When thinking car mods, a power gain is probably the first thing that comes to mind for most automotive enthusiasts.
Whether something as simple as a new air filter or exhaust system, through to an ECU remap, forced induction or engine rebuild, the only limiting factor is budget and imagination.
And while Aussies are notorious petrolheads, keen to tinker with a few modifications themselves, or leave this work to a specialist performance workshop, there’s one mod that’s often left until later much later, the braking system.
Sure, brakes may not be that important for getting good quarter mile times, but for just about every other aspect of motorsport – from grassroots to elite – having a good braking package contributes greatly to the car’s overall performance.
Away from the track, quality braking is just as important, and many would argue more so, because unlike on track, conditions are not controlled, and you not only have to consider you own driving, but potentially pre-empt the poor driving habits of others.
BETTER STOPPING ON AND OFF THE TRACK
As Australia’s largest manufacturer of friction material products and a global leader in the automotive aftermarket sector, Bendix understands the high demands that driving enthusiasts place on their vehicles and in particular, their brakes.
The company has called on its 60 plus years of industry experience to develop its ‘Ultimate+ Performance Brake Upgrade Kits’, which has recently been expanded to include more of Australia’s most popular performance cars, muscle cars and hot hatches, including the Ford Mustang, Holden and HSV VF Commodores, Subaru’s WRX rally hero and the peppy Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ twins.
COMPLETE BRAKING SOLUTIONS
Available as either a front or rear kit, each Ultimate+ Performance Brake Upgrade Kit contains everything that’s needed to significantly increase a car’s braking performance, and it comes with the convenience and cost effectiveness of a single package.
The front kit features Ultimate Sports and Performance front rotors, Ultimate+ high friction brake pads, braided brake lines, DOT 4 brake fluid, Ceramasil parts lubricant and a cleaning product, while the rear kit contains Ultimate Sports and Performance rear rotors and Ultimate+ high friction brake pads.
All components provided in the kits offer the very latest in braking technology, developed following extensive R&D input and advanced processes.
ULTIMATE DISC BRAKE ROTORS
A key component of the kits is Bendix’s premium Ultimate disc brake rotors which feature high carbon metallurgy steel, providing superior stopping power and reduced wear, while also deliveringimproved thermal stability that reduces the chance of brake fade and warping under extreme braking temperatures.
Ultimate Disc Brake Rotors are also equipped with Diamond Tip slots – these are specifically designed with unidirectional configurations, along with V-shaped dimples, which assist in dispersing hot gases, dirt and water, leading to more consistent braking performance.
As well as offering these heightened levels of performance, owners enjoy peace of mind in knowing that the Ultimate rotors have been manufactured based on original equipment specifications for size, diameter and stud pattern spacing, making them the perfect fit for both performance and longterm reliability.
ULTIMATE+ BRAKE PADS
Also contributing to the Ultimate+ Performance Brake Upgrade Kits are Bendix’s high friction Ultimate+ brake pads which utilise an advanced ceramic formulation, that provides a responsive pedal feel and braking confidence no matter what the driving conditions.
Another feature of these pads is Bendix’s ‘Blue Titanium Stripe’ – this innovation is designed to rapidly mate with the rotor when brakes are first applied, eliminating the need to ‘bed-in’ the pads, potentially saving up to 10 minutes of workshop time.
Other benefits of Ultimate+ pads include improved stopping power of up to 25 per cent compared to standard pads and greater brake fade resistance. They’re also more durable and less likely to wear the brake rotors. Additionally, their ceramic formula produces significantly less noise and dust, meaning wheels stay cleaner for longer.
DON’T FORGET THE ANCILLARY BITS
Further complementing the front Ultimate+ package are Bendix’s braided brake hoses, which feature a Teflon-coated core line, that is wrapped in a stainless-steel braid and then coated in a protective outer sleeve.
Braided brake lines help provide a more consistent brake feel – the steel sheath prevents the line from expanding under sustained braking pressure, while also offering added protection from road debris.
The front Ultimate+ Performance Brake Upgrade Kit also includes Bendix’s DOT 4 brake fluid, this fluid helps the braking system operate over a wider range of extreme driving conditions such as those experienced on the racetrack. Another benefit of the fluid is that it helps minimise corrosion of the braking system while remaining inert to both the natural and synthetic rubber used in brake hoses, cups and seals.
Rounding out the front Ultimate+ package is the Ceramasil Brake Parts Lubricant and a can of Bendix ‘Clean-up’ brake and parts cleaner.
For more information on Bendix’s Ultimate+ Performance Brake Upgrade Kits for your performance car, visit bendix.com.au/product-range/ultimateperformance- brake-upgrade-kit or consult your local Bendix stockist or workshop.