I know this has been discussed numerous times already,so apologies to all. I need to upgrade the brakes on my black S2 before I wrap it around something solid!
It's mildly tuned(176BHP,200+torque) and the standard ones are crap.
I was thinking either Hi-Spec(4 pot) or ST170 calipers and discs.

What does everyone think(specially those that have used the Hi-Spec and/or ST stuff)??

Thanks in advance
Jimmy

 

the st for me was a massive improvement , ive also had wildwood 4 pots , the difference is not massive , the 4 pots were better for hard repeated braking , but not by much

 

Well, the standard brakes are NOT crap. Good enough for you power.

 

your joking right ? ^^^^^

 

For that level of tune I'd say go for Saph Cossie 2WD disks with 4x4 calipers up front, and a rear disk conversion... but if you have future plans to go over 200bhp then I'd spend the money now on an ST170 setup.

 

No disrespect dude, but I have an F reg Nissan Bluebird 1.8 automatic that has better brakes than my S2. better pedal feel, more response, easier to modulate brake pressure, better initial bite. The only reason my RS stops in a shorter distance than the Nissan is the tyres are two inches wider.

I think a lot of the problems with the S2 brakes are caused by the ABS system, from all accounts removing it completely gives a massive improvement in pedal feel and controlability.

 

Don't confuse brake pedal feel with stopping power. I think you all are. The S2 stop very good to be standard brakes. You need to take off the modulator belts, change you fluid to a good one, get some good pads and you will out brake Cosworths and MR2's at the tracks. I speak of experience, do you? I still have the modualtors, but with no belts. The brakes are from a car that weighs 250kg more and have 15hp more, the XR4i.

 

guys guys,my s2 has just been treated to new rear hubs plates cylinders and shoes(springs+clips too),recon front calipers,new pads,discs,fluid,solid hoseing and goodridge,and my brakes are sound,!190bhp,,dont know how long theyll last like that,maybe till i can afford bigger setups/rear discs.

service your old setup,fit proper hoses,and decent pads,good discs,you maybe suprised!

new tyres make a big difference,and learning to brake properly is paramount,we can all "point and slam the anchors on",theres a lot in your stopping ,other than just stopping.

 

I guess it depends on how you define "good" brakes... yes the S2 will stop with no problems at all if you mash the middle pedal, but what I look for from a braking system is consistent linear response to pedal pressure with good initial bite. That's what the S2 lacks, and it makes heel and toe braking almost impossible.

In terms of speaking from experience, I've driven a mark 4 XR3i, a mark 2 Orion 1.6i and a mark 5 RS2000 and ALL of them had better brakes (according to my definition above) than the S2, again I refer to my comment above regarding the ABS system.

 

i run 285mm front disks with ds2000 pads and standard calipers and standard rear drums,braided lines all round and dot 5.1 brake fluid. the abs is still on(and working). and my brakes are superb on the road and on the several track days that i have done this year..

 

That's precisely my point... upgrade the brakes, even if it's only better disks, pads, hozes and fluid, and it's a massive improvement. Stick to standard Ford disks, standard pads, normal brake fluid and Fords original rubber hoses and the brakes are crap.

Rallyesport, you've modified your brakes with better fluid, better pads, and disconnected the ABS, so it's no longer a standard setup... so you can't really claim that the standard brakes are good enough else you'd have kept them standard, right?

 

also taking off the modulator belts is not the same as removing the abs!!! it just means that the abs will not work!! the ONLY way to remove the abs is to remove the modulators completely and re plumb the brake lines.

 

It pretty much standard. The brake fluid must be changed every two years. And pads wear out, so why not buy som better ones? They cost pretty much the same. I have not spent much money on brakes and it works very good at the track. Even with totaly standard setup (ofcourse it has to be serviced once and while) the RS Turbo has good stopping power compared to alot of cars. But the brake feel is not good, but the brakes will stop you quite fast.

 

If you want to upgrade, don't go for Hi Spec. My mate had loads of problems fitting his and wanted to go back and throw the kit through their front room window. Also heard loads of bad things about them but only a couple of good things.

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys,this braking issue it seems is a bit inconsistent with different S2 drivers.I may just go the Cossie 4X4 caliper and 2WD disc route,change the fluid,change to braided hoses and stick on a new set of pads then.

In my opinion the standard brakes are poo but probably ok for a standard 132BHP car,with or without the ABS(I have cars with and without ABS).Anything above 132BHP and u need to upgrade.

Cheers
Jimmy

 

I've got ST170's up front, and cossie rear discs.... ABS fully removed, very good brakes now nuff said

 

You are wrong, simple as that. Ford made a car that is 250kg heavier and had 15hp more with the same brakes and you are saying that the RST which is lighter cannot handle 150hp without a brake upgrade? The brakes are good enough, you might try using them right.

 

A cheaper more effective first step is to use some half decent pads and new fluid.

 

when mine was running 156bhp the brakes stopped it very well for standard!!! it was when i went over 200bhp that i simply HAD to upgrade them

 

I have hi spec front brakes on mine 300mm ones.ive had no problems with them ...just my experiance since owning the car.work well but will be taking the abs off soon .

 

I have ST170 front brakes good but need to get shot of the shite abs

 

Guy's Guy's
So far only 'addition' has got it right/you have to remove the modulators AND the 4 (count them) Balloon type pipes that run from them otherwise you will always have 1980's style shite brakes. While you're at it forget about spending thousands on silly brakes.
1, Fit 2 wd cossie discs on the front with brackets (£40 from Clint Gaskin) and your standard S2 calipers.
2, Fit 253 mm Scorpio discs on rear with Scorpio calipers and again £40 brackets
(this time from Richard Pastie)a MK6 RS 2000 handbrake cable/not forgetting to be
V/careful with rear apportioning valves otherwise it'll swap ends/not good
in Lea Bridge Road on a Saturday afternoon Ahem!
3,Did I mention removing ALL the flexible hoses and replacing them with steel braided and copper pipes.
4, If in doubt replace the rubber sealing bung on the servo.
5, Enjoy 21st century type braking just like me for a total of about £350.
Hope this helps kiddies or perhaps you really want to give Mr Burtons et al
ALL YOUR MONEY.
Luv n Huggs the DR