Testimonial

Performance Ford Magazine - PB Brakes Review

"Cubby checks out three different braking options for the Mk2 Focus ST, comparing standard, budget and six-pot conversion options."

Most modern performance cars have ample stopping power when they roll out of the factory. So far we have looked at making the Focus ST more powerful; now it's time to make sure with this additional power we can get it stopped. There are two main reasons behind upgrading the braking system: the first is to shorten stopping distance; and the second is to reduce or eliminate brake fade when out on track.

We will be testing the stopping distances of the standard setup, upgraded discs and pads and a set of replacement six-pot calipers with larger rotors. Each setup will be fully bedded-in before testing. The tests will consist of eight consecutive 60mph to stop tests discarding the worst result from each, recording stopping distance, time and peak G-force. The stats will be recorded using the Racelogic Drift Box so we know they will be truly accurate. The tests will be carried out on the same day on the same stretch of flat road with an ambient temperature of eight degrees. The rear discs and pads fitted to the car are EBC USRs with Redstuff pads; these will be used on each test. Tyres are Falken 235/35/195 with 4mm of tread remaining.

Before we start to go into the stats lets look at some other important braking facts. Travelling at 60mph you will be covering 88 feet per second. The average reaction time for an alert driver to identify a hazard and press the brake pedal is 2.5 seconds. At 60mph you will travel 220 feet before you even start to slow down. An average European compact car is 14.5 feet long so your reaction distance at 60mph is 15 car lengths, that's quite a scary statistic! The Highway Code states that braking distance from 60mph is 240 feet.

EBC USR FRONT PISCS AND REDSTUFF PADS (320mm)

The main difference with the EBC setup is the Redstuff pads. These are specially designed for vehicles over 200bhp and produce low levels of braking dust. The compound of the pads is designed for street/fast road use. The discs are covered with a protective coating which takes a fair bit of braking to wear off, but helps protect the rest of the disc from surface rust which is nice. They are also slotted, which stops the pads from glazing over when under high temperatures. Once bedded in you can feel a difference straight away, the initial bite is better and the overall braking power feels stronger. The stopping distance has been reduced by eight feet which is around half a car length and stopping time is reduced by 0.4 of a second.

PB BRAKES SIX-POT CALIPERS AND 356mm ROTORS

This setup is the next level of upgrade after a simple disc and pad replacement. The standard single piston calipers are replaced by six-piston billet alloy items that are available in 13 different colour variations. The rotors are grooved and measure a huge 356mm, the flexi hoses are also braided to eliminate a spongy pedal at high temperatures. The kit also comes with a billet alloy mounting brackets for the calipers. Larger 380mm rotors are available but won't fit under an ST's 18-inch wheels. Powdercoated calipers, floating rotors and custom caliper logo design are also available at an extra cost. After bedding the overall strength of the brakes becomes apparent! The initial bite is phenomenal and the stopping power amazing. We have shaved 23.9 feet off the stopping distance which is just over one-and-a-half car lengths and stopping time is reduced by 0.8 of a second. From an initial 3.2-second stopping time the PBs have reduced this by a third!

Comparing the stopping distance of a Standard ST to the other vehicles we have listed, before any upgrades it performs well but it's nothing to get excited about. After the EBC upgrade the brake performance is more like you would expect from a hot hatch, slotting in between a Subaru lmpreza and a 350z, which for less than £325 is a worthwhile investment. The PB setup pushes the stopping power to the next level with a 60mph-zero in a shorter distance than a 355 Ferrari! Although we are only testing stopping distance it's worth mentioning that the PB setup will perform better on track as the large rotors and braided hoses will help eliminate brake fade. Depending on your budget each of these kits are an good improvement on the standard setup but if you're planning on going out on track then PB's are the setup for you.

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