Grenadier wrote:

OT: Brake upgrades are an ongoing debate with myself.

Price/need/reality/usage/limitations.

I honestly cannot see the need (beyond racing or ‘they look frigging awesome’) in spending 5k on a set of APs or Alcons. The limitations placed on the BBK by the vehicles handling characteristics and non-road biased heavy duty tyres, make having monster anchors at a monster price, a bit pointless. Even if driving like a hooligan. The handling and tyres will give up far before the BBK reaches its limits.

However, what is undeniable is that for vehicles that carry a bit more weight, or driven more like a ‘normal’ car, or are used in environments such as mine (with a lot of heavy braking downhill on twisty alpine roads) the stock brakes are simply not good enough. I know there are some who say uprated hoses and well maintained pads/discs are all you need, but I can strongly disagree based on brake fade I’ve had out here.

So for me, a compromise is needed. A brake kit that offers considerably better braking if a like-for-like 4-pot swap, or if you’re feeling generous, a six pot set up, but at a price point that’s not prohibitive. In my mind there are only a couple of options, LOF and (Stateside) Wilwood. One day I’ll make the purchase

I did correct myself at £4200.

The big brakes I have are 4 pot with much larger calipers and discs. Even with Toyo MTs i have the braking capacity is a huge improvement


Plus they do look awesome  Instagram @defender_ventures
Empire Tuning - Agent

BaronDefenders wrote:

At the minute I’m thinking either Toyo Open Country MT or Cooper Discoverer STT PROs in 275/70R18.

Be aware that the STT Pro you've quoted is only Speed rated 'K' so 68mph maximum

The only 18inch STT PRO they do that is rated faster than 68mph is the 305/60/18 which is rated to 99mph

BaronDefenders wrote:

At the minute I’m thinking either Toyo Open Country MT or Cooper Discoverer STT PROs in 275/70R18.

I have the Toyo Open Country MT's on my Wolf (235's) & have to say having they are probably one of the most underrated tyres on the market; I've run all sorts in my time including BFG's etc & the Toyo's are equal (IMHO) to all of them.



Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge Since 1973...S1, Air Portable's, Defender's, but only my Wolf TUL HS GS remains

BaronDefenders wrote:

Yep I’ve got Coopers on at the moment and anything over 70mph is always a concern.

Does anyone know the speed rating for the Toyo Open Country MTs? And am I right in saying the Toyos tend to come up a bit taller than advertised?

Speed rating P which is 93 mph, also I've just compared them in my garage to my XS which is shod with Conti's 235 & they sit at exactly the same height.

They do, however, fill the arches quite well & look bigger than my Conti's.



Click image to enlarge Since 1973...S1, Air Portable's, Defender's, but only my Wolf TUL HS GS remains