VW Transporter T6 brake upgrade

Some things shouldn’t be rushed. Our brake kit for the T6 and T6.1 has been in development for a long time. It’s such an important application we wanted it to be perfect. But the modern Transporter is used in such a uniquely diverse way that we eventually came to realise that we might not be able to tick every box. So, we concentrated on what we know best – Performance. We worked on a solution that offers huge improvements in performance while maintaining an OE style firm but progressive pedal, the reduction in critical un-sprung weight huge. The TAROX Sport brake system utilises a 345mm floating two-piece disc paired to a billet alloy 6 piston caliper all designed and manufactured in our Italian factory. So, no it may not fill your 20’’ wheels BUT it will stop your fully loaded Transporter at any speed anywhere in the world, and to us, that’s what matters.

We developed the kit on our very 2016 T32 DSG Kombi which came with factor fitted 2 piston sliding calipers and 343mm discs. It was essential to use this vehicle with the largest available factory setup to have the best bench mark possible. The OE system caliper uses twin 44mm piston which do develop a lot of power but create a longer travel pedal which is difficult to modulate. We tested multiple piston sizes and configurations before settling on a 41-38-34 (mm) staggered setup, increasing overall piston surface area by 10%.

We found that this created a firm but powerful pedal with great modulation. The caliper housing the pistons is a new from TAROX, previously only found on military specification vehicles the F21 has the ability to utilise larger diameter pistons while staying very compact for fitment on wheels as small as 16’’. Weighing in at only 3.6kg with adaptor the F21 reduces caliper weight by a huge 8.8kg per side. This crucial un-sprung weight is further reduced with our two-piece semi-floating rotors. The rotors utilise a hard anodized alloy hat attached via bobbins to a TAROX 345mm heat treated billet steel rotor. We opted for our F2000 pattern which offers a great balance between, cooling, strength and comfort but other TAROX styles are available.

Key Features

343mm two-piece floating discs weighing 3kg less than the OE items
6 Piston F21 billet alloy calipers improving total power while reducing weight
Fits behind 17’’ OE wheels and larger
343mm two-piece floating discs weighing 3kg less than the OE items
6 Piston F21 billet alloy calipers improving total power while reducing weight
The brake kit will fit behind 17’’ OE wheels
Semi-Floating rotors use stainless steel bobbins with the float built into the hardwearing steel part of the rotor rather than the less durable alloy hat.
7075 billet hats are machined from aluminium and hard anodized for longevity.
Cataphoretic coating can be applied to the rotors to prevent corrosion on the un-swept area keeping the rotors looking amazing for their entire service life
Overall saving of critical un-sprung weight 11kg per corner

Finished kit

A little bit about modifying our VW T6 TAROX Demo

Now to upgrade some other areas of the van. We are lucky to have Awesome GTi practically on our doorstep and have always carried out work on the TAROX fleet. Now it was time to make some calls to some of our industry friends. 

First call was suspension legends BILSTIEN. I wanted to get some lows but handling and comfort were higher up the priority list. Their B14 Komfort kit was the perfect option for us and I have been honestly blown away with the ability to improve the ride of the T6 while making huge improvements in handling and visuals with zero drawbacks. 

Next was wheels being big VW performance fans its possible no surprise we went with Rotifrom. 

I love the heritage racing look look of the TUF-R wheel but wanted to be a bit bolder with colour so on delivery took the wheels straight to our friends ACE Alloys for a gold finish. These are wrapped in a Nankang AS-2+ tyre which I have been really impressed with. I think I would possible go for a lager wheel if I choose again, the spec was probably a left over from my car modifying days. Just these 3 key chassis upgrades have really changed how the van behaves on UK roads, turning in and holding its line amazingly very car like and now the brakes have great modulation and bucket loads of power on tap for those days in the lake district with friends and mountain bikes.

For more information of TAROX Brake kits

Where to buy

Europe

UK