What are the best performance-focused accessories for a Tesla Model S Plaid?

Question

Hey everyone, I recently joined the Plaid club and, honestly, the straight-line acceleration is just as mind-blowing as everyone says. However, after taking it out for a few spirited drives on some twisty backroads, I’m starting to feel like the stock setup could use a bit more 'finesse' to match all that raw power. I’m really looking to dial in the handling and braking performance specifically.

I’ve been looking into the official Tesla Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit because I've noticed some brake fade when pushing this heavy of a car, but that $20k price tag is a tough pill to swallow. Are there any aftermarket big brake kits or even just high-performance pads and racing fluid combos that you guys swear by for better stopping power? I'm also curious about wheel setups—has anyone noticed a significant difference switching to lightweight forged wheels to reduce unsprung weight? Lastly, I’m interested in functional aero, like a real rear spoiler or front splitter that actually helps with high-speed stability rather than just being for show.

I'm not really interested in interior mods or floor mats—I want the stuff that actually changes the driving dynamics and makes the car feel more planted. What are the absolute best performance-focused accessories you’d recommend for someone looking to maximize the Plaid’s track or canyon-carving potential?

Glitch Symphony · Accepted Answer

For your situation, I would suggest starting with the basics before dropping $20k on those carbon ceramics. Honestly, the Plaid is HEAVY and basically cooks the stock pads way too fast if you're pushing it. I personally swapped to the Unplugged Performance Supercar Brake Pad Set combined with Castrol SRF React Racing Brake Fluid 1 Liter and the difference in fade resistance is night and day (at least it was for me). Just be careful bc high-perf pads can be a bit squeaky when cold!

Here's what I recommend to dial it in:
* Unplugged Performance UP-03 Lightweight Forged Wheel Set 21 Inch - Dropping that unsprung weight makes the steering feel SOOO much more precise.
* Mountain Pass Performance Comfort Adjustable Coilovers for Tesla Model S Plaid - These really fix that floaty feeling on backroads.
* Unplugged Performance High Efficiency Rear Spoiler for Tesla Model S Plaid - Actually adds real stability at speed.

Make sure you check your tire pressures too, bc the stock settings are kinda soft for canyon carving. Have you thought about stickier tires yet? gl!

VompquibScort · Answer

I went through this last year comparing the full BBK (Option A), just pads/lines (Option B), and lightweight wheels (Option C). In my experience, Option A is basically overkill for canyons, but Option B with Mountain Pass Performance Page Mill Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines and EBC Brakes Yellowstuff Pads is the sweet spot for value. Honestly, isnt Option C with Martian Wheels MW03 Forged 20 Inch Wheels the best choice for actually feeling the car's weight drop?

Daviddam · Answer

Respectfully, I'd actually suggest a different approach because honestly, SAFETY is the biggest concern when you're tossing a 5,000lb beast around corners!! I've seen people try to get by with just pads, but the Plaid is so heavy that the stock rotors basically turn into heaters. Tbh, if you're hitting canyons hard, I'd be pretty worried about total system failure if the fluid boils.

I'd definitely look at these for a more reliable setup:
* Brembo GT-S Big Brake Kit for Tesla Model S Plaid - It's way cheaper than the $20k Tesla kit but gives you AMAZING heat dissipation and stopping power.
* Motul RBF 660 Factory Line Racing Brake Fluid - This stuff is fantastic for high-temp stability!!
* Apex VS-5RS Forged Wheels 20x10.5 - These are SO light and really help the car feel more planted by reducing unsprung weight.

Seriously, don't skimp on the cooling... have fun but stay safe out there!!