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Scenario: You’re on a spirited drive…. 

You press the brake pedal expecting instant bite — but instead the pedal feels soft, stopping distances have increased, and confidence has disappeared. 

This is exactly where performance brake upgrades make the difference between control and compromise. 

When it comes to high-performance driving, braking capability is just as important as engine power. Upgrading your braking system improves: 

• Heat management 

• Braking consistency 

• Driver confidence and control 

These are three areas where standard factory braking systems often struggle, particularly during spirited driving or track use. 

At Awesome, we offer a wide range of performance brake upgrades to suit every driving style. Our range includes: 

• Direct replacement brake discs 

• 1-piece and 2-piece performance discs 

• Road-legal R90-approved brake pads 

• Track-focused brake compounds 

• Complete Big Brake Kits (BBKs) 

• Braided brake lines 

• High-performance brake fluid 

Whether you’re upgrading for fast road driving, track days, or increased engine power, we have a braking solution to match. 

 

Do I Need a Brake Upgrade? 

In most cases, the simple answer is yes. 

Whether your car is standard or running big turbo power, upgraded brakes are one of the most effective improvements any car enthusiast can make. 

1. Increased Engine Performance

If your car has had: 

• A remap 

• Performance modifications 

• Turbo upgrades 

It will typically reach higher speeds much faster than standard. 

Upgrading your brakes ensures you can slow down safely, consistently, and with confidence, especially during spirited driving. 

2. Track Driving

If you use your car on track, your brakes work significantly harder. 

Track driving creates extreme heat in the braking system. This often leads to brake fade, where braking performance drops dramatically. Resulting in slower lap times and more of your track day cooling brakes rather than enjoying the day. 

Performance brake upgrades help prevent brake fade, allowing your braking system to remain consistent even under heavy use. 

Let’s break down the key components of a performance braking system. 

 

Types of Performance Brake Discs 

Direct Replacement Performance Brake Discs 

Direct replacement brake discs are designed to fit exactly like your vehicle’s factory discs, using the same: 

• Diameter 

• Thickness 

• Mounting points 

• Brake callipers 

This means: 

• No modifications required 

• OEM-compatible fitment 

• Works with original callipers and pads 

• Simple, straightforward installation 

Essentially, they are a like-for-like upgrade with improved performance and quality. 

Types of Brake Disc Patterns 

Direct replacement discs are available in several designs, each offering different performance benefits. 

Plain Discs (OEM Style) 
Smooth braking surface like factory discs. 

Hooked Discs 
Designed to remove brake dust from the pad surface and improve contact. 

Drilled Discs 
Improve water dispersion and maintain braking performance in wet conditions. 

Grooved Discs 
Help remove debris and improve heat dissipation. 

Drilled and Grooved Discs 
Combine both features for enhanced cooling and cleaning. 

All of these options provide better heat management and improved braking performance compared to standard discs. 

At Awesome, we offer high-quality direct replacement brake discs from leading performance brands including: 

• VBT 

• Tarox 

• EBC 

• ECS Tuning 

• 034Motorsport 

These discs are manufactured to OEM dimensions, ensuring seamless installation with your existing braking system. 

 

2-Piece Performance Brake Discs 

2-piece brake discs are a popular upgrade for drivers looking for improved braking performance and reduced weight. 

Unlike standard 1-piece discs, which are cast as a single component, 2-piece discs consist of: 

• A friction ring (outer braking surface) 

• A bell or hat (centre mounting section) 

Benefits of 2-Piece Brake Discs 

2-piece discs offer several advantages over standard discs: 

• Improved heat management 

• Reduced unsprung vehicle weight 

• Greater braking consistency under load 

They also allow the outer friction ring to be replaced separately, which can reduce long-term maintenance costs. 

Although they are typically more expensive than standard discs, 2-piece performance brake discs deliver superior cooling and durability, making them ideal for spirited driving or track use. 

Plus — they look fantastic behind a set of alloy wheels! 

 

Choosing the Right Performance Brake Pads 

Brake pads are one of the most important components in your braking system. 

They determine how effectively your car slows down, how it performs under heat, and how consistent braking remains over time. 

At Awesome, we offer both: 

• Road-legal R90 brake pads 

• Track-focused performance brake pads 

Road-Legal Performance Brake Pads 

Road pads are designed for daily driving and fast road use. 

Key benefits include: 

• Strong braking performance from cold 

• Low noise and vibration 

• Consistent stopping power for everyday driving 

These pads perform well at lower operating temperatures, making them ideal for: 

• Traffic driving 

• Motorway use 

• Daily commuting 

Popular R90-approved brake pads we offer include: 

• Mintex MRM1801 

• Pagid Street+ 

• RacingLine RP700 

• EBC Yellowstuff 

 

Track-Focused Brake Pads 

Track pads are engineered for high-temperature performance and demanding driving conditions. 

