Mazdaspeed 3/6 High Performance Brake Kits

Importance of Upgrading Brakes for the Mazdaspeed

Upgrading the brakes whether you own a Mazdaspeed 3, Mazdaspeed 6, or another model from Mazda's high-performance lineup, can significantly improve your driving experience. It is also crucial for maximizing the vehicle's performance and safety. Enhanced braking power provides better stopping distances, essential for both daily driving and high-performance scenarios. Upgraded brakes also offer improved heat management, reducing the risk of brake fade during aggressive driving or track sessions. This upgrade gives you confidence in your car's ability to handle more demanding conditions. In this blog, we’ll explore why upgrading your Mazdaspeed brakes is important, what components to consider, and how to go about making this crucial upgrade.

Why Upgrade Your Mazdaspeed Brakes?

1. Improved Stopping Power

High-performance brakes offer better stopping power, which is essential for both everyday driving and high-speed performance scenarios. Upgraded brakes provide increased friction and better grip, resulting in shorter stopping distances. This is crucial for safety and for those moments when you need to stop on a dime.

2. Enhanced Safety

Safety is a top priority for any driver, and having a robust braking system is key to ensuring it. Upgrading your OEM brakes can significantly reduce stopping distances, providing more control in emergency situations. This added safety margin can be the difference between avoiding a collision and a dangerous accident.

3. Better Heat Management

Aggressive driving and high-speed braking generate a lot of heat. Stock brakes can struggle to dissipate this heat efficiently, leading to brake fade – a reduction in braking power due to overheated components. Performance brake components, such as slotted or drilled rotors and high-performance pads, manage heat more effectively, maintaining consistent performance even under extreme conditions.

4. Increased Durability and Longevity

Performance brake components are typically made from higher-quality materials than stock parts. This means they can withstand more stress and last longer, even with rigorous use. Stainless steel braided brake lines, for instance, are more resistant to wear and tear compared to rubber lines, ensuring a more durable and reliable braking system.

5. Enhanced Pedal Feel and Control

Upgraded brake components provide a firmer, more responsive pedal feel. This improved feedback allows for better control during braking, giving the driver greater confidence and precision. The ability to accurately control braking pressure is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and handling, especially in performance driving situations.

6. Weight Reduction

Having an upgraded high-performance brake kit can have a huge benefit on weight savings for the enthusiast who likes to take their Mazdaspeed to the track. Especially if you choose components designed with lightweight materials and construction. This weight reduction can improve handling, acceleration, fuel efficiency, and even reduce wear on other vehicle components.

7. Aesthetic Appeal

While the primary focus of upgrading brakes is performance and safety, there’s also an aesthetic benefit. Performance brake kits often feature larger calipers and stylish rotors that can be seen through your wheels, adding a sporty and aggressive look to your Mazdaspeed. This visual upgrade complements the overall appearance of your vehicle, making it look as high-performance as it feels.

8. Support for Further Performance Modifications

If you plan to make additional performance upgrades to your Mazdaspeed, such as increasing horsepower or enhancing the suspension, a robust braking system is essential. High-performance brakes ensure that your vehicle can safely handle the increased power and maintain control and balance.

Main Components of Upgrading Mazdaspeed Brakes

Upgrading the braking system of your Mazdaspeed 3/6 can significantly improve performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Here are some of the main components we'd like to discuss before diving into comparing different brands :

• Brake pads :

  

  High-performance brake pads made from materials like semi-metallic or ceramic composites offer superior friction and heat resistance. This results in improved stopping power, reduced brake fade, and enhanced durability, especially during aggressive driving or track use.

• Brake Rotors : 

  

  Performance rotors are often slotted, drilled, or a combination of both, and are constructed from cast-iron or high carbon-ceramic materials. These design features help to better dissipate heat, reduce the risk of brake fade, and maintain optimal braking performance under heavy use. Upgraded rotors are essential for maintaining consistent braking performance and ensuring the longevity of your brake system.

• Brake Calipers : 
  
  High-performance calipers, typically featuring four or six pistons, provide increased clamping force and better heat management. Made from lightweight materials such as aluminum, these calipers improve pedal feel and control, making braking more responsive and precise. This is especially beneficial during high-speed driving or when executing rapid deceleration.

• Brake Lines :
  
  Upgrading to stainless steel braided brake lines can further enhance the braking performance of your Mazdaspeed3. Unlike standard rubber lines, stainless steel braided lines are more durable and resistant to expansion under pressure. This results in a firmer, more consistent pedal feel and improved braking response. This upgrade ensures that the braking force is transmitted efficiently from the pedal to the brake components, enhancing overall braking performance.

