Upgrade - Comparing Brake Master Cylinders: Upgrade Motorsport vs AP Racing, Wilwood, and Alcon

When building a competitive motorsport vehicle, every detail matters. This is especially true for your brake system. At the heart of this system is the master cylinder. It is responsible for transferring pedal force into hydraulic pressure. In this post, we will compare two high-performance offerings from Upgrade Motorsport—the CNC Alloy Billet Flange Fitment Master Cylinder and the CNC Alloy Billet Spherical Bearing Master Cylinder. We will measure these against premium brands AP Racing, Wilwood, and Alcon. Whether you're racing, rallying, drifting, or competing in Formula Student, this guide will help you make the best decision for your brake or clutch setup.

Upgrade Alloy CNC Billet Flange Fitment: 207g | £69.00

Construction & Materials

Upgrade Motorsport’s CNC Master Cylinder models are precision-engineered from aerospace-grade billet aluminum. Additionally, they are hard anodized for long-lasting corrosion resistance.

Spherical Bearing Model

The Spherical Bearing Model includes an integrated spherical bearing. This innovation reduces side loads and prevents binding, making it perfect for angled pedal assemblies.

Both models feature:

• Twin piston seal design for enhanced reliability and consistent pressure.

• Compact bodies that are ideal for tight installations.

• A focus on ultra-low weight without compromising durability.

  
  

AP Racing, Alcon, and Wilwood master cylinders are renowned for their durability and performance at pro levels. However, they are typically larger, heavier, and significantly more expensive.

Verdict: Upgrade Motorsport matches or exceeds the performance of top-tier brands with modern features and a lighter footprint.

Weight & Dimensions

Let's take a look at the weight and price of each model:

• Upgrade Alloy CNC Billet Flange Fitment: 207g | £69.00

• Upgrade Alloy CNC Billet Spherical Bearing: 130g | £72.00

• AP Racing: ~340–360g

• Wilwood: ~300–350g

• Alcon: ~330–370g

  
  

With a weight of just 207g, the CNC flange model offers a meaningful reduction over mainstream units. Meanwhile, the Spherical Bearing model sets the benchmark at only 130g. This is ideal for high-end race applications where pedal box weight and size matter.

Verdict: Upgrade Motorsport provides exceptional weight-saving options for competitive motorsport environments.

Upgrade Billet Alloy CNC M/Cyl vs Standard M/Cyl

Twin Seal & Bearing Technology

Both models use a twin piston seal configuration. This helps maintain brake pressure and reduces the chance of hydraulic fade. This is a feature found in only the most reliable, race-proven components. It ensures consistent pedal feel under repeated use.

The Spherical Bearing Master Cylinder enhances this effect. It allows the pushrod to self-align during operation. This improves reliability and longevity while eliminating side-load stress on the piston. These features combine to offer race-grade consistency and durability, often lacking in entry-level master cylinders.

Upgrade Alloy CNC Billet Spherical Bearing: 130g | £72.00

Fitment & Versatility

Upgrade Motorsport CNC Billet Alloy Master Cylinders feature a standard flange mounting pattern. They are compatible replacements for various systems including:

• Girling-style fitment pedal boxes

• AP Racing

• Wilwood

• Alcon

• Most custom pedal assemblies

  
  

Their direct-fit compatibility makes them ideal replacements or upgrades for a wide range of motorsport and kit car platforms.

Verdict: No special adaptors are needed—easy to fit, easy upgrade.

Upgrade CNC Alloy Billet Master Cylinders

Price & Value

Let's compare the prices:

• Upgrade Alloy CNC Flange Fitment Master Cylinder: £69.00

• Upgrade Alloy CNC Spherical Bearing Master Cylinder: £72.00

• AP Racing Equivalents: ~£160–£200

• Wilwood Equivalents: ~£120–£150

• Alcon Equivalents: ~£180–£250

  
  

Upgrade Motorsport delivers exceptional value by providing high-end performance and weight savings at nearly half the price of leading brands. This is ideal for professionals, privateers, student teams, and grassroots motorsport.

Verdict: You won’t find better performance at this price point.

Conclusion: Who Wins?

If you're building a car that demands lightweight, reliable, and high-performance brake or clutch control, the Upgrade Motorsport Alloy CNC 0.625” Master Cylinder – Lightweight Performance range is an excellent choice.

Whether you choose the 207g Alloy CNC Flange Fitment or the 130g Alloy CNC Spherical Bearing Model, you get race-proven components that outclass the weight, size, and price of AP Racing, Wilwood, and Alcon alternatives.

Shop Now

• CNC Flange Fitment Master Cylinder – £69.00 (207g)

• Spherical Bearing Master Cylinder – £72.00 (130g)

  
  

Upgrade Motorsport - Free UK Delivery | Track-Tested | 12-Month Warranty

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