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BBK: FD or Brembo?

5.8K views 17 replies 13 participants last post by  FormulaDynamics  
#1 ·
Since couple of people here already bought Big Brake Kit's from Formula Dynamics I wanted to ask what would be better choice from their offer? I don't want to spend 7k on brakes alone, but still want to make brakes reliable. I'm rarely on track - rather want to be sure that I can brake after reaching top speed. What are Your experiences?

What worries me with FD BBK is that it uses factory callipers and since they are part of current factory brake kit they didn't earned my trust so I'm not sure if I should reuse them with new brake kit.
 
#2 ·
Here’s a good price on a used front/rear brembo kit. Yes, the brakes for the Ferrari 550 are the same as our cars, so these should fit perfectly.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/401208481632


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#7 ·
I have been regularly tracking a 2005 coupe for 15 years. I use the FFD BBK with the original calipers (they are Brembo's after all!) albeit with racing pads and steel brake lines. I had my first issue this year (frozen caliper) and am having the pistons upgraded, but that is a lot of track miles, with lots of hard braking, so don't understand the lack of faith.
 
#11 ·
Sorry about the math. Tracking for 15 years; 12 with a Coupe (had an M3 before that). Jean, you are correct, but the bigger rotors are really primarily for heat dissipation, which you only need if you are doing consecutive hot laps. I would start by just upgrading the pads; you can upgrade the brake lines and rotors later if the pads don't get you what you need. Also, racing pads are noisy and grabby, but there is a wide range of performance options between plain street and full race, so shop around.
 
#15 ·
Having gone all out with both front and rear Brembo's from FD, I can tell you the difference in braking power and especially "feel and feedback" is night and day over the stock brakes. The stock set up is fine and I really had no complaints, but I am a firm believer that I want to stop quicker than I accelerate and brakes are the second step to accomplish that - great tires for the application will always be the #1 factor in stopping. Though it cost a small fortune to change them, it was worth every penny to me and I would do it again without question!

Good luck in your decision
 
#16 ·
Hi guys,

The kit we designed with Brembo for the Maserati 4200 Coupe, Spyder and Gransport is a better upgrade than just the FD Big Brake Kit. We know not everyone is trying to track their car but some of you want the brakes to be better than stock so we created the FD Big Brake Kit.
4200 Formula Dynamics Big Brake Kit

This kit takes you to Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines, Oversized, 2 Piece Rotors with Floating Aluminum Lightweight Hats and Carbon Kevlar Brake Pads so versus your stock set up, this is a nice upgrade.

Going to the Brembo though, that is for people who really want to get after it. Guys who just can't seem to not have a lead foot :) this is for when you want to track the car and when you're on the streets but really need to have that top braking power and pedal feel. There's a reason this one is so much more expensive. Sure the name costs but going to an upgraded 6 piston front / 4 piston rear caliper set up with either the 355mm or 380mm set up, is just a much better solution.
http://www.formuladynamics.com/products/4200_brembo_bbk/4200_brembo_bbk.php

So it all depends on what you're really looking for and the type of driver you really are. We have several customers with our FD Big Brake set up who love it just fine and there are several happy owners of the FD Brembo Solution.

Feel free to give us a call with any questions or to purchase (702) 430-1040.

Regards,

Cyril Nelson
Sales Manager,

FD
 
#17 ·
Hi Guys,
I am looking to buy an '05 GS with many FD mods. I was talking to a sales guy at FD and he was told the 20 inch wheels will rub, especially with lowering springs.
The car I am looking at has the big brembo 380mm brakes with 20 inch veloce corsa wheels and lowering springs all from formula dynamics. Any experience out there with this setup? Any rubbing? Is the ride still decent?
Thanks!,
He can take brakes wheels and tires off and another guy wants them and has stock wheels in great shape with new michelins...He would take a few thousand off the price then.
Appreciate all thoughts ...I am new to these cars and need to decide on this purchase asap....very excited
Curtis
775 722 6342
 
#18 ·
campipiolot,

It's not that the wheels themselves will rub but some cars will experience a rub of the front tires under full lock turn (i.e. U-turn). BTW, this should be the case with any 20" wheel on the Maserati, not specifically the FD one. It does depend on the tire size you choose and the ride height you're at.

So we do offer the 20" variety but tend to lean more towards the 19" as a recommendation as it fits the car best and provides more tire sidewall to absorb the bumps.

As to the brakes, the FD/Brembo 380mm BBK setup is wonderful so no worries there.

For the rubbing, you'll just want to talk with the owner to see if he's run into any issues with tire rubbing on full lock turns. Again it all depends on the tire size / brand chosen

Honestly, even if it does rub, it's not necessarily an issue as it just simply rubs the inner fender well. Just don't be surprised ;)

Best Regards,