13 Best Performance Brake Kits on the Market

When you are looking to enhance your vehicle’s braking performance, a quality brake kit can make a substantial difference. Whether you aim for a firmer pedal feel, shorter stopping distances, or simply want brakes that can handle the high demands of aggressive driving or towing, upgrading to a performance brake kit is a smart move. In this blog post, we will dive into some of the best performance brake kits that cater to various needs and budgets without compromising on quality.

1. Brembo GT Series Big Brake Kit

Brembo is synonymous with high-performing brake systems. The GT Series Big Brake Kit provides improved braking performance through larger rotors and calipers that enhance your vehicle’s stopping power. The GT Series kits are suitable for a wide range of vehicles, from sports cars to SUVs, and are acknowledged for their reliability and exceptional performance.

2. Wilwood Aero6 Big Brake Front Brake Kit

Wilwood is another leader in the performance brake segment. The Aero6 Big Brake Front Brake Kit offers massive stopping power with its six-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for track-worthy performance or just wanting to add some serious stopping power to their daily driver.

3. StopTech Performance Brake Kit

StopTech’s Performance Brake Kits are revered for their balanced brake upgrades that utilize AeroRotors and AeroHats to increase cooling and reduce fade. They also offer calipers with various piston configurations to best suit your driving needs. Check out the kits at StopTech’s official site to find the perfect match for your vehicle.

4. EBC Brakes Apollo Balanced Big Brake Kit

EBC Brakes offers the Apollo Balanced Big Brake Kit, which features sizable discs and four-piston calipers, ensuring that your car has the braking chops to match its acceleration capabilities. Visit EBC’s official website for more information on how to transform your car’s brake performance.

5. Hawk Performance Sector 27 Brake Kit

Hawk Performance’s Sector 27 Brake Kit includes pads and rotors that offer a significant improvement over OEM brakes. Known for less brake dust and noise, this kit is perfect for drivers who want enhanced performance without the typical race-oriented drawbacks.

6. AP Racing by STILLEN Radi-CAL Competition Brake Kit

For those in the racing circuit, AP Racing offers their Radi-CAL Competition Brake Kit, engineered for maximum stopping power and thermal resistance. This kit is designed to tackle the rigors of competitive motorsport and is available via STILLEN’s website.

7. Baer Brake Systems EradiSpeed-Plus

Baer’s EradiSpeed-Plus kits come with larger rotors that are cross-drilled and slotted for better heat dissipation and cleaner pad contacts. Baer specializes in American muscle and offers solutions for those looking to upgrade their classic or modern muscle car’s braking system.

8. DBA T3 4000 Series Rotors with Hawk Performance Brake Pads

This combination from DBA and Hawk Performance pairs the DBA T3 4000 Series rotors with the well-regarded Hawk Performance brake pads, offering a high-quality, cost-effective upgrade designed for sporty street use and occasional track days.

9. Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Kit

Akebono offers an Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Kit with ceramic brake pads and rotors designed to produce minimal dust and noise while providing a consistent pedal feel. It’s a solid option for drivers looking for a clean and quiet upgrade.

10. Power Stop Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Upgrade Kit

For those on a budget, the Power Stop Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Upgrade Kit is hard to beat. It’s a complete kit that includes carbon fiber-ceramic brake pads and drilled & slotted rotors designed for street performance enthusiasts seeking better braking without breaking the bank.

11. Brembo Sport Slotted Rotors with Pagid Brake Pads

Combining Brembo’s Sport Slotted Rotors with Pagid’s brake pads creates a formidable braking system well-suited for spirited drivers who demand excellence in both performance and aesthetics.

12. Tarox Big Brake Kit

Tarox is a name that resonates with those who cherish customizability. Their Big Brake Kits come with hand-finished calipers available in numerous color choices. With rotor and pad options to suit different driving styles, Tarox offers an upgraded experience that’s both personal and powerful.

13. Alcon Advantage Extreme Brake Kit

Alcon’s Advantage Extreme Brake Kits are intended for serious performance demanders and offer outstanding stopping power with a focus on durability and weight reduction. Alcon is revered among off-road and rally communities for its robust systems that can handle severe conditions.

Before choosing a performance brake kit, consider how you use your vehicle. Do you require brakes that can withstand prolonged track use, or are you looking for something that provides better-than-OEM performance in a daily driving scenario? It’s also vital to ensure any kit you consider is compatible with your specific make and model. Upgrading your brake system is not just about the initial bite; it’s about reliability, consistency, and the assurance that your vehicle will stop on a dime, time after time.

Remember, while installation of some brake kits can be a DIY job, it’s crucial to have the proper knowledge or seek professional installation to ensure safety and optimal performance. Quality brake fluid and proper maintenance will also extend the life of your new performance brakes.

We’ve reviewed some of the best performance brake kits on the market to help you find the ideal solution for your ride. Be sure to check out the respective manufacturers’ websites for more elaborate data on specifications and installation guides. Plus, do your research and read reviews from other drivers with similar vehicles to aid in making an informed decision.

Happy braking!

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[Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional automotive advice. Always consult with a qualified mechanic or automotive specialist for accurate recommendations for your specific vehicle.]