The 17z and 18z are powerful calipers no doubt....and look FANTASTIC. But the mismatch w/front to rear caliper volume differences gave me some concerns. I was concerned about excessive pedal travel. I understand some feel it's not too bad, I honestly have no 1st hand knowledge though. I feel that may also be more of a personal taste thing? For me, I'd want more powerful brakes and a high responsive pedal (low travel).
On my 2015 Passat TDI I've chosen to go the B6 Passat/VR6/AWD front calipers/stands, 345mm rotors, and shields (same as the R32...just cheaper/easier to source). And will try and source the R32 rear calipers/stands, 310mm vented rotor, and shields (not so easy to source
). And it has to be the R32 as the B6 Passat has an electric E-brake vs cable on the R32 (B6 Passat uses the same stands, rotor, and shield as the R32).
Basically, a front and rear BBK using OEM parts. The front caliper has a bit more volume requirement. If the pedal travel feels excessive I would imagine an OEM master cyl swap would be possible....either a PP equipped application, an R32, or the above mentioned Passat/VR6/AWD? I have not researched which MC w/directly swap over though.
I have the front calipers/stands already. It is a larger caliper frame and a slightly larger piston. Pad is NOT much bigger than the 312mm pad though....kind of a lot of caliper for such a similar pad size. Maybe the bonus will come from the leverage the larger rotors offer..?
PS. I have read where the brake feel can be adjusted via VAGCOM....I think it's found under ABS? Anyway, a setting can be changed and set to "strong". Can anyone confirm that?