Here's some of the basics.
if you want to stop faster- get stickier tires.
if you want to stop a little bit faster- get better pads and stickier tires
if you want to stop multiple times during a short amount of time- get better pads, slotted rotors, and stickier tires.
if you want to stop multiple times in a short period of time and have consistent braking distances- get a BBK ,higher temp tolerate brake fluid, good race pads, and stickier tires. custom air ducting here to lower temps is also a plus
Most brake pads from the aftermarket are generally made to help braking feel better though the pedal and offers a slight increase to the heat tolerance. Not all pads are the same. Some are made to dust less, some are made to stop better cold, some are made to be used for a long period of time where consistent brake force is required when they are up at operating temperatures, in the end you'll have to find the pad that suites your needs. Same goes with the with SS brake lines, as this will make the brake pedal firmer, less mushy. This help as it reduces the flex of the brakelines when the brake fluid is moving inside the brake lines. Adding the slotted rotors will give more bite which is the initial grab during stopping. Adding larger rotors gives more heat capacity to the overall system. This will prolong the fade that comes when the brake rotors, pads, and fluid get hotter from consent heavy use. Larger calipers with multiple pistons, typically allow for more even brake pad wear and larger heat capacity. Brake ducting, where you channel air to the rotor, also helps preventing fade. When coupled with race pads, larger rotors, brake ducting, and stickier tires, allow for the car to decelerate faster, perhaps at a much later point along the track, and allows for consistent, predictable stopping distances. Now here's the long debate over slotted vs drilled rotors. In the end its how they are made. most of the bolt on stuff is mostly for show. Most of them are formed in the specific shape then drilled. same goes for most slotted rotors as well. Now look at all of the super cars. The GTR, Corvette, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, AMG, BMW, Audi, etc all use DRILLED rotors. The difference here is that they were CAST that way. You won't have to worry about stress fractures with those. Most BBK's come with slotted rotors and work great. Now since most of you guys are going off road most of what I said doesn't apply to you, but here are some key features. Pads, fluids, and rotor thickness are key to having a robust braking system. As for putting this stopping force to the ground, thats relevant to what tires you are running.