Key features include: 

• Excellent fade resistance 

• High friction levels for stronger stopping power 

• Designed for repeated heavy braking 

However, they can: 

• Produce more brake dust 

• Generate more noise 

• Feel less effective when cold 

Because of this, track brake pads are not always ideal for daily road use. 

Popular track-focused options include: 

• Pagid RSL29 

• EBC RP-1 

• Tarox Enduro 

Choosing the right brake pads ultimately depends on how you use your vehicle. 

 

Big Brake Kits (BBK): The Ultimate Brake Upgrade 

If you want to significantly improve your vehicle’s braking performance, a big brake kit (BBK) is one of the most effective upgrades available. 

What Is a Big Brake Kit? 

A big brake kit replaces several key parts of your factory braking system with larger, higher-performance components. 

Most BBK systems include: 

• Larger brake discs 

• Multi-piston brake callipers 

• Performance brake pads 

• Mounting brackets and hardware 

• Often braided brake lines 

Benefits of Big Brake Kits 

Increased Stopping Power 

Larger discs and multi-piston callipers provide greater braking force and improved pad contact. 

Improved Heat Management 

Larger discs offer more surface area for heat dissipation, reducing brake fade during heavy braking. 

Better Pedal Feel 

Multi-piston callipers apply pressure more evenly across the brake pads, creating a firmer and more responsive pedal feel. 

Enhanced Durability 

Performance components are designed to withstand higher temperatures and repeated heavy braking. 

Choosing the Right Big Brake Kit 

When selecting a BBK, consider: 

• Driving style 

• Vehicle setup 

• Wheel clearance 

• Intended use (road vs track) 

At Awesome, we offer big brake kits from leading manufacturers, including: 

• Brembo 

• AP Racing 

• Tarox 

• VBT 

• RacingLine Performance 

These kits are engineered to work as a complete braking system, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. 

 

Supporting Brake Upgrades 

Smaller upgrades can also make a significant difference to braking performance. 

Braided Brake Lines 

Braided brake lines improve brake pedal feel and consistency. 

Standard rubber brake lines can expand under hydraulic pressure, which reduces braking feedback. 

Braided lines use a PTFE inner hose wrapped in stainless steel braid, preventing expansion and allowing more force from the brake pedal to reach the callipers. 

Benefits include: 

• Firmer brake pedal feel 

• Improved braking response 

• Increased driver confidence 

While they may not increase outright stopping power, they greatly improve braking consistency and feedback. 

 

Performance Brake Fluid 

Brake fluid plays a critical role in transferring pedal force to the braking system. 

However, standard brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and increases the risk of brake fade. 

Performance brake fluid is designed to withstand higher temperatures and maintain consistent braking performance. 

Popular options include: 

• ATE TYP200 

• Motul RBF660 

• Tarox RoadRace 

• VBT VRF770 

Upgrading your brake fluid is a simple but effective way to improve braking reliability, particularly for performance driving. 

 

Upgrade Your Brakes for Better Performance 

When it comes to performance driving, every second and every metre counts — and braking performance is critical. 

Upgrading to high-performance braking components provides: 

• Stronger stopping power 

• Improved durability 

• Better heat resistance 

• Increased driver confidence 

If you're ready to experience the benefits of precision-engineered performance brakes, explore our full range of brake upgrades and take control of your driving experience. 

 

Performance Brake Upgrade FAQ 

Do performance brakes make a difference? 

Yes. Performance brakes improve stopping power, reduce brake fade, and provide more consistent braking under demanding driving conditions. 

Are big brake kits worth it? 

Big brake kits provide larger discs and multi-piston callipers, which improve braking power, cooling, and braking consistency. 

Do braided brake lines improve braking? 

Braided brake lines improve brake pedal feel and braking consistency by preventing brake line expansion under pressure. 

Can performance brake pads be used on the road? 

Many performance brake pads are R90-approved and road legal. However, track-focused pads may not perform well at lower temperatures. 

Are performance brakes noisy?  

Some performance brakes can be a little noisier than standard brakes, but it depends on the type you choose. 

Patterned brake discs (drilled or grooved) will usually make more noise than plain discs. This is normal because the brake pad is rubbing across a surface with holes or grooves as the wheel turns. 

Brake pad choice also makes a difference. Pads with R90 approval are designed for normal road use and typically operate quietly, similar to standard brake pads. 

However, race-focused brake pads are designed to work at very high temperatures. If they are used for normal road driving and never reach those temperatures, they can sometimes squeal or make extra noise. 

In short, most road focused performance brake setups will not be noticeably noisy, but more aggressive track style components can produce additional sound.