They look really cool peering through my BBS wheels. 
Big Reds Overkill?
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Big Reds Overkill?
I just came across a great deal on Big Reds. That said I started to think about the advantages and am wondering if there are any? My standard brakes stop and a dime and have never got tired even on the hottest of track days. I'm starting to think if the standard brakes are overkill then the Big Reds may be way overkill. Other than looking great I'm wondering if there is any benefit?
Does anyone with Big Reds notice a difference with them?
thanks in advance for the help!
Does anyone with Big Reds notice a difference with them?
thanks in advance for the help!
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 90
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From: Cave Creek, AZ
overkill for me...
I bought mine with more track days in mind.
I didn't notice much at the track in terms of cooling or stopping power but I did notice the hit to my wallet and the additional unsprung weight.
So, I guess I regret spending the extra money...
Way overkill.
IMHO of course.
I didn't notice much at the track in terms of cooling or stopping power but I did notice the hit to my wallet and the additional unsprung weight.
So, I guess I regret spending the extra money...
Way overkill.
IMHO of course.
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 11,870
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From: Portland Oregon
I just came across a great deal on Big Reds. That said I started to think about the advantages and am wondering if there are any? My standard brakes stop and a dime and have never got tired even on the hottest of track days. I'm starting to think if the standard brakes are overkill then the Big Reds may be way overkill. Other than looking great I'm wondering if there is any benefit?
Does anyone with Big Reds notice a difference with them?
thanks in advance for the help!
Does anyone with Big Reds notice a difference with them?
thanks in advance for the help!
Last edited by Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems; Oct 20, 2008 at 08:03 PM.
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I just came across a great deal on Big Reds. That said I started to think about the advantages and am wondering if there are any? My standard brakes stop and a dime and have never got tired even on the hottest of track days. I'm starting to think if the standard brakes are overkill then the Big Reds may be way overkill. Other than looking great I'm wondering if there is any benefit?
Does anyone with Big Reds notice a difference with them?
thanks in advance for the help!
Does anyone with Big Reds notice a difference with them?
thanks in advance for the help!
But the Big Reds run soooo much cooler and last sooo much longer when tracked that they are worth it. Not to mention the increased potential for quicker stops.
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From: FT. LAUDERDALE, FL
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From: Baltimore, MD
Great question. For street use, yes, IMHO, big reds are total overkill. For track/racing use, IMHO, big reds are total overkill. The small black brakes do a tremendous job of slowing the car down, provided, as Steve mentions, that the right pads and brake fluid is used. I run Hawk HT-10's and Castrol SRF and, other than mechanical issues arising from a bad master cylinder or a sticking piston, neither of which are related specifically to the brake size, have never had an issue with my brakes on my 3,000lb race car. On the track, one of the hardest things to learn is brake management and knowing how to brake less and brake later (or at the right point). Brake too much and you'll convert too much forward motion to heat, all of which means that you're . . . going slower. Less brakes, more gas, less turn.
Also, what is the difference in weight between the rotors? I would think there is a significant penalty in rotating mass.
Also, what is the difference in weight between the rotors? I would think there is a significant penalty in rotating mass.
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Burning Brakes
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From: Sunny Miami
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I used to track my 993 at relatively high speed tracks, and the larger rotors lasted much longer due to their ability to handle the high temps. Even though these are much more expensive, they lasted twice as long. I also believe that they were easier to modulate, and had a better bite, but that may have been due to the rotor temps being lower. For street driving, they are bling only. For low speed tracks, they are probably a liability due to the high cost of rotors and pads, as well as the increase in unsprung weight.
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As others, for street the Big Reds are absolutely overkill; for 95+% track guys, agree w/ Mark ...still overkill, IMHO.
FWIW, I tracked my 993 (stock, heavy) on the OEM calipers for about three years and had zero issues with braking. As was mentioned by others here, you simply need: fresh good fluid (like ATE Blue or 200), good track pads (I used PFC 97s, though OEM Textars work well in a pinch), and good braking technique (this pays huge dividends, where even the stock pads can be made to work great!).
I ran R-Comp tires and about mid-pack in "fastness" and never felt brake fade or need to explore brake cooling. Granted, the truly fast may find the stock "little" brakes (ha, "little"!) wanting, but unless you are that into tracking your baby, I'd definitely pass on the big reds. Another consideration is brake pads and rotors will cost you significantly more (IIRC ...someone chime in on the specifics on that one).
Edward
FWIW, I tracked my 993 (stock, heavy) on the OEM calipers for about three years and had zero issues with braking. As was mentioned by others here, you simply need: fresh good fluid (like ATE Blue or 200), good track pads (I used PFC 97s, though OEM Textars work well in a pinch), and good braking technique (this pays huge dividends, where even the stock pads can be made to work great!).
I ran R-Comp tires and about mid-pack in "fastness" and never felt brake fade or need to explore brake cooling. Granted, the truly fast may find the stock "little" brakes (ha, "little"!) wanting, but unless you are that into tracking your baby, I'd definitely pass on the big reds. Another consideration is brake pads and rotors will cost you significantly more (IIRC ...someone chime in on the specifics on that one).
Edward
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Thanks for all the responses. I usually buy and ask questions later, glad I asked this time. I'll be sticking with the stock brakes for sure. Maybe I'll run the Targa Newfoundland one day to justify the big reds!
Dan
Dan
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From: Tacoma, WA
Switching from the C4 to the C4S, the C4 brakes are nice for daily use. The C4S takes a bit more pressure to bite & take longer to get progressive feel. Both stop very well & very stable when they need be.
While the big Reds look cool, they will cost more, & you have more unsprung weight on the suspension & drive train.
I come from the camp that you can never have to much brake. Better brakes on the track will make up more time then more hp.
While the big Reds look cool, they will cost more, & you have more unsprung weight on the suspension & drive train.
I come from the camp that you can never have to much brake. Better brakes on the track will make up more time then more hp.
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It's funny how we all seem to have been bitten by the track bug (or the slippery slope, call it whatever you want). Since 90% of us doesn't seem to need the big reds, it's funny how many of us have them on our cars eventhough there were not there as standard. All in all, I can't say I wouldn't want them 
. I guess that's where the "cool factor" comes in.. 
. I guess that's where the "cool factor" comes in..