Impressions of the GLI / Audi TT brake upgrade kit for MKIVs?

[deezelpower]

Having had them for 9 months now, I've noticed no MPG loss. Just returned from a 2400+ mile roadtrip from WA > SoCal > WA, averaged 46-47mpg @ high interstate speeds, with 16" 205 winter tires+studs.

33k miles later, and still loving them!

 

[Seatman]

Going to the 288's or 312's is good, one thing is the size of the brake pad, it's like twice as big on either compared to the 280's. When are you doing the rears? I went with the 256 vented, if they come of any of the front wheel drives they fit straight on, just callipers and carriers, the 4x4 car brakes can be used but need spacers due to the carriers.

 

[deezelpower]

When my rears wear out, I'd like to replace them with vented R32 rears. It's an awful lot of money to spend though, seeing $800'ish just for parts. Haven't decided yet.

 

[Seatman]

When my rears wear out, I'd like to replace them with vented R32 rears. It's an awful lot of money to spend though, seeing $800'ish just for parts. Haven't decided yet.

OUCH! That's a hell of a price.

 

[Pat Dolan]

When my rears wear out, I'd like to replace them with vented R32 rears. It's an awful lot of money to spend though, seeing $800'ish just for parts. Haven't decided yet.

Because you are towing, your choice of more brake makes perfectly good sense.

For those who are NOT, I hate adding any more pork to the already chubby bits of unsprung weight on the MkIV. I was finding the original discs and pads not wearing evenly any more, or working that well for that matter. Just for jollies, I went with drilled Zimmerman (Brembo) rotors and Tekstar pads (although everyone afterwards told me I should try Akebono). Not only was the difference dramatic - and continues to be impressive - but in reality what one is really feeling is simply lower brake pedal effort vs. perceived acceleration. The OEM brakes are far more than adequate for a 100 or so HP car.

Granted, at 200 or so HP, it really would be time to look at some more disc size - at the cost of a lot of weight. Now, if someone would just make a 288 mm carbon composite set, we could have our cake and eat it too.

 

[duwem]

Buddy of mine has a 337 Golf that I drove once, stops way quicker than mine does.

Anyone using used parts from someone parting a GLI/337? Seems a used set runs about $600 +/-100 plus shipping

 

[Pat Dolan]

Buddy of mine has a 337 Golf that I drove once, stops way quicker than mine does.

Anyone using used parts from someone parting a GLI/337? Seems a used set runs about $600 +/-100 plus shipping

I have yet to find a production car that wouldn't lock the wheels with its stock brakes - so any quicker stop is a function of tires, not brake size.

 

[mike]

I have yet to find a production car that wouldn't lock the wheels with its stock brakes - so any quicker stop is a function of tires, not brake size.

bravo!
I concur.
Think about it...

 

[gallaj01]

I'd stick with the VR6/1.8T brake upgrade to be honest. The only other thing I'd do is the REAR upgrade from the GLI from solid rotors to vented discs..

+1

I like the VR6/1.8T front brake upgrade with performance pads. Plenty of stop power but able to retain 16" wheels and some 15" OEM wheels (I use 15" Avus wheels for winter set-up). Also better sliding mechanism (no more filing corrosion off the spindles pad guides!).

The rear GLI/337 rear vented brakes are an easy upgrade and well worth it IMO. I upgraded these before upgrading the front and did notice a difference in braking. Also, I had to use rear spacers to get my 15" wheels to clear these brakes. Keep in mind that you will need to trim part of the old heat/splash shields off to accommodate the larger and thicker rear discs. . I have the proper brake shields for the GLI/337 rear brakes, but I am waiting for a rear wheel bearing to go bad since you have to pull off the rear hubs to replace the shield

 

[trailhead]

I'm just about to commit to a GTI/GLI 312/256 set. I'm concerned about clearance with 16" wheels? Also, is there any difference in the master cylinder between my wagon and what would have powered these brakes in a GTI/GLI?

Thanks

 

[dremd]

I went from 280's to 288's

My opinion is that I went from 1 good stop at any speed, or 60 mph towing 1500 lbs to the brakes outperform the power. That said, I went from OEM pads to Hawk pads at same time.

 

[deezelpower]

I'm just about to commit to a GTI/GLI 312/256 set. I'm concerned about clearance with 16" wheels? Also, is there any difference in the master cylinder between my wagon and what would have powered these brakes in a GTI/GLI?

Thanks

I can't speak to the rear brakes, but the 312mm fronts will clear most 16" wheels on the market. I researched / googled extensively before I bought the 16" Borbets for my winter snows. I've seen references of using steelies and clearance problems though.

If you find a 16" that you really like, find a tire shop that has one in stock and then ask them to do a test fit. Most online tire shops (tirerack, discount tire) says you cannot mount 16's with these brakes, but just ignore them and buy local and test fit if you can.

The master cylinders are, possibly, the same for all of the MK4 models. Someone with more knowledge can chip in. I've noticed no issues whatsoever (other than the improved bite and sensitivity, and I run OEM pads!)