Bigger then big reds?
01-03-2005, 10:22 PM
#16
Three Wheelin'
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Does anyone know what the weight difference from the S4 setup to the GTS/big-red setup is? Are there any upgrades that can reduce weight without reducing performance?
01-03-2005, 11:41 PM
#17
Drifting
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I use this also. You throw it out the sunroof, connected to the rear tow eye.
I'm really impressed with S4 brakes. Huge, 4 piston calipers. The way they mount solid to the carrier is known as "radial mounting" in the motorcycle world, and only appeared on street motorcycles in the last two years or so. How many new cars have stuff this good?
I'm really impressed with S4 brakes. Huge, 4 piston calipers. The way they mount solid to the carrier is known as "radial mounting" in the motorcycle world, and only appeared on street motorcycles in the last two years or so. How many new cars have stuff this good?
01-04-2005, 02:18 PM
#18
jebdog, on page one, had an interesting observation about brakes that is not exactly correct - that is if your current brakes can lock your tires then you will not benefit from bigger brakes. Not exactly true. Certainly if you can easily lock your tires under braking you could benefit from stickier/bigger tires. But there is still benefit to be had from bigger brakes. Bigger brakes offer a much wider margin for "impending brake lock-up", which in-turn allows you to get more out of your tires, which in-turn means shorter stopping distance. Also, when smaller brakes are used aggressively they will heat up much faster than big brakes, which further shrinks the margin for"impending brake lock-up", which in-turn means less braking. Big brakes won't overheat as easily, which means you will be more in control of your car's braking for longer (and have shorter stopping distances).
If you really want shorter stopping distances you should 1. get the biggest, stickiest tires, 2. get true high performance pads (to reduce heat and expand the margin of impending lock-up), and 3. get bigger brakes. Only two out of those three make your car look cool.
If you really want shorter stopping distances you should 1. get the biggest, stickiest tires, 2. get true high performance pads (to reduce heat and expand the margin of impending lock-up), and 3. get bigger brakes. Only two out of those three make your car look cool.
01-05-2005, 09:19 PM
#19
Race Director
Two things to consider when tracking a car, because that is where you might need bigger brakes is unsprung weight and correct braking technique.
Some people overheat their brakes in two laps while someone with a better method of braking can go on until the pads wearout without overheating.
The weight thing is also a huge factor, you don't want to add more unsprung weight if you don't have to. On a street car you should get better tires and suspension if you have problem scrubbing of speed. After that better pads and then maybe bigger stuff. I have hauled down my 928 GT from 280+ km/h several times and never had any problems with the brakes on street tires - the tires overheat way before the brakes.
Some people overheat their brakes in two laps while someone with a better method of braking can go on until the pads wearout without overheating.
The weight thing is also a huge factor, you don't want to add more unsprung weight if you don't have to. On a street car you should get better tires and suspension if you have problem scrubbing of speed. After that better pads and then maybe bigger stuff. I have hauled down my 928 GT from 280+ km/h several times and never had any problems with the brakes on street tires - the tires overheat way before the brakes.