• Brake Fluid : 
  
  High-performance brake fluid is another crucial upgrade. These fluids have higher boiling points compared to standard brake fluids, which reduces the risk of brake fade under extreme conditions. Consistent performance of the brake fluid is essential for maintaining the efficiency of the braking system during prolonged and aggressive use. Improved fluid performance translates to better overall braking efficiency and reliability.

The Importance of Brake Bleeding in Brake Upgrades

Brake bleeding is a critical process in maintaining and enhancing your vehicle’s braking system, particularly when upgrading to high-performance components. This process involves removing air bubbles and old, contaminated brake fluid from the brake lines, ensuring that the braking system functions optimally. Here’s a detailed look at why brake bleeding is so crucial during brake upgrades:

1. Ensuring Maximum Performance of New Components

When you upgrade your brake system, components such as calipers, rotors, pads, and brake lines are designed to provide superior performance. However, the presence of air bubbles in the brake lines can significantly diminish their effectiveness. Air bubbles compress under pressure, leading to a spongy brake pedal feel and reduced braking power. By thoroughly bleeding the brakes, you eliminate these air pockets, allowing the new components to operate at their full potential, providing consistent and reliable stopping power.

2. Integrating High-Performance Brake Fluid

Upgraded brake systems often require high-performance brake fluid with a higher boiling point and better heat resistance. This fluid is essential for maintaining performance under increased demands. When you bleed the brakes, you ensure that the old, possibly contaminated fluid is completely removed and replaced with the new high-performance fluid. This not only maintains the integrity of the upgraded system but also ensures that the fluid can handle the higher temperatures and pressures associated with high-performance braking.

3. Preventing Brake Fade

Brake fade occurs when the brake fluid overheats and boils, creating vapor bubbles that reduce braking efficiency. This is a significant concern in high-performance driving or track use, where brakes are subjected to intense and prolonged stress. Regularly bleeding the brakes and replacing old fluid with fresh, high-performance brake fluid helps to prevent this issue. The new fluid has a higher boiling point, reducing the likelihood of brake fade and ensuring consistent braking performance even under extreme conditions.

4. Enhancing Safety

Upgraded brakes are installed to improve the vehicle’s overall safety, particularly in high-performance or emergency situations. Ensuring that the brake system is properly bled and free of air bubbles is vital for maintaining optimal braking performance. Properly bled brakes provide reliable stopping power, reduce the risk of brake failure, and enhance the overall safety of the vehicle. This is especially important in situations where immediate and powerful braking is required.

5. Protecting New Components from Contamination

High-performance brake components are designed for improved performance and durability, but they can be compromised by old, contaminated brake fluid. Brake fluid can absorb moisture over time, leading to corrosion and reduced boiling points. Contaminants can also cause wear and damage to new components. Bleeding the brakes ensures that all old fluid is flushed out and replaced with clean, new fluid, protecting the new components from potential damage and extending their lifespan.

Important Steps During The Brake Bleeding Process

To appreciate the importance of brake bleeding in brake upgrades, it’s helpful to understand the detailed steps involved: 

What are the Brake Caliper Bushings that Damond Motorsports offers for ?

Damond Motorsports offers "Upgraded Brake Caliper Bushings" designed specifically for the Mazdaspeed3 to improve braking performance and pedal feel. These bushings replace the stock rubber components with more rigid materials, which helps reduce caliper flex and improve the overall responsiveness of the braking system. This is a great alternative for the enthusiast who doesn't want to replace the whole caliper with an upgraded one.

Key Features and Benefits:

1. 

   Improved Brake Pedal Feel:

   • The stock rubber bushings can compress under braking, leading to a spongy brake pedal feel. Damond Motorsports Brake Caliper Bushings, made from more rigid materials, provide a firmer and more consistent brake pedal response.

2. Enhanced Braking Performance:

   • By reducing caliper flex, these bushings ensure that more of the braking force is transferred directly to the brake pads and rotors. This results in more efficient braking and better overall stopping power.

3. Durability:

   • The upgraded bushings are more resistant to wear and heat compared to the stock rubber bushings. This means they maintain their performance characteristics over a longer period, even under aggressive driving conditions.
4. 

   Reduced Brake Fade:

   • The improved rigidity and heat resistance of the bushings help reduce brake fade, especially during high-performance driving or track use, ensuring consistent braking performance.

5. Easy Installation:

   • The Damond Motorsports brake caliper bushings are designed for a straightforward installation, making them a practical upgrade for DIY enthusiasts and professional installers alike.

