Brake calipers: powder coat or paint

[jiannu]

Bought some rs calipers and wanted to know or recommend I paint them or get them powder coated to change the color from black to red..... also want to get a custom badging or logo on them.

Also I have upgraded my lines to stainless steel.Will they be compatible? Also which pads do you guys recommend?

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

[Why-man5]

Powder coating will be more durable ....it’s what I do if they were mine...where did you buy them, if you don’t mind me asking?

[zcspec]

Second vote for powder-coating. I regret not powder-coating mine prior to install.

[jiannu]

Powder coating will be more durable ....it’s what I do if they were mine...where did you buy them, if you don’t mind me asking?

I bought them locally … got them for a steal! I have time as I will get them installed next year....

I have stainless steel lines I bought for my OEM set up...will they work with these? Also, which pads do you guys recommend? Where do I look and for what?

[jiannu]

called around and got some pricing for powder coating...its like $300-$350 for the pair. I could save me some money and pull them apart myself and give them just the shells. Does anyone have any experience on pulling apart some calipers?

[essthree]

Hey there. I did the same upgrade on my S3. Couple things to note before you go to install:

• You might need at least 5mm spacers to make these fit. Even on 19” rims. Depends on the rim, but just a heads up

• Your lines for an A3/S3 will NOT work on these. You’ll need to order the lines from the TTRS, they have a different connector on the caliper.

For pads I’m using the EBC Yellowstuffs currently. Depending on your usage you could probably go with something less aggressive.

[S3_Miles]

called around and got some pricing for powder coating...its like $300-$350 for the pair. I could save me some money and pull them apart myself and give them just the shells. Does anyone have any experience on pulling apart some calipers?

My only recommendation is to make sure the powdercoater you choose know exactly what to do in powdercoating brake calipers. Personally, I have a lot of experience in powdercoating parts from motorcycling days and im not sure i'd powdercoat the shells.

Is powdercoating more durable and easier to clean than paint? FOR SURE! But! When you go to powdercoat the shells, you need to be 100% certain they do NOT media blast the inside surfaces of the calipers, the pot surfaces...any of it!...and honestly no matter how good the shop is, nothing is airtight and I would not want to risk particulate on the pot surface or it getting into the fluid orifaces.

THEN comes the challenge of properly prepping the shells to absolutely ensure no powder gets onto the same surfaces mentioned above before baking. If it does, then you need to remove it at risk of surface deformation.

Im sure there are shops that can do this. I just wanted to point out the risks. Painting calipers is easier, as you do not need to even separate them (REALLY...but you should). But they are also dependent on good prep for a long lasting finish.

I powdercoated some beat down Brembos for a sportbike once. This is how I learned.

Not trying to shy you away...just things to ask about and research!

[jiannu]

Hey there. I did the same upgrade on my S3. Couple things to note before you go to install:

• You might need at least 5mm spacers to make these fit. Even on 19” rims. Depends on the rim, but just a heads up

• Your lines for an A3/S3 will NOT work on these. You’ll need to order the lines from the TTRS, they have a different connector on the caliper.

For pads I’m using the EBC Yellowstuffs currently. Depending on your usage you could probably go with something less aggressive.

Thanks for the tips! I am already running spacers on my OEM 19" wheels. The lines I have currently are HEL and what lines do you recommend? So I order the lines for TTRS? In regards to the pads, do I also order the ones for TTRS?

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

[jiannu]

My only recommendation is to make sure the powdercoater you choose know exactly what to do in powdercoating brake calipers. Personally, I have a lot of experience in powdercoating parts from motorcycling days and im not sure i'd powdercoat the shells.

Is powdercoating more durable and easier to clean than paint? FOR SURE! But! When you go to powdercoat the shells, you need to be 100% certain they do NOT media blast the inside surfaces of the calipers, the pot surfaces...any of it!...and honestly no matter how good the shop is, nothing is airtight and I would not want to risk particulate on the pot surface or it getting into the fluid orifaces.

