Meet Sal and His Sequoia TRD Pro
Sal, the owner of Klean Rides in San Jose, California, is known for building clean, high-performance vehicles with attention to both form and function. His current build, a 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, is no exception. When it came to braking performance, Sal turned to R1 Concepts for a serious upgrade.
With over 40,000 miles on his R1 Concepts Big Brake Kit, Sal shares his experience and why he believes this was one of the best decisions he made for his build.
Sal’s R1 Concepts Setup
What made R1 Concepts stand out to Sal from the start was customer service. When he reached out, he immediately received all the information he needed to make an informed decision. While other companies hesitated to work with a new vehicle platform, R1 Concepts stepped up.
Most brands only offer big brake kits for the front axle. R1 Concepts was able to provide a complete solution with 6-piston calipers for both the front and rear. That level of support and performance convinced Sal to go with R1 Concepts.
“When they told me I was able to run six pistons on the rear as well, it made me very happy. So, I had to go with them.”
This setup has been on his Sequoia for 40,000 miles and continues to perform without compromise.
Pro Tip: If you’re upgrading brakes on a full-size SUV or truck, choosing a complete front and rear big brake kit can make a noticeable difference in stopping power and control.
Why Brake Upgrades Matter
Large vehicles like the Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro carry more weight and demand more from their braking systems. Stock brake components often underperform when it comes to aggressive driving, towing, or off-road applications.
Upgrading to a Big Brake Kit from R1 Concepts offers benefits including:
- Increased stopping power
- Better heat dissipation under repeated braking
- Balanced performance between front and rear brakes
- Improved vehicle control in demanding conditions
- A cleaner, high-performance look behind the wheels
For those running off-road or towing setups, pairing your big brake kit with R1 GEO-Carbon Series Rotors and R1 Performance Off-Road/Tow Brake Pads can maximize stopping power and longevity.
Why We Value Sal as a Partner
Sal is more than a customer. He represents the kind of thoughtful builder we love to support at R1 Concepts. His attention to detail, his willingness to push boundaries with a new platform, and his trust in our products showcase the value of having the right brake system for the job.
We are proud to be part of his journey and look forward to seeing what he builds next.
