VW Golf GTI / R MK7 – BTCC Big Brake Kit – AP Racing CP9660 Complete Upgrade | XC3 Engineering

XC3 Engineering BTCC Big Brake Kit – VW Golf GTI / R MK7

Unlock serious braking performance with the XC3 Engineering BTCC Big Brake Kit for the VW Golf GTI and Golf R MK7.

Built around the proven AP Racing CP9660 6-piston Pro 5000 Series R caliper and genuine ex-BTCC 368mm x 36mm brake rotors, this complete front brake conversion is designed for drivers who need consistent, repeatable braking performance during demanding fast-road, track-day and motorsport use.

XC3 Engineering combines AP Racing motorsport hardware with custom CNC-machined anodised rotor bells and caliper carriers to create a complete package specifically adapted for the Volkswagen Golf MK7 platform.

Why Upgrade Your Golf MK7 Brakes?

As power, tyre grip and track use increase, the factory braking system can quickly become one of the limiting factors on a performance Golf.

Repeated heavy braking generates substantial heat, which can lead to increased pedal travel, reduced consistency and brake fade when the standard system is pushed beyond its intended operating range.

The XC3 BTCC Big Brake Kit substantially increases the capability of the front braking system through:

• AP Racing 6-piston calipers
• Large 368mm x 36mm motorsport brake rotors
• High-performance race brake pads
• Braided brake lines
• Motorsport-derived floating disc hardware

For modified Golf GTI and Golf R builds, this creates a much stronger foundation for repeated high-load braking.

AP Racing CP9660 6-Piston Calipers

At the heart of the kit are AP Racing CP9660 Pro 5000 Series R 6-piston calipers.

The CP9660 is a motorsport-focused caliper widely used in high-performance and competition applications where low weight, stiffness and consistent braking performance are critical.

Its 6-piston configuration provides controlled pad pressure across a large racing pad, helping deliver strong braking force and consistent pedal response.

For track-focused Golf builds, the CP9660 offers a substantial step beyond a conventional road-car caliper.

Genuine Ex-BTCC 368mm x 36mm Rotors

The kit uses genuine ex-BTCC 368mm x 36mm brake rotors.

These rotor dimensions are not normally available for public retail purchase through AP Racing and are supplied specifically to British Touring Car Championship teams.

The rotors included with this kit have previously been used during a single BTCC event session before being removed.

Each rotor is inspected before supply to confirm that it remains in suitable working condition.

Using lightly used BTCC components allows XC3 Engineering to offer genuine high-level motorsport braking hardware at a considerably more accessible price than an equivalent completely new competition brake package.

XC3 Engineering CNC-Machined Rotor Bells

The BTCC rotors are combined with XC3 Engineering custom rotor bells.

These components are CNC machined specifically to integrate the motorsport rotor with the Golf MK7 hub and braking system.

The bells are anodised for a high-quality finish and additional surface protection.

Together with the AP Racing bobbin hardware, they form the floating rotor assembly required for the conversion.

XC3 Engineering Caliper Carriers

Custom XC3 Engineering caliper brackets position the AP Racing CP9660 calipers correctly around the larger 368mm rotors.

The brackets are precision machined and anodised, with Chemi Black mounting hardware supplied as part of the kit.

Application-specific brackets are essential when adapting motorsport braking hardware to a production vehicle, ensuring the caliper is correctly positioned relative to the rotor.

Floating Motorsport Rotor Assembly

The kit includes AP Racing bobbin hardware to connect the rotors to the XC3 bells.

A floating rotor arrangement allows the friction ring to expand as temperatures increase during heavy braking.

This helps reduce the stresses caused by repeated heat cycles and is commonly used in competition braking systems where rotor temperatures can rise significantly during sustained use.

Braided Brake Lines

Braided brake lines are included as part of the conversion.

Compared with conventional flexible rubber brake hoses, braided lines are designed to reduce hose expansion under hydraulic pressure.

This can contribute to a firmer, more consistent pedal feel, particularly during repeated heavy braking where brake system temperatures increase.

Raybestos ST45 Brake Pads

The standard kit is supplied with ex-BTCC Raybestos ST45 brake pads.

Like the rotors, these are previously used motorsport components selected to keep the overall kit cost as competitive as possible.

Raybestos ST45 is a proven racing compound suited to repeated heavy braking, track days, clubsport and endurance-style use.

Its characteristics include:

• Consistent mid-to-high friction
• Predictable brake response
• Strong modulation
• Stable performance during repeated hard braking
• Operating capability up to approximately 700°C rotor temperature
• Relatively rotor-friendly characteristics for a motorsport compound

ST45 is an excellent choice for track-day and clubsport builds where consistency and manageable wear are important.