THEN comes the challenge of properly prepping the shells to absolutely ensure no powder gets onto the same surfaces mentioned above before baking. If it does, then you need to remove it at risk of surface deformation.

Im sure there are shops that can do this. I just wanted to point out the risks. Painting calipers is easier, as you do not need to even separate them (REALLY...but you should). But they are also dependent on good prep for a long lasting finish.

I powdercoated some beat down Brembos for a sportbike once. This is how I learned.

Not trying to shy you away...just things to ask about and research!

Thanks for the tips!! I will get some pricing on getting them painted...powder coating is more durable but if they get painted right, then with enough clear on them, they will stay clean for a while too...

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

[S3owner]

I know a guy in Ottawa who does powder coating in his garage and will charge way less than what a shop will quote you. I had my 4 exhaust tips powder and clear coated and payed $100 while local shops quoted my from ($200-$300).
Let me know if you want his contact info.

[soulflyer]

I know a guy in Ottawa who does powder coating in his garage and will charge way less than what a shop will quote you. I had my 4 exhaust tips powder and clear coated and payed $100 while local shops quoted my from ($200-$300).
Let me know if you want his contact info.

I am interested, pls PM me. tks

[essthree]

Thanks for the tips! I am already running spacers on my OEM 19" wheels. The lines I have currently are HEL and what lines do you recommend? So I order the lines for TTRS? In regards to the pass, do I also order the ones for TTRS?

Yeah the connectors on the calipers you have are different to the S3. Instead of the loop at the end they use more of a "plug". These are the lines I ended up with: https://www.uspmotorsports.com/USP-S...TRS-Front.html

Super happy with them.

[jiannu]

Yeah the connectors on the calipers you have are different to the S3. Instead of the loop at the end they use more of a "plug". These are the lines I ended up with: https://www.uspmotorsports.com/USP-S...TRS-Front.html

Super happy with them.

Thanks! I might just go with Hel lines.. how are the brakes compared to the OEM s3? I could not believe how massive and how heavy the rotors are??? I also could not believe how light the calipers were. I test drove the new rs3 and it snaps your head forward when u apply on the brakes.....lol. I could not wipe the smile off my face when I did apply the brakes.....lol. are they going to be close to the new rs3?

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

[essthree]

Thanks! I might just go with Hel lines.. how are the brakes compared to the OEM s3? I could not believe how massive and how heavy the rotors are??? I also could not believe how light the calipers were. I test drove the new rs3 and it snaps your head forward when u apply on the brakes.....lol. I could not wipe the smile off my face when I did apply the brakes.....lol. are they going to be close to the new rs3?

The brakes are great. When I get my pads up to temp they definitely bite. And yeah those rotors weigh a ton. I will say I noticed a bit of a difference in front end feel because they are ~3lbs heavier a piece than the standard. Biggest difference I have is less fad at the track.

If you put street pads on them I think you'll notice a huge bite increase day to day. They'll get closer to the RS3...but those 8 pistons are just monsters. lol

[jared703]

Did you guys end up needing an upgraded brake master cylinder?

Also, I think this video is a walkthrough of what you're looking to do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_2FHBoXvmM

[Spinnetti]

All good advice... myself, I'd fully strip the calipers, glass bead them (not "sand" blast, but "glass bead" blast them) and powder coat. Big brakes are cool and all, but the car doesn't need bigger brakes even on track - just needs the proper brake pads. My favorites for aggressive street driving are Porterfield R4-S though I just have stock factory pads on my S3. Porterfield will custom make pads for anything from standard blanks and I'll even use them on the rear of some of my race cars. They make an R4, which is the next racier compound that you could run in the front for track days. If you are a competitive race driver you already know what works for you (no street pad certainly), but for me I'm really sold on Raebestos ST-43 on the Front and the R4's on the back. ST-43 are expensive (I want to say $350 for front pads with SCCA discount) but I could almost get 2 24hr endurance road races out of one set using cheap stock replacement rotors (though I CNC wave cut them to look like R8 rotors lol)

[essthree]

No master cylinder needed. The stock is plenty powerful for the 4 pots shown in this thread. When you look at the newer 8 pots then you might need to swap the master cylinder.

