01/03/2026 8:20 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
0
Just got my Plaid last month and man it is stupid fast but the brakes feel a bit soft when Im out in the canyons here in SoCal. I was looking at those Unplugged Performance ceramic kits but damn they are pricey and Im not sure if it is overkill since I am not really tracking it yet. My budget is like 5k right now so maybe just better pads and fluid?
I also saw some stuff about the spoiler upgrades for stability at high speeds but then some guys on Reddit were saying it ruins the aero and range so I am kinda torn. My logic was to go for better stopping power first but maybe lighter wheels are the move? Does anyone actually notice a difference with the aftermarket spoilers or is it all just for looks...
4 Answers
10
01/03/2026 8:20 pm
I would suggest starting with high-temp fluid and Unplugged Performance Street and Track Brake Pads. Be careful with big kits since theyre expensive and likely overkill for canyon driving on a budget.
10
01/03/2026 8:45 pm
I went through this exact same struggle about six months back. The stock Plaid brakes are fine for highway cruising but they definitely start feeling mushy when you're doing those long downhill runs in the canyons. I didnt want to drop 20k on carbon ceramics either so I decided to keep it simple and focus on reliability. Ive been really happy with the Mountain Pass Performance Page Mill Brake Pads for my daily driving and weekend trips. They have a much better bite than factory and I havent noticed any scary fade even after heavy use. To make the pedal feel firm and consistent, I also swapped in a Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Line Kit Tesla Model S and used Castrol SRF Racing Brake Fluid. It totally transformed the confidence I have in the car without ruining the ride. Honestly, skip the spoiler for now because real stability comes from having a pedal you can actually trust. I feel way safer now.
4
01/03/2026 9:25 pm
> My logic was to go for better stopping power first but maybe lighter wheels are the move? Ive tried many setups over the years and honestly, heat soak is the real issue. Adding Hardrace Titanium Brake Shims Model S Plaid helps reduce thermal transfer to the fluid and its a game changer for sub-5k builds. For high speed stability, the Unplugged Performance High Efficiency Trunk Spoiler actually improves the lift coefficient without the drag penalty you get from bigger wings. It keeps the car composed.
4
01/03/2026 9:25 pm
Re: "> My logic was to go for better..."
- Upgrading rotors is a smart safety move since stock units heat soak fast.
- Mountain Pass Performance Two-Piece Front Big Brake Rotors Model S Plaid
- Martian Wheels MW03 19 inch Forged Wheels Tesla Model S These rotors save 20lbs of rotating mass which helps thermal capacity. My buddy just got a Lucid and we were comparing weights yesterday. These EVs are getting so heavy... anyway, dont hesitate to ask if you want more data!