Optional Project Mu H21 Brake Pads

Project Mu H21 pads are also available as an alternative.

Please contact us if you would prefer the kit supplied with H21 pads.

The H21 is a more aggressive competition-focused compound designed for very high braking temperatures and demanding motorsport use.

Typical characteristics include:

• Strong initial bite
• High fade resistance
• Stable high-temperature performance
• Approx. 200°C–850°C operating range
• Designed for motorsport and competition use
• Suitable for repeated heavy braking and high-heat environments

For dedicated track cars, Time Attack builds or vehicles where maximum braking performance is the priority, the H21 may be the more appropriate option.

Raybestos ST45 vs Project Mu H21

Choosing the correct brake pad depends heavily on how the vehicle will be used.

Raybestos ST45 is generally better suited to drivers looking for a balance between braking performance, modulation, rotor wear and track-day usability.

It provides strong and predictable braking without being as aggressive as a dedicated high-temperature competition pad.

Project Mu H21 is aimed more heavily at motorsport.

It operates across a higher-temperature range and offers a more aggressive response, making it better suited to dedicated track cars and competition builds where maximum braking capability is more important than refinement.

For mixed fast-road and track use, ST45 will generally be the more versatile choice.

For dedicated circuit use, H21 may offer greater performance at sustained high temperatures.

Used BTCC Rotor & Pad Information

Please be aware that the brake rotors and standard Raybestos ST45 pads supplied with this kit are previously used motorsport components.

The BTCC rotors have typically been used during a single session at a British Touring Car Championship event before being removed from competition use.

The rotors are inspected prior to supply to confirm that they remain in suitable working condition.

The brake pads are also previously used items.

Using these lightly used motorsport components allows the kit to remain significantly more cost-effective while still providing access to genuine competition-specification braking hardware.

Customers should understand that cosmetic markings, heat cycling and signs of previous use are normal for these components.

Ideal for Track-Day & High-Performance Builds

The XC3 BTCC Big Brake Kit is particularly well suited to:

• VW Golf GTI MK7 track builds
• VW Golf R MK7 track builds
• Higher-powered Golf GTI and Golf R models
• Cars running semi-slick or high-grip tyres
• Track-day vehicles
• Clubsport builds
• Time Attack cars
• Performance road cars that see regular circuit use

For cars producing significantly more power or grip than standard, upgrading braking capability is particularly important for maintaining consistent performance.

Wheel Clearance

Due to the use of 368mm rotors and large AP Racing CP9660 calipers, wheel clearance must be considered before purchasing.

Compatibility will depend on:

• Wheel diameter
• Wheel width
• Wheel offset
• Spoke profile
• Internal barrel clearance

Wheel diameter alone does not guarantee caliper clearance.

If you are unsure whether your current wheels will clear the brake kit, please contact us before ordering.

Brake Fluid

For track use, the braking system should be used with a suitable high-performance brake fluid capable of handling elevated temperatures.

Brake fluid should also be replaced regularly on vehicles that see frequent circuit use.

Even the best brake hardware can suffer from poor pedal consistency if the fluid reaches its boiling point.

Professional Installation

Professional installation is strongly recommended.

Correct installation should include:

• Caliper carrier installation
• Rotor bell and friction ring assembly
• Brake line installation
• Correct torque procedures
• Brake system bleeding
• Wheel clearance checks
• Pad and rotor inspection

The braking system is a safety-critical part of the vehicle and should only be installed by a competent technician.

Made to Order

XC3 Engineering BTCC Big Brake Kits are made to order.

We aim to keep the individual components available wherever possible, but certain parts may occasionally be subject to a lead time.

Please contact us before ordering if you require confirmation of current availability or have a specific deadline.

Fitment

Suitable for:

• Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7
• Volkswagen Golf R MK7

Please confirm your exact vehicle specification before ordering.

If you're unsure whether this kit is suitable for your Golf, contact us and we'll be happy to help confirm fitment.

Kit Contents

The XC3 Engineering BTCC Big Brake Kit includes:

• 2x AP Racing CP9660 Pro 5000 Series R 6-piston calipers
• 2x ex-BTCC 368mm x 36mm brake rotors
• XC3 Engineering custom anodised rotor bells
• XC3 Engineering custom anodised caliper brackets
• Chemi Black caliper bracket hardware
• Braided brake lines
• 2x AP Racing bobbin kits
• Ex-BTCC Raybestos ST45 brake pads

Project Mu H21 brake pads are also available as an alternative. Please contact us for this option.

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