipers

Performance calipers can provide increased rigidity and allow force to be distributed across larger performance brake pads.

05

Larger Brake Pads

Larger pad volume combined with an appropriate friction compound can provide advantages in thermal capacity, durability and repeated braking.

06

Consistency

The real objective is repeatability — maintaining predictable braking performance through repeated demanding stops.

07

Pedal Feel

Caliper rigidity, piston sizing, performance pads, quality brake fluid and braided hoses can all influence braking response and pedal feel.

08

Modified Vehicles

More power, additional weight, towing and enthusiastic driving can all increase the demands placed on the original braking system.

09

They Look Incredible

Huge discs and multi-piston performance calipers can completely transform the appearance of a vehicle. Performance and appearance don't have to be separate.

Continue Reading

NEXT:
MANAGING THE HEAT.

Heat management, braking leverage, two-piece discs and more.

READ PART 2   →