Conclusion:

Damond Motorsports Brake Caliper Bushings for the Mazdaspeed3 are a worthwhile upgrade for those looking to enhance their braking performance and pedal feel. By replacing the stock rubber bushings with more durable and rigid components, these bushings provide a firmer brake pedal, improved braking efficiency, and greater durability, making them ideal for both daily driving and high-performance applications.

Best Upgraded Brake Kits For Your Mazdaspeed 3/6

There are many well known brands on the market that sells high quality upgraded brakes, including brake rotors, pads, brake lines, calipers, and even as a kit as a whole. We will discuss the differences between these upgraded high performance brake kits to help you choose what best suits your needs:

EBC Brakes Options for the Mazdaspeed3

EBC Brakes offers a range of high-performance brake components suitable for the Mazdaspeed3, including brake pads and rotors designed to enhance stopping power, reduce brake fade, and improve overall braking performance. Here are some of the key options available:

EBC PADS

1. EBC Greenstuff Brake Pads : EBC Greenstuff pads are designed for daily driving and light performance use. They offer a good balance between performance, dust, and noise.

Benefits:

• Suitable for daily driving with occasional spirited driving.
• Low dust and noise levels.
• Good lifespan and consistent performance.

Considerations:

• Not designed for heavy track use or aggressive driving.

2. EBC Redstuff Brake Pads: EBC Redstuff pads are ceramic-based brake pads designed for high-performance street driving. They offer excellent stopping power with minimal dust and noise.

Benefits:

• Enhanced braking performance for daily driving and spirited street driving.
• Low dust and noise levels for a more pleasant driving experience.
• Longer lifespan compared to some other performance pads.

Considerations:

• Not as aggressive as Yellowstuff pads for heavy track use.

3. EBC Yellowstuff Brake Pads: EBC Yellowstuff pads are high-friction brake pads designed for high-performance street and track use. They offer excellent stopping power and heat resistance, making them a popular choice among Mazdaspeed3 owners.

Benefits:

• Improved braking performance for spirited driving and occasional track use.
• Minimal noise and low dust compared to some other high-performance pads.
• Reliable performance under various driving conditions.

Considerations:

• May wear faster than standard pads, especially under aggressive driving.
• Slightly Higher noise levels.

4. EBC Bluestuff Brake Pads: EBC Bluestuff pads are designed for both high-performance street and track use, offering a blend of strong initial bite and high-temperature stability.

Benefits:

• Excellent initial bite and consistent braking performance.
• Suitable for both street and track use.
• Durable with moderate dust levels.

Considerations:

• May produce more dust compared to ceramic-based pads.
• Slightly higher noise levels.

EBC Rotors

 EBC offers a variety of brake rotors for the Mazdaspeed3, each designed to meet different performance requirements and driving styles. Here’s a detailed comparison of EBC’s rotor options: Premium Smooth OE, USR Slotted, GD Sport, and BSD Blades.

1. EBC Premium Smooth Rotors: EBC Premium Smooth rotors are high-quality, OEM replacement rotors designed for daily driving. They are precision-machined and coated to prevent rust and corrosion.

Benefits:

• Reliable performance for everyday driving.
• Cost-effective and durable.
• Enhanced rust protection compared to standard rotors.

Considerations:

• Not designed for high-performance or track use.
• Lacks the advanced features of slotted or drilled rotors.

2. EBC USR Slotted Rotors: EBC USR slotted rotors are designed for improved braking performance by enhancing cooling and expelling gases and debris from the brake surface.

Benefits:

• Enhanced braking performance and reduced brake fade.
• Improves cooling due to the slotted design.
• Suitable for spirited street driving and occasional track use.
• Improved pedal feel and response.

Considerations:

• Slotted rotors may produce more noise compared to plain rotors.
• Higher cost compared to OEM replacements.

3. EBC GD Sport Rotors: EBC GD Sport rotors feature a drilled and slotted design, providing excellent cooling and gas expulsion. They are suitable for high-performance street driving and track use.

Benefits:

• Excellent heat dissipation and consistent braking performance.
• Suitable for aggressive driving and track use.
• Enhanced durability and resistance to warping due to the high-quality cast iron that ensures strength and durability.

Considerations:

• May produce more noise compared to plain or slotted-only rotors.
• Higher price point reflecting its high-performance capabilities.

4. EBC BSD Blades Rotors: EBC BSD Blades rotors feature a unique blade slot design that provides superior cooling and heat dissipation, making them ideal for high-performance and track use.

Benefits:

• Superior heat management and braking performance that minimizes brake fade.
• Suitable for both street and track use.
• Long-lasting and robust construction due to the blade slot design.

Considerations:

• Higher cost compared to other rotor types.
• Blade slots may produce more noise compared to other designs.

