[s-cars] Cracked Big Brake Brackets - ECS Stage 2

[Eric Phillips]

On 10/23/06, Mark Strangways <StrangConst at rogers.com> wrote:
> I suppose the same hold true for the Aluminum calipers, they are made of the
> same materials you dislike, and also suffer from the same (if not worse)
> stresses that are imposed on the brackets.

Absolutely true.  Also designed by arguably the deepest-pocketed
racecar maker in the world.  And made with quite a bit more material.

With no reported breakage issues that I've ever heard of.

> Ohh wait aluminum wheels too, send those as well.
>
> Eric, I have read your argument on the BIRA list, while I surely agree
> Aluminum is not as strong as steel, I think it's adequate for the job at
> hand. I will keep my brackets and hats, calipers and wheels.

Aluminum, in the abstract, is appropriate in some applications (like I
said.)  Its material strength is not my major concern.  Material
properties are my concern.

Hats?  No problem.  Wheels?  Same story.  Calipers could be argued.

But none of the above have even the slightest mention of failure.  To
extrapolate that ALL aluminum is bad in ALL automotive applications
would be incorrect in light of my comments.  I don't think that, and I
don't believe anyone thinks that's what I'm trying to say.

Maybe some of the designs are adequate.  Which ones?  I don't know.  I
think we can safely say that ECS doesn't provide one, yet.  As I said,
the others may be perfectly adequate.  I have taken great pains to say
that, in fact.

If you feel comfortable with your choices, then what I'm saying
doesn't matter in the least.  "Nothing to see here, folks - go back to
your homes..."

:)

Eric