I have been debating doing this recently
However having driven a car with them on. There’s zero noticeable difference really bar the stock ones having a bit more feel.
Unsure what to do now
They do look cool mind
My thoughts on this (after I had them on for about 6 months)
1. do it properly
I bought the calipers with some awkward brackets and these seem to be the reason why my brakes squeal like mad (tried 3 different sets of pads from 3 manufacturers)
If you get your hands on some used calipers make sure you rebuild them properly with new pistons and seals. Would be a misfortune to install them only to find out you have some uneven pad wear due to lazy pistons and so on
Also use new bleed screws
And proper brackets made either from stainless steel or zinc plated steel, stay away from aluminium ones.
2. If you want to use 15" wheels have the top and bottom area of the caliper machined radially- it will make the fitment way easier- there are threads open on this subject
3. As far as I see these calipers work best with discs from 300mm upwards, while they do work good on the std 280mm size I find them looking odd (I still have the 280mm discs) - the caliper is too big compared to a 280 disc. But if looks don't matter then it's fine.
4.Brackets
If you're not decided on the disc size you'll be running in the future and decide to start with the 280mm option, I advise to get a bracket that looks like this
This way you won't have to machine the caliper, otherwise if you're decided you're gonna stick to the 280mm disc forever you might aswell get the PM 280 brackets, they are well built but you have to modify the caliper to suit.
If you're thinking the 300mm option then you have more to choose on the market, just make sure you get steel ones
5. *note regarding rebuilding
Make sure you get an extra set of piston seals , I found one that was out of spec (it was too tight an I couldn't insert the piston back in, so I had to buy an extra set of seals as a back-up)
If you do the rebuild by yourself pay close attention on how easy the pistons go back inside, you may encounter one that goes in heavy, pull it out, make sure everything is clean, repeat with another seal until they move smoothly and equally. It will take a while but you have 4 pistons instead of one and I find it important to consider this aspect.
6. They really do inspire more confidence on the track versus the std ones, I read close to 500 degrees celsius on the stock calipers while on these I read barely 300. Bigger pads also help. I also got some braided lines on them so the brakes feel as they should, bar some different pedel feel because I kept the original 182 master cylinder, but it does not bother me at all, makes them more progressive if anything, I'm fine with that.
7. Pad change is a breeze, I run 2 sets of pads, DS2500 from spring to autumn (while there is also some trackday action) and brembo OE pads the rest because swapping is easy peasy
8. Looks
Yeah they look the t*ts, especially if you re-spray them
9. Bottom line- I know everyone says that the std units with decent pads and fluid are enough, but these certainly add a little extra, so if you find a good deal, DO IT
Fitment wise:
I use 2 sets of wheels:
16" Oz ultraleggeras with ET37 offset by 7" wide - with these I need a 5mm spacer to clear the caliper from the spokes nicely
And a set of 16" Oz F1's 7,5"Jx ET37 which don't require a spacer at all
15" is another story and you have to do some homework on that