Hawks Brakes Options for the Mazdaspeed3 

Hawk Performance offers a variety of brake pads designed to cater to different driving styles and performance requirements for the Mazdaspeed3. Here’s a detailed comparison of Hawk’s brake pad options: HPS 5.0, Performance Ceramic, HP Plus, and Street Race.

Hawks Pads

1. Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads: Hawk Performance Ceramic brake pads are engineered for drivers who demand ultra-low dust and noise while maintaining excellent braking performance.

Benefits:

• Ultra-low dust levels for cleaner wheels.
• Quiet operation with minimal noise.
• Long-lasting and rotor-friendly, ideal for daily driving.

Considerations:

• Not suitable for aggressive driving or track use.
• Less initial bite compared to HPS 5.0 or HP Plus.

2. Hawk HPS 5.0 Brake Pads : Hawk HPS 5.0 (High Performance Street) brake pads are designed to deliver superior stopping power and pedal feel for daily driving and light performance use.

Benefits:

• Enhanced braking performance over stock pads.
• Low dust levels, keeping wheels cleaner.
• Good initial bite and consistent pedal feel.

Considerations:

• Not designed for heavy track use.
• Slightly higher price compared to standard replacement pads.

3. Hawk Street Race Brake Pads : Hawk Street Race brake pads are designed for high-performance driving, offering a blend of street and track performance.

Benefits:

• Excellent for both street and light track use.
• High initial bite and strong braking performance.
• Durable and fade-resistant under high-stress conditions.

Considerations:

• Higher dust levels compared to HPS 5.0 and Performance Ceramic.
• Can be noisier than street-oriented pads.
• Higher wear rate due to aggressive compound.

4. Hawk HP Plus Brake Pads : Hawk HP Plus brake pads are designed for autocross and track enthusiasts who need high friction and extreme stopping power.

Benefits:

• Excellent stopping power for autocross and track use.
• High resistance to brake fade.
• Strong initial bite and consistent performance.

Considerations:

• High dust levels compared to street-oriented pads.
• More noise and faster wear compared to HPS 5.0 and Performance Ceramic.
• Not recommended for daily driving due to noise and dust.

Hawk Rotors

Drilled & Slotted Rotors : Hawk Talon Drilled & Slotted rotors combine the benefits of both drilled and slotted designs, offering superior cooling and debris expulsion.

Key Features:

• Drilled Design: Enhance cooling and reduce the risk of rotor warping.
• Slotted Design: Helps remove debris and gases, reducing brake fade.
• Precision Machined: Ensures a perfect fit and optimal performance.
• High-Quality Grade 3000 Cast Iron: Provides strength and durability.

Benefits:

• Superior heat dissipation for consistent braking performance.
• Reduced brake fade and improved stopping power.
• Maintains a clean brake pad surface for optimal friction.
• Enhanced aesthetics with a sporty look.
• Rust and corrosion resistance for longer rotor life.

Considerations:

• Drilled designs & slotted rotors may slightly reduce the structural integrity of the rotor compared to solid or only slotted rotors.
• Potentially higher noise levels compared to plain or slotted-only rotors.
• Higher cost compared to standard OEM rotors.

 Brake Kits to Consider Upgrading

Damond Motorsports Drag Brake Kits

This lightweight brake system upgrade, which has been tested on some of the quickest most powerful Mazdaspeed3's, is designed with drag racing in mind. Featuring Wilwood components, an industry leader in performance brake kits and technologies, this kit will take the repeated abuse of hard high speed stops. Designed primarily to be a brake kit for drag racing, the Damond Motorsports Mazdaspeed3 Drag Brake Kit can be customized to meet your application needs.  

Key Features:

• Four Piston Calipers: Offer exceptional clamping force and pedal feel.
• Two-Piece Rotors: Enhance heat dissipation and reduce weight. (Total weight savings of 45lbs! Above 50lbs with the optional scalloped rotors)
• High-Performance Brake Pads: Provides improved friction and fade resistance. (Optional Brake Pads Available to suit your drivability needs)
• Stainless Steel Brake Lines: Enhance brake pedal feel and durability.

Benefits:

• Excellent stopping power and improved pedal feel.
• High resistance to brake fade and heat buildup.
• Suitable for both street and track use.
• Includes Damond Motorsports aluminum mounting brackets for easy installation.
• Fits Stock wheels with no spacers.

Considerations:

• Higher cost compared to standard brake upgrades.
• Smaller than the original brakes, so not ideal for vehicles requiring repeated braking applications, such as a road course.

Wilwood is known for its high-performance brake systems, offering a variety of big brake kits that delivers excellent performance needs. Their kits are designed to provide superior stopping power, heat management, and durability.