The JCW Brake Kit and What Wheels Fit

drew Mar 18th, 2005 Link

there has been so much discussion about this brake kit that i actually called cooper works in england myself to ask a few questions and was shocked when i was told the following:

“there isn’t much difference between our kit and the standard breaks that come with the car from the factory. i wouldn’t neccessarily advise installing them.”

i was SHOCKED!this was coming from the voice on the other end of the phone at the cooper works shop itself! i was actually calling to ask about a few other options (the air intake and sports exhaust) which i did end up installing on my mcsa. i was all set to add the brake kit as the finishing touch, but as you have just read, i wasn’t exactly sold on it.

in no way do i mean to nay-say the kit – i actually still want it (why? becasue it’s cool!) but i thought i should throw this little bit of info into the ring seeing as this topic seems to come up so often.

cheers – drew

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Edge Mar 18th, 2005 Link

I find it all the more confusing that Tony said “These are the only 16 inch wheels that the brake kit will fit under”, when the yellow sheet very specifically also says R87.

Looking for clarity, and it only gets murkier! At least the other question is answered (somewhat) – NO source has stated that the R84 will fit, yet. Sorry to report bad news for you R84 owners.

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Kurt Mar 18th, 2005 Link

A John Cooper Works rep saying there is no difference has me thinking that these brakes are NOT worth the money… if you want red brake calipers, go buy some of the caliper paint… don’t waste your money until all these discrepancies are worked out…

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Gabe Mar 18th, 2005 Link

I question that comment. I believe Drew when he says it but I’m just not sure about that comment the guy at JCWG. Everything I’ve heard from people that have drive a car with the brake kit would indicate that there is improved feel and stopping power. To say that they isn’t much different doesn’t really jive with the specs either.

I wonder if got some guy on a bad day…

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Edge Mar 18th, 2005 Link

I went to a dealer-hosted MINI club special event on Wednesday, and I had the opportunity to directly compare the size of the stock MCS rotor to the JCW rotor, on a car that was up on a floor lift. The wheel was removed and the JCW brake kit was installed. Holding up the original MCS rotor next to it, the JCW rotors were NOTICABLY larger, so there most definitely is a distinct difference in terms of possible contact patch size.

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mcswrks Mar 18th, 2005 Link

I still bet that the R90 16′ can hold the brakes. Anyone else think so, or know so?

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minicoopermike Mar 18th, 2005 Link

I have the 16″ R90s and I’m going to the dealer this afternoon or tomorrow to see if they have the brake kit (they just did one on a new MCSC last week). If so, we’ll take them out of the box and see if they fit in my wheels.

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drew Mar 18th, 2005 Link

gabe –

i actually thought that to myself as well… this guy must be in a bad mood, or offended that i would even ask..lol.. who knows. but in the context of my conversation with him (which focused on the jcw air box and sports exhaust) he really just brushed the brake kit aside and told me he wouldn’t be too keen on it.

i think it’s just a mtter of context. it was what HE would or would not do that was in question.

the real shocker to me though was that it’s his job to sell everything they make, and i was stunned to hear him even slightly pause about one of their products.

i wouldn’t read too much into this everyone. the specs alone indicate the brake kit is better than stock. i guess we’ll just have to wait for someone who has them to give us a review.

cheers – drew

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GSKChicago Mar 18th, 2005 Link

Maybe the guy who made the comment about the brake kit not being worth it was his personal opinion; in that the stock brakes are still quite good. So maybe he just thinks the JCW kit is excessive and not needed in his opinion. Maybe that is what was going through his head? Who knows.

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Miniesq Mar 18th, 2005 Link

A good set of pads would be as beneficial imo. The cool factor is witht he kit but for serious braking, I would rather spend the money on larger rotors and pads.

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Chris Kimmelshue Mar 18th, 2005 Link

“there isn’t much difference between our kit and the standard breaks that come with the car from the factory. i wouldn’t necessarily advise installing them.”

I’m not surprised by this comment at all. I imagine any perceived increase in stopping power is coming from the uprated pads included in the kit.

The included rotor is only slightly larger than stock. The “uprated” caliper is still of one piston/floating design. The caliper is still made of iron.

For the same amount of money one could invest in a lighter, more powerful big brake kit. It will not, however, carry the JCW badge which sum folks need on their MINIs. I’m guilty of purchasing products based solely on the name and not performance.

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Scott Mar 18th, 2005 Link

Chris – Can you elaborate on the lighter, more powerful big brake kit for the same amount of money? Everything I have found starts at $1600.

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iDiaz Mar 18th, 2005 Link

The Wilwood big brake kit features a caliper constructed of aluminum, so you actually save weight, even with the larger rotor. The pads can be removed by simply pulling out a pin and pulling the pad out, so there’s no need to take your car apart to change out those front pads. If I remember correctly, the price is around $899, and Wilwood is a very reputable company among the racing community.

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Patrick Mar 18th, 2005 Link

I second the Wilwood kit. If you need something beefier, there is a company called TCEperformanceproducts.com that sells custom Wilwood kits. Much larger calipers/rotors, very cheap (under $1000 for base kits), and lighter than stock. Plus, there are TONS of different pad compounds that you can get for the calipers so it is an option if you want something custom. I had a set that I sold when I got into Digital SLR’s, really nice (and cheap).

