Beware of premature failure of Porsche PCCB ceramic brakes
#76
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Has anyone seen any official test results comparing the stopping power of steel brakes vs. ceramics? My own experience is that ceramics have more initial bite which gives the impression that they stop sooner, but I have not noticed any difference in braking distance. Porsche’s sales literature does not claim shorter braking distance as a benefit of PCCB which leads me to conclude that it doesn’t exist. Otherwise, I think they would be sure to mention it.
Frankly, if anyone can't notice the superiority of the ceramics vs the steels in terms of sheer stopping power and immediacy of initial bite then maybe they are simply ham fisted/unable to detect obvious sensation or determine any differences with anything….acceleration included.
After driving a well sorted TT with steels for 5 years, (with full synthetic racing fluid) which also sharpens the pedal, optimising the brakes etc, and then jumping into a TTS with the ceramics the differences were so profound I would again have to say if the superior stopping performance can't be felt then maybe the person should ask themselves the hard question what they are even doing in this type of car period.
#77
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Could not agree more. A similar phenomenon persists in high end audio. There are those who believe all amplifiers, cables, CD players etc sound the same. I pity them and envy them at the same time. The former since they are missing out on experiencing an elevated level of musical enjoyment. The latter since they save a ton of money on not needing
expensive components and do not have the desire to upgrade since it offers no tangible benefit.
expensive components and do not have the desire to upgrade since it offers no tangible benefit.
#78
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Makes sense. Maybe OP would be better off in a Prius then. Cheaper to run, has plenty of nannies and has that "toyota" reliability "feeling". Power and brakes are no issue....
Batteries might be, so maybe scrap that idea. I can only imagine all the sobbing and blogging if the batteries crapped themselves and toyota said go jump...
Batteries might be, so maybe scrap that idea. I can only imagine all the sobbing and blogging if the batteries crapped themselves and toyota said go jump...
#79
Drifting
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Has anyone seen any official test results comparing the stopping power of steel brakes vs. ceramics? My own experience is that ceramics have more initial bite which gives the impression that they stop sooner, but I have not noticed any difference in braking distance. Porsche’s sales literature does not claim shorter braking distance as a benefit of PCCB which leads me to conclude that it doesn’t exist. Otherwise, I think they would be sure to mention it.
The average stopping distances of the two 911s were within a foot of each other (305 feet), not surprising since both cars were wearing the same tires. The conclusion: PCCB buyers enjoy a 37-pound weight savings but not necessarily more robust brakes.
#80
Instructor
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Laws of psychics say:
- If the steal disk breakes are good enough:
- The PCCB can't be better.
Because in the end its the tyre (brand, softness, pressure, et cetera) and surface of the road which dictates the amount of grip and so the stopping distance.
Only when breaking several times after another, the steel brake give up friction due to the heat, where the PCCB hold on and are capable to withstand even more heat.
Putting this theorie to the max you can say the PCCB 997 has a shorter braking distance because its lighter. But then again, because it's lighter it has also less weight to push the tyres on the road. bla bla bla..
- If the steal disk breakes are good enough:
- The PCCB can't be better.
Because in the end its the tyre (brand, softness, pressure, et cetera) and surface of the road which dictates the amount of grip and so the stopping distance.
Only when breaking several times after another, the steel brake give up friction due to the heat, where the PCCB hold on and are capable to withstand even more heat.
Putting this theorie to the max you can say the PCCB 997 has a shorter braking distance because its lighter. But then again, because it's lighter it has also less weight to push the tyres on the road. bla bla bla..
#81
Pro
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
No posts that I've seen claim that PCCB's have a shorter stopping distance that steel brakes. Owners do correctly note that PCCB's have noticeable advantages in brake feel and a lack of bake dust but most importantly reduced unsprung weight. If you have ever driven cars back to back with simply a change in unsprung weight the difference is dramatic and surprising.
#82
Rennlist Member
![](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/ranks/veteran_army.png)
#83
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
It has been well stated (even by the manufacturer) that the performance of PCCB is distinctly superior than the steels due to a number of factors. Those with track experience would know that PCCB running costs are higher than steels needless to say there have been so many reports on that on the forums.
I have personally found the feel and general performance of the car with the PCCB brake to be noticeably enhanced in a number of positive ways, and these differences are easily discernible (or should be) to any driver who has used both. The only downside to PCCB would be the running costs (in comparison to the steels with track usage), along with the steels having an easier predictability on the initial take up when heel toeing or trail braking. That said, if the car is PDK that is not so much an issue, not that it can't be overcome through practice where the car is a manual either.
There is no question in my mind that the initial bite of the PCCB rips more of the speed off initially over the steels even if the steels can reel in the differences during each braking exercise making the stopping distance much the same. Just my opinion and findings after using the two.
I have personally found the feel and general performance of the car with the PCCB brake to be noticeably enhanced in a number of positive ways, and these differences are easily discernible (or should be) to any driver who has used both. The only downside to PCCB would be the running costs (in comparison to the steels with track usage), along with the steels having an easier predictability on the initial take up when heel toeing or trail braking. That said, if the car is PDK that is not so much an issue, not that it can't be overcome through practice where the car is a manual either.
There is no question in my mind that the initial bite of the PCCB rips more of the speed off initially over the steels even if the steels can reel in the differences during each braking exercise making the stopping distance much the same. Just my opinion and findings after using the two.
#85
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think a few days on the track here and there shouldn't be so much of an issue so long as you are driving sensibly/properly or, with the PSM off, which you should be doing anyway if you can drive the car at the speeds you want to push it at.
#86
Trucker
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Wink](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
I am not pimping PCCB...they are too expensive IMHO...pcar tax is BS...
#87
Burning Brakes
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
PCCBs are great for street use and that's it.
Set your car up with nice 2 pc true floating rotors race fluid and pads to experience real stopping power.
Would I order my next Pcar with PCCBs? Hell yes
Set your car up with nice 2 pc true floating rotors race fluid and pads to experience real stopping power.
Would I order my next Pcar with PCCBs? Hell yes
#88
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
+1...just a few years ago I had 3 pcars with PCCB and wifey had/still has BigReds. At the end of a track day they let people do parade laps and she did a couple of "spirited" parade laps
and she walked away commenting on the huge difference. I feel the same way but my opinions are biased...
.
![Wink](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
.
That said (if) that report is 100% Kosher then as I said before maybe the steels catch up the losses somewhere along the line during the overall braking exercise. Hard to imagine but I will give the benefit of the doubt at this stage until an actual test can be produced to show it...or, otherwise.
Either way, whether the stopping distances are indeed much the same (which is hard to imagine to be honest) then I would still spec with PCCB just for the "illusion" factor (lol) that they are stopping heaps better. I'm now finding I need to be very careful on the initial application of these PCCB's as they bite and stop so incredibly well it feels if i'm not careful I could throw myself through the God dammed windscreen or lose my eyeballs! They are THAT good! The steels on the other hand, whilst adequate, were always an exercise in how much pressure your foot needed to apply so to gather adequate bite, as sometimes it feels like you need to put your foot through the floor boards to shave off enough speed in time.
No such problem with the PCCBS. Phenomenal stopping power!!
#90
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
^ yes true the cool factor is there. I have to say having no brake dust is also a very refreshing change just with that (insignificant....well not really....should say very significant) benefit. It needs to be experienced to be appreciated. I washed the car for the first time the other day and there was F all there. Incredible. I wonder where it is all going... my steels would have sent the wheels black black by then.