Re: Big Red Stuff 2

[todd candey <tcandey@wans.net>]

> Not entirely true...

While the rotor is a big part of the equation, and the larger the diameter the better, the
caliper is IMHO, the most important part of the package. The caliper must be able to provide
a superb amount of clamping force, dissapate large amounts of heat and do both with as
little flex in the body as possible. Ideally, none.From experience, we've done many
different calipers on the same rotor just to test different combinations of calipers and
rotors, and every combination yields different results.
So, in response, I would expect him to see a benefit in the performance of the calipers over
the ones the car has now.

Todd Candey

>
>
> And what benefit do you expect to get from them?  Unless the rotor is thicker
> or the swept area larger or it is better vented, I would venture to say that
> improvements in braking would be minimal.  You are still limited by the
> thermal mass of the rotor and whatever pad compound you decide to use.  Also,
> if the piston area is significantly different, you will upset the brake
> proportioning balance of the car.  Simply having trick calipers is mostly
> useless unless they come with better/larger rotors.  The exception would be if
> they provide significant weight savings or if there are better pad selections available.
>
> Luis Marques
> '87 4kcsq