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iDiaz Mar 18th, 2005 Link

Here’s a link to one of two that are available directly from Wilwood for the MINI:

http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/Pages/03/index.asp

There’s also one with the Dynalite caliper, if you’re interested in shaving even more weight.

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Mark Pierce Mar 18th, 2005 Link

I don’t know how similar JCW Brake kit is to the brakes used on the JCW challenge, but on the JCW challenge cooper S cars with 16″ standard cross spoke alloys, they have to fit a spacer so that the wheel clears the caliper.

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Question Mar 18th, 2005 Link

What is the Rxx designation on the wheel? Just a model number? The same tires fit a 17in R85 and a 17in R90, so in that regard a 90 and an 85 appear to be the same.

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Steven Stolar Mar 18th, 2005 Link

I am wondering about after market wheels. I have the Hamann PG4s. Does anyone know if the aftermarket JCW kit will fit. The Brembo kits do not.

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gbuff Mar 19th, 2005 Link

Are the people wanting these BBKs racing your MINIs? This has been hashed over to death but unless you’re racing you don’t need one. Really. Even if you ARE racing or doing track days (as I do) you don’t need one either; get some aggressive pads and good fluid and go nuts.

Of course, it’s your money, but I could find much better ways to spend all that….

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Mike Mar 19th, 2005 Link

The brake kit is nice cause it is relativly priced but I’m not a huge fan of big brake kits unless you really have the need for one. For most people a simple pad upgrade or change along with good fluid and some good rotors is plenty.

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caminifan Mar 20th, 2005 Link

Whether or not to get a brake kit is an individual decision – kind of like whether to get the JCW tuning kit: You don’t NEED it, but the additional performance is in the eye of the beholder. There are some brake kits that will haul the MINI from 60 – 0 mph in 70 feet (!!!). Whether that ability is NEEDED or not, is up to the buyer – it is their money.

Personally, for the $1,000-ish that is being asked for the JCW Sport Brake kit (and the continuing confusion regarding wheel compatiblity), I would check out the brake kit that is being offered by detroittuned.com. The kit features a 4 piston caliper, larger and thicker rotor, better pad materials and braided stainless lines. All this for $900 plus shipping.

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matt Mar 21st, 2005 Link

If anyone tries to fit x-lite (84) wheels…with the JCW brake kit, info on whether fitment works with a spacer would be helpful, and what size spacer!

Thanks.

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JBfromOZ Nov 20th, 2005 Link

I have X-lites with no spacers and JCW brakes fitted on my MY05 JCW MCS now. there is no rubbing, or contact issues. The only other area I am not 100% sure on is whether there is a need for more cooling to ensure the brakes dont overheat, but as far as contact, they do not hit the X-lites

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Gabe Nov 20th, 2005 Link

The reason the X-lites aren’t recommended by the engineers I’ve talked with is due to cooling issues with the JCW brakes due to the design. They do technically clear however.

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MotoringFile » Archive » MF Review: JCW Brake Kit Jun 6th, 2006 Link

[...] Due to the larger sized calipers the JCW Brake kit only fits specific wheels. For one the only 16″ OEM wheel MINI recommends is the Bridge Spokes. Even a few 17″ wheels (notably the R99s) do not fit properly. For a full list click here. [...]

whokilledkaji Jun 6th, 2006 Link

Whoa… I thought the R99 wheels would be okay… Bill, you had no problems?

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Gabe Jun 6th, 2006 Link

R99 wheels are on the official list of wheels that fit.

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Bilbo Baggins Jun 7th, 2006 Link

I am looking forward to installing the Wilwood 11.75″ BBK as it will allow me to continue to use my 15″ 7-hole wheels in the winter and my 16″ R84 wheels in the summer. The lighter weight of the aluminium caliper and rotor hat will be an advantage all year round.

Then it is a question as to which rotors and pads to install in the rear to keep the correct front/rear brake balance. I wish that I could find some aluminium hat, gas slotted, rotors for the rear.

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Matt Jun 7th, 2006 Link

I just ordered 15′ Montegi Tracklites to go over my JCW kit. I have been given 100% assurance these will fit. I will know in a bit..

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Your first GP driving impressions - do tell - Page 7 - MINI2 Aug 9th, 2006 Link

[...] Quote: Originally Posted by Lorien (original) … looks like I will probably go for the Brigstone BLIZZAK WS-50. Will this work on the GP with the JCW brake kit? here are all the sizes..(attached) which do I want? thanks for your help.. this is a topic I need help with. Your best choice from that table would be the WS50 AZ 205/50R16 – provided you can source a 16" wheel that clears the JCW brake kit. This MotoringFile post details the MINI wheels that will clear the kit – the "R94 bridge spokes" are apparently the recommended ones Ian C. Gloucester, MA, USA (UK expat) driving GBMINI#3, soon to be driving GPMINI [...]

benzamg Sep 21st, 2006 Link

Matt, SO did those 15″ wheels fit? According to Tirerack, I can order a 15″ wheel in the winter packages…

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MGB Boy Oct 24th, 2006 Link

Indeed, inquiring minds want to know. Time for some snowtires, and tirerack claims they have 15″ and 16″ rims that will clear the JCW brakes…

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16" Alloys With JCW Brakes? - MINI2 Mar 8th, 2007 Link

[...] Quote: Originally Posted by Richard Crofts (original) … the JCW brakes fit under all stock BMW MINI alloy rims NOT TRUE … MotoringFile » The JCW Brake Kit and What Wheels Fit [...]