S5 brake upgrades (lighter vs RS?)

[Sazexa]

Hello everyone. As the title suggests I'm interested in upgrading the brakes on my B8 S5, and I've come up with two options I'm interested in going with. With either set up, I'm going to be going with some stainless brake lines and likely some EBC red stuff pads, since they seem to have the best balance of stopping power and lack of dust.

The first option is going with some JHM light weight, two-piece, slotted rotors. They're factory size, so its plug and play. They'd save a total of about 25 pounds of rotating mass, which is quite an improvement for vehicle handling, acceleration, and even helps with braking of course. They're plug and play, super easy to install.

Alternatively, I've been considering doing an "RS brake upgrade." I'd get some used RS5 front calipers, and put some OE rotors on. The problem with this route is that it's not exactly plug and play. I believe the front set up is, but I'm pretty sure the rear set up doesn't bolt right up as the RS has a different rear hub. So I'd need to do some research into the rear set (or perhaps import the B8/8.5 RS4 rear caliper and rotors) which makes the process a bit more complicated. Also, though this set up probably has better heat dissipation, I believe it doesn't really weigh any less. It would "look better," seeing as it fills the wheels better, especially if I ever jump from 19's to 20's.

What's everyone's thoughts and input?

[spensley]

I'm looking at this at some point too.
I don't think there's much to be gained by going bigger on the rear - unless you're doing dome really serious driving.
I have a B8,5 S5, so I'm not sure if we have the same setup.
But for me...
You could get the Q5 front calipers, they are an upgrade, and pretty cheap too - I believe they use the same size rotor.
However, I'd prefer RS5 due to being larger - but they cost sooo much more.
You can get a good idea of what's available/possible at https://www.ecstuning.com/

[Sazexa]

I'm looking at this t some point too.
I don't think there's much to be gained by going bigger on the rear - unless you're doing dome really serious driving.
I have a B8,5 S5, so I'm not sure if we have the same setup.
But for me...
You could get the Q5 front calipers, they are an upgrade, and pretty cheap too - I believe they use the same size rotor.
However, I'd prefer RS5 due to being larger - but they cost sooo much more.
You can get a good idea of what's available/possible at https://www.ecstuning.com/

The RS5 set up for the front isn't too bad if you go with used calipers from eBay or part-outs.

Part of the reason I want to do the rear is I just don't like the look of MASSIVE front brakes, and then anemic looking rears lol

[A6sport]

On the rears, you are correct, 330mm B8 RS4 rotors, but your S5 rear calipers will work. They end up being the same diameter as the RS5. and plug n' play

[Sazexa]

On the rears, you are correct, 330mm B8 RS4 rotors, but your S5 rear calipers will work. They end up being the same diameter as the RS5. and plug n' play

Honestly the biggest reason to change rear calipers (now that I know rear rotors/pads are basically the same, dimensionally) is to get a caliper that hides the ugly brake-pad backing. Since the rotors are the same spec, I'll be doing JHM light weight rear rotors regardless.

The front brakes (after looking into it) are approximately 0.8" larger in diameter, and 0.16" thicker. Though the calipers are probably stronger, I'm doubting it's actually worth the extra for my usage to pay for RS calipers, even used.

I'll likely stick with factory size front and rear.

[spensley]

If you're not tracking the car, then the stock brakes are plenty good enough.
When you need new rotors, upgrade to slotted/vented/light-weight - whatever you want.