Lets talk brakes: SRT8 Takeoffs vs Wilwoods vs Brembo Bigs

**CoolVanilla** · 11-10-2006, 02:59 AM

So I guess the time has come for me start thinking about brakes. I know there are three main options out there right now, and I'd like some feedback.

Please compare and contrast the performance of the SRT8 Brembos, vs the Wilwoods vs the Brembo big brake kit. How much can I expect to pay for each system? Is the price reflective of the performance? Any install concerns ect... Basically I'd like to open this up for anything you might feel is helpful in making this choice. If you're considering it also, or have already made your choice, pipe up too!

**Trojan** · 11-10-2006, 11:45 AM

Well for me Ive run stock and Ive run Brembo Gran Turismos. Not that I have, I would'nt go anywhere without my BBK. The extra stopping power is sick! Ive grown used to it.
I was lucky to find a used Gran Turismo kit on another forum for 3500.00.
Aside from typical bbk dust I have no complaints.
Cam's running the Wilwoods maybe he'll chime in. The stock srt 8 brembos are worthy as well. Good Luck.

**Redfox0099** · 11-10-2006, 11:48 AM

The OEM Brembos are a lot better than the R/T brakes (my knowledge from having an R/T for a year before my SRT)

If you buy a Brembo Big brake kit it is expensive, if you buy someones Calipers from an SRT Take off then you have to buy Spindles apparently.
Either way you are going to be spending some money.

**lafrad** · 11-10-2006, 11:51 AM

From what I understand, Wilwood has a larger-rotor kit with the upgraded calipers, and I think they even threatend to go BIGGER on the rotors at some point in the past...

All for the 5.7L platform..

**Redfox0099** · 11-10-2006, 11:54 AM

An advantage of the Gran Turismo Kit from Brembo is that it's HUGE,.....8 piston caliper......and it is a direct bolt up, or so was for me.

**armadillo** · 11-10-2006, 12:04 PM

I have the Wilwood brakes on my Magnum , and of course the SRT8 brakes on my Charger SRT8, Charger has the TSB upgrade with slotted rotors. I would rate the Wilwoods better all around than the stock SRT8 brakes, but both are a vast improvement over stock R/T brakes. The Wilwood setup I have from TCE performance is also almost dust free.

**MAGNUM8R** · 11-10-2006, 12:18 PM

I'd sure be interested in a take off set of SRT brakes, especially if they are direct bolt on!!
After watching, helping CAM install the Wilwood set, I was impressed.
I don't want to go that expense, but very nice.

CV be sure and bank the cash for the Caribbean before chunking out the change for brakes, I can't wait to get you and Lady Nilla down there!!

**lafrad** · 11-10-2006, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by armadillo

I have the Wilwood brakes on my Magnum , and of course the SRT8 brakes on my Charger SRT8, Charger has the TSB upgrade with slotted rotors. I would rate the Wilwoods better all around than the stock SRT8 brakes, but both are a vast improvement over stock R/T brakes. The Wilwood setup I have from TCE performance is also almost dust free.

Thats a very *GREAT* review, considering the WIlwoods are a lot more feasible "Drop in" compared to the SRT setup!

**Cam** · 11-10-2006, 12:27 PM

Well if anyone here can give you a comprehensive evaluation between Brembo and Wilwood, it'a be Armadillo. And BTW, I find that very interesting John...........thanks. So anyhow, I'm more then happy with my set-up. I have looked at systems since day one with this ride. The prices always blew me away considering you could purchase a BBK for large trucks for much less money. The Wilwood set-up for me seemed the absolute best deal out there. I assume you have driven Matt's ride, if so, you already know

. I have not purchased the larger rotors and better pads from Wilwood yet. That's gonna happen any day now. But no matter what you do, it will come down to do you want to spend around 3g's or step up to the brembos and spend 6 or more. I looked at Stainless's system too, much cheaper then the Wilwood, but the kit looked too generic and I was hesitant about that. Call me silly................but when it comes to brakes.............one size fits all seems to not set well with me. All things considered, I have no problems with brake dust. I'm a very happy guy. Todd (TCE) is the man, I cannot recommend anybody more highly then him.

**crhemi** · 11-10-2006, 12:46 PM

StopTech is also said to be a very good choice.
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/bra...installed.html
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/bra...20-wheels.html

**Super T** · 11-10-2006, 12:59 PM

Brembo, Wilwood, Stoptech, and I think Baer has a set out too.

**CoolVanilla** · 11-10-2006, 01:01 PM

'dillo, have you driven anything with the Brembo Bigs on it? I'm interested to hear your thoughts if so. Sounds to me based on your comments that the SRT8s and Wilwoods are fairly close and both are dramatically better than the RTs. I'm wondering if the improvement the Bigs offer over the Wilwoods is as dramatic as the improvement from RT to Wilwood (as the near 2x cost might indicate?)

Cam, so if I do go Wilwoods, are you my install man? I'm buyin the beer...

'8R... believe me dude, the BVI trip with you is weighing VERY heavily in every financial decision we're considering... we're still trying to work out the scheduling side...

Thanks everyone. I'm learning a ton.

**Cam** · 11-10-2006, 01:13 PM

CV, anytime buddy, you let me know and it's a go. After doing this one. It wouldn't take more then 2-3 hours to do it again. Besides, why go to some stuffy shop when you can come down here and have a bunch of drunk farting boneheads do it for-ya.

**lafrad** · 11-10-2006, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Cam

CV, anytime buddy, you let me know and it's a go. After doing this one. It wouldn't take more then 2-3 hours to do it again. Besides, why go to some stuffy shop when you can come down here and have a bunch of drunk farting boneheads do it for-ya.

I need to live closer to california.

**obiwan** · 11-10-2006, 01:25 PM

I can only compare my stock RT brake to the wilwoods but the difference is night and day. No fade as hard as I have driven them, dust is not too bad but there is some. Once you bed them they are fantastic.