Topic: Brembo and Kappasphere

[patrick.schmidt]

Kappasphere is looking at getting comments on possibly offering a Brembo big brake package for our cars. I am excited about this but they are only going to be offering it for the front brakes. I know there are issues with rear brake replacements due to the integration of the parking brake into the rear brakes. However, I really feel that only doing the front brakes is an incomplete issue. I encourage all to comment to kappasphere on this issue.

Patrick

[DeepBlueGXP]

It's going to be expensive and DDM offers a front brake replacement.  But unless you're racing or have lots of extra $$$ to throw away, the front brakes a good enough as a daily driver.   I have almost 60k miles and never had a problem.   I only drag race so big brakes aren't required there.  My stock pads are still good.

[Helios]

Exactly DB. The guys at DDM even told me the stock brakes are sufficient for our cars for daily driving and that adding a big brake kit wasnt necessary. They did however say that the stock brake pads were sheit (which they are). So as part of my last upgrade trip to DDM, 2 weeks ago, I had them put on diamond slotted rotors (front and rear) and performance brake pads. I stop really nice now.

[spartan]

I have the DDM calipers, which come with performance pads.   With DDM rotors and steel brake lines i was out the door at a bit over half of the price they are contemplating.  And Randy installed them with ATF Blue fluid as well for much less than it would have cost at a shop.   I'm pretty satisfied but am looking forward to considering a Wilwood solution for front and back from DDM. 

After almost throwing me through the windshield one day with the old pads the brakes became a big priority for me.  Now i feel pretty confident in braking.

[snaponbob]

The Kappas have PLENTY of brake CAPACITY, but it is excessively front biased. That said, for 99.99% of Kappa owners, big brake kits are for bling or S.G., an G. (sh!ts, grins, or giggles). Most vendors will tell you the big calipers add MAYBE 10% more power (adding more front bias). And, when going for bigger disks, there is more rotational mass to deal with. What seems to be happening is that various brake companies are finding something on the shelf that is real close and than adapt it to the front. Cheap, but cost effective. Rear calipers are a different story as the e-brakes are so different between makes and manufacturers, so apparently no rear e-brake equipped big calipers.

If one wants more braking power, the most effective way is to change the pads.

[kennysabarese]

I will let you all know how my Kappa does on the track this season with only upgraded pads. Getting Porterfields from DDM

[Dave@DDMworks]

The Kappas have PLENTY of brake CAPACITY, but it is excessively front biased. That said, for 99.99% of Kappa owners, big brake kits are for bling or S.G., an G. (sh!ts, grins, or giggles). Most vendors will tell you the big calipers add MAYBE 10% more power (adding more front bias). And, when going for bigger disks, there is more rotational mass to