Brake options for standard GTI's

[Neimad]

Following on from DaveB's "Not Quite So Big Brake Kit" thread, I was just wondering what the options are for those of us with a "stage zero" GTI as I have always wanted a bit more stopping power.

What could I do at a reasonable cost (i.e. £200) to give myself that little more reassurance when I need to stop in a hurry?  My car is basically used as a daily driver and whilst a trip to the 'ring or a track day can't be ruled out, I'm not planning on it any time soon, so I hopefully I won't need to worry too much about fade...


Damien

[Beddie]

A set of decent 'fast road' pads will work wonders 

Ferodo DS2500, Mintex M1144, VWRs own range etc are all readily available and should range from around £100-£140 for a set, will make a noticeable difference to the standard GTi setup

[Janner_Sy]

as above, leave your discs as standard, just uprate he brake pads to the above mentioned options but also look into a brake fluid change to something more performance orientated such as motul, maybe even change to braided hoses

[SteveP]

Hawk HP+ are another good option 

[rdfcpete]

Hawk HP+ are another good option 

+1 

[Yellow]

As above, for £200 you're looking at pads, don't think you'd get R32 stuff for that much unless you found a local bargain.

[Beddie]

As above, for £200 you're looking at pads, don't think you'd get R32 stuff for that much unless you found a local bargain.

I got mine for that from the classifieds here 

[Beddie]

My £200 would go on some Mintex M1144 pads (£95), 1.5 litres of Motul RBF600 (£40 from Opie oils with forum discount) and some 'Hel' braided hoses (£55 from DaveB on here), leaves a tenner for a celebratory drink or two when your finished fitting it all 

[Greeners]

Some awesome pads for sale here at less than half price! 

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,13300.msg206697.html#new

[Neimad]

So the general consensus seems to be that brake pads are a good bet for those wanting a bit more on a budget; in which case I have a few questions on this line of thinking:

I've only just had my rear pads changed (OE replacements) but I expect my front pads will need changing soon (I somehow managed to get 85k miles out of the front and back stock pads and the front ones are still good ) so if I get some uprated pads, could I, and is it okay to have them only on the front -- would it even be worth it or would it just cause an imbalance and not do much else?

Secondly, I know the front pads have a wear sensor in -- do uprated pads work the same?

What would the ware rate of "fast road" pads be like in comparison with the OE pads?

Finally, with regards to different brake fluid and braided hoses, what would this do exactly?


Thanks again,

Damien