VAG's home recipe BBK

Brake upgrade has been a long overdue project after getting the ecu reflashed. I’ve scorched the rotors pretty bad after last February 1st track day and numerous Sunday drives. Thought of getting it skimmed or replaced is most cost effective way but inner heart says what if top up a little bit more for something ‘better’. That rules the head at the end of the day.

Common upgrade path for VW Polo 9N3, VW Golf Mk4 GTI, Seat Ibiza, is to for for 312mm rotors, caliper carriers, oversize pads from Audi TT Mk1. However, for the Polo GTI, you need to find Audi TT/VW Golf VR6/ VW Mk4 Golf GTI calipers as standard one won’t fit. Stock is single piston calipers (46mm) while Audi TT’s single piston ATE calipers (56mm).

Getting all of these brand new would plonk big big hole in my pocket. E.g. caliper carriers would set me back RM1.3k (brand new), calipers USD410. No way I’m going that route man.

Through forums again, I met Mike (you’ve got to have a look at his VW Corrado VR6, condition of the lady is very immaculate) whose self professed VW junkie. Managed to get him to source the parts. It took him 1 ½ months to complete the puzzle. Parts involved:-

- VW Mk4 Golf VR6’s 54mm single piston calipers
- VW caliper carriers (almost new)
- Audi TT’s original rotors (brand new)
- Audi TT’s original brake pads (brand new) (Textar)

Installation took place last week at Mike’s trusted place. Both of us are worried setback occur although from everywhere in the net, this is just plug and play. To be safe, he brought along spare used brake hose just in case stock can’t fit. And I brought along unused two bottles of Bendix Dot5.1 fluid for complete bleeding. Checked the pcd, offset and wheel clearance and it was all good :)

The mechanic was seriously good. He even took the liberty to clean back and spray the calipers and carriers red in colour (although not high temperature paint). And best part is installation cost RM100! Honestly I wouldn't mind spending more for this kinda work.

It took 200kms to feel the bite and people who chosen this route told me to run-in somemore as it will be even better. Certainly, I need to bleed the brakes again to get rid of slight sponginess.

At this moment, I’d say it’s 10-15% better braking performance than stock, consistent performer and it looks good aesthetically. Worth my RM2k investment :)

Err, I need to find 256mm rotors, calipers, caliper carriers for the rear, the stock on looks tiny. Arrgghh!


Side Note

Mileage 23400kms
VW Mk4 Golf VR6’s 54mm single piston calipers RM450
VW caliper carriers (almost new) RM350
Audi TT’s original rotors (brand new) RM900
Audi TT’s original brake pads (brand new) (Textar) RM250
Dot 5.1 fluid [Own]
Labour RM100
Total RM2050

Used VW Gold VR6 calipers with new Audi TT rotors

Almost new caliper carriers

New original Audi TT Pads with sensor

Fitting in and checking clearance

Difference between 288mm with 312mm rotors

Notice ~10mm clearance between wheel and caliper :)

close-up view