[jiannu]

No master cylinder needed. The stock is plenty powerful for the 4 pots shown in this thread. When you look at the newer 8 pots then you might need to swap the master cylinder.

Do you recommend this upgrade? Is this an upgrade or is the previous comment not true? It's making me second guess if I want to install or not? Any pics btw?

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

[essthree]

Do you recommend this upgrade? Is this an upgrade or is the previous comment not true? It's making me second guess if I want to install or not? Any pics btw?

It's really a combo of preference, track length, aggressiveness. So the former poster is totally right that new pads will make a huge difference. The bigger calipers give you better distribution of force, and longer wear without fade. The biggest difference is fade. If you're just looking for shorter stopping difference on a day to day, tires + pads will show you the biggest difference. If you are going to track then the BBK will let you go harder for longer.

Also...they look cool

Pics here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ju2yrt18xd..._6074.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/eyq7ko77v0..._3514.jpg?dl=0

[jiannu]

It's really a combo of preference, track length, aggressiveness. So the former poster is totally right that new pads will make a huge difference. The bigger calipers give you better distribution of force, and longer wear without fade. The biggest difference is fade. If you're just looking for shorter stopping difference on a day to day, tires + pads will show you the biggest difference. If you are going to track then the BBK will let you go harder for longer.

Also...they look cool

Pics here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ju2yrt18xd..._6074.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/eyq7ko77v0..._3514.jpg?dl=0

Great pics!!
Now which pads do you recommend for street? ECB yellow?

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

[essthree]

Great pics!!
Now which pads do you recommend for street? ECB yellow?

Yeah I run EBC Yellows on the street. I don't mind the occasional squeal, and they have good initial bite (even when cold)

[Spinnetti]

Do you recommend this upgrade? Is this an upgrade or is the previous comment not true? It's making me second guess if I want to install or not? Any pics btw?

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

For all but a few on these forums, this "upgrade" is just for style. You are also adding weight which reduces suspension responsiveness and everything that goes with adding weight. By the very fact you are asking, you don't need bigger brakes. If doing for style, by all means. I think they look cool too, but not at the money these things cost. Much better places on the car to spend money on.

[jiannu]

For all but a few on these forums, this "upgrade" is just for style. You are also adding weight which reduces suspension responsiveness and everything that goes with adding weight. By the very fact you are asking, you don't need bigger brakes. If doing for style, by all means. I think they look cool too, but not at the money these things cost. Much better places on the car to spend money on.

Yes the rotors are heavier but the calipers are a lot lighter than OEM so it would probably cancel out the rotors added weight. Yes I agree that these are pricey but a really good deal came along and I could not refuse....let's just say it's not far from price of original OEM parts for my s3..

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

[S3_Miles]

Yes the rotors are heavier but the calipers are a lot lighter than OEM so it would probably cancel out the rotors added weight. Yes I agree that these are pricey but a really good deal came along and I could not refuse....let's just say it's not far from price of original OEM parts for my s3..

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

Its splitting hairs but the rotational mass of your heavier rotor will cause more of a gyro effect...but honestly unless we are F1 drivers, I dont think anyone would notice that in relation to car handling. In unsprung weight, your statement makes sense since the caliper and rotor sit on the receiving end of the a-arm

[jiannu]

Its splitting hairs but the rotational mass of your heavier rotor will cause more of a gyro effect...but honestly unless we are F1 drivers, I dont think anyone would notice that in relation to car handling. In unsprung weight, your statement makes sense since the caliper and rotor sit on the receiving end of the a-arm

I am worried about unsprung weight....I plan to get lighter wheels in the near future as well. I might just sell the rotors and get some 2 piece.

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

[Why-man5]

I’m pretty certain the hats on these are aluminum (could be mistaken), so I would think these would be lighter than the OEM rotors currently on your S3...if you decide to sell these rotors/calipers, what are you thinking on price?