Let’s talk brakes and upgrade options on these great cars
PADS 鈥� On the GTi range – the MK6 and standard brake models of the MK7 featured 312mm rotors with four front pad variants, the GTi MK6 Performance package models including 鈥楻鈥� utilise a 345mm rotor and the GTi MK7 聽Performance package models including 鈥楻鈥� utilises a 340mm rotor.
Very roughly, pad sizes are;
- GTi MK6 pads EBC DP41517R have a pad area of 10,000 sq mm
- GTi MK6 pads on Performance package options Including 鈥楻鈥� EBC DP41594R have a pad area of 10,000 sq mm
- GTi MK7 pads with standard brakes EBC DP42150R have a pad area of 10,500 sq mm so a small increase
- GTi MK7 pads on performance package options Including 鈥楻鈥� EBC DP42127R have a pad area of 12,000 sq mm a good beef up
EBC offers a lot of compound choices for all the above vehicles;
- Red for street sport low dust braking
- Yellow for faster driving street and occasional track use
- Blue for the Ultimate track and street combination pad
- RP-1 and RP-X range for full track and race use are available for pad shapes 1517, 1594 and 2127
All four grades offer a vast upgrade in both performance and pedal feel with red, yellow, and blue offering super silent braking, red and yellow take a little longer to bed in than blue. Blue has the highest heat threshold out of all that can be used on both road and track. RP1/X is the ultimate upgrade for a full-blown track day and race use with a higher friction level and heat threshold again.
ROTORS 鈥� 聽All standard GTi/R rotors are solid types and a popular choice is to go for a fully floating two-piece rotor that saves weight and delivers smooth braking at speeds. EBC makes an SG2FC1877 floating rotor for both the MK7 GTi and R models.
These are not oversize rotors as the bracketry on this car will not allow it.
CALIPERS 鈥� If you are planning to change calipers, the EBC 6 pot (six-piston) calipers are a perfect choice, and use the EBC DP4006R which has over 12,000 sq mm 聽(so similar to the Mk 7 Performance package in pad area but a slightly shorter and deeper pad shape) and offer two piston size variants to match the different models as it is vital to match the fluid volume/travel with the OE systems 鈥� it’s not a case of 鈥淏igger is Better鈥濃�� hydraulics must balance.聽 You might need to take a look at our race catalog to get the specs right here.
The benefit of a 6 piston caliper is huge and the EBC versions top them all with the further benefit that the new
BIG BENEFITS OF THE EBC SIX PISTON CALIPER ON YOUR GTI
- Three pistons’ outer and inner mean braking is perfectly balanced
- Pads self-centralise within the caliper
- Clamp load on both pads perfectly balanced, pads wear evenly
- Staggered EBC pistons mean pads worn in a parallel fashion
- No slider drag as dirt and rust or dust gets into the caliper
- Dust seals keep pistons perfectly clean and lubed
- High-temperature EPDM seals handle heat better than standard seals
- Pads instantly release when releasing the brake meaning brakes run freely and do not overheat
- EBC bridge system provides superb caliper rigidity
- Double pin pad quick release from the top. No need to remove bolts as with sliding standard calipers which is tiresome and a hassle.
- Industry-standard pad designs in two pad depth options to maximise the life
- Easy quick view on top of the caliper to check pad wear inside and out
