So my first upgrade to my plaid was changing to aftermarket wheels, but next and equally important to me was a brake upgrade. For the Model S Plaid there are several options, from simple pad and brake line swaps to much larger carbon ceramic discs and caliper kits (including the one sold by Tesla). My goal was to obtain the biggest upgrade in brake performance without spending huge amounts of money. I dismissed all the kits that didn’t increase rotor size, as I don’t believe you can cheat physics and with the weight of the model S, larger brakes seemed to be a necessity. A second consideration was they larger brakes needed to fit under my 20” after market wheels. This narrowed the field slightly, and after some research I ended up selecting the RB Brake OE Caliper Big Brake Kit with 410/390 rotors. Here is a link: Save 10% on OE Caliper BBK (410/390) for Tesla S Plaid Front and Rear (P/N 2681 & 2643)
The kit provides roughly 1.25” larger diameter 2-piece front and rear rotors, caliper spacers and mounting brackets, as well as new larger street compound pads (to take advantage of the now larger swept area). Everything is bolt on, and if you are familiar with the basics of a brake pad change you can do the install yourself. No brake bleeding or fluid changing is required. I’ve attached pics I took during the install, and a couple pics from after break in. The new rotors look so much larger and more modern, while at the same time save weight and offer superior cooling. For those interested in saving more weight, a switch to one of the carbon ceramic brake kits should provide additional weight savings.
Driving Impressions: Brakes are smooth and as quiet as factory in normal driving with no squeal, vibration, chatter or grabiness. Under moderate or more severe braking, much less pedal effort is required to stop from higher speeds and braking confidence is much improved. In street driving, I have not experienced any fade even after repeated stops. Overall, I am very pleased with both the appearance and capability of the system, as well as the quality of the components and the value or “bang for the buck” quotient.
For those of us in SoCal, RB Performance Brakes is local, and I was able to pick up my kit in person to save shipping. While there, I got a chance to see their facility, and I can say it is first rate. I got to see their carbon ceramic discs, which were amazing and much more substantial than Brembo or other carbon ceramic brakes I have seen. There were kits being shipped for all the high-end makes, and it immediately made me more comfortable and confident that I had found the right choice for my Tesla Plaid. Hope this info helps anyone looking to make a brake upgrade.
The kit provides roughly 1.25” larger diameter 2-piece front and rear rotors, caliper spacers and mounting brackets, as well as new larger street compound pads (to take advantage of the now larger swept area). Everything is bolt on, and if you are familiar with the basics of a brake pad change you can do the install yourself. No brake bleeding or fluid changing is required. I’ve attached pics I took during the install, and a couple pics from after break in. The new rotors look so much larger and more modern, while at the same time save weight and offer superior cooling. For those interested in saving more weight, a switch to one of the carbon ceramic brake kits should provide additional weight savings.
Driving Impressions: Brakes are smooth and as quiet as factory in normal driving with no squeal, vibration, chatter or grabiness. Under moderate or more severe braking, much less pedal effort is required to stop from higher speeds and braking confidence is much improved. In street driving, I have not experienced any fade even after repeated stops. Overall, I am very pleased with both the appearance and capability of the system, as well as the quality of the components and the value or “bang for the buck” quotient.
For those of us in SoCal, RB Performance Brakes is local, and I was able to pick up my kit in person to save shipping. While there, I got a chance to see their facility, and I can say it is first rate. I got to see their carbon ceramic discs, which were amazing and much more substantial than Brembo or other carbon ceramic brakes I have seen. There were kits being shipped for all the high-end makes, and it immediately made me more comfortable and confident that I had found the right choice for my Tesla Plaid. Hope this info helps anyone looking to make a brake upgrade.
