When I first drove my mk1 VRS I thought the brakes were brilliant, but now I'm not so impressed. I'm about to have a remap up to around 160bhp, and will probably fit a strut brace, but I think the brakes could do with a bit of attention. I think maybe some harder pads may satisfy me, but what, or should I be looking at something more complex? Could my master cylinder be getting tired after 50k?

Fit Mintex discs and Pagid pads, or go for the 312mm upgrade from the Octavia. Pedal will always feel a bit mushy due to mechanical vacuum pump, Google 'Diesel Creep' if you want to know more.

Whats the issue? Fade?

If its fade then don't bother with different disks, brake conversions etc etc - All a waste of money.

Just fit some Ferodo DS2500 pads and you will be like a pig in sht. Yes they are £140, but it will be the best £140 you ever spent and you will never get a hint of fade.

If the issue is feel then you want to start with the basics such as a fluid change, there could be air in the system. Then if feel is an issue it could be time for multi piston brakes etc. I doubt you will ever get near that stage though unless you track it a lot.

No fade problem, just doesn't seem to stop as quickly as I expect. It may be just comparison with my 330d BMW which has much bigger brakes. I'm not a heavy braker, tend to make discs and pads last ages, but the pedal feels soft, and it demands more pressure than I expect. With a bit more power it would be nice to stop a bit quicker. Not likely to be doing track days.

Bigger brakes dont makle you stop quicker. Even Brembo say this on their website, its a common mistake to think it.

Can you trigger the ABS? Of course you can. That 1% before the ABS triggers is optimum braking, its the tyres grip thats the limit. If the brakes can stop the wheel turning, then bigger brakes cant do anymore. They allow for better fade resistance etc, but thats not an issue for you.

The Fabia brakes are pretty slow to respond compared to other cars I drive. All out stopping is just as good, it just needs a bit more effort with the foot.

I would try doing a brake fluid change, its cheap and probably needs doing anyway as its meant to be about every 3 years.

Any air in the system will make the brakes spongy.

+1 on the mintexcouldnt recommend enough

+1 on the mintexcouldnt recommend enough

I've heard good things about performance friction, but are they available for the standard calipers?

I think I'm going to get a fluid change, new pads and maybe new discs if they are worn.

New pads and new disks will do nothing for your issues.

You might not like that, you might be wanting people to give you justification for an 'upgrade' but save your money.

Or just waste it - your call

Without doing the bigger disc/more pistons trick.....first stop......fit grooved discs and better pads then fit better fluid and also fit Goodridge braided hoses.....all of these together will improve the feel and resposivenes of the brakes......as soon as you go bigger on the disc size you increase the unsprung weight and introduce other factors including increased insurance costs etc.....

New pads and new disks will do nothing for your issues.

You might not like that, you might be wanting people to give you justification for an 'upgrade' but save your money.

Or just waste it - your call

Certainly not looking to spend money for no result. If pads wont improve pedal feel and stopping power (my previous experience was different, but very different sorts of cars) then will anything help?

(I'm not expecting discs to do anything, but would replace them if worn, as I suspect harder pads would wear them more quickly.)

Without doing the bigger disc/more pistons trick.....first stop......fit grooved discs and better pads then fit better fluid and also fit Goodridge braided hoses.....all of these together will improve the feel and resposivenes of the brakes......as soon as you go bigger on the disc size you increase the unsprung weight and introduce other factors including increased insurance costs etc.....

Are Goodridge braided hoses really worth the outlay of additional cost? Can you tell a noticeable difference?

Yes there is a difference as the pedal is firmer as the Goodridge hoses don't expand under pressure (when you really put your foot down)...so there is more feel!......first got these things back in 97 for my then new 96 plate Polo and highly recommend them!!!!!!......

Mmm may look into some then for when the rest goes on. Anybody else got any feedback on the braided hoses?

Standard lines On the vrs are internally braided anyway so most dont bother from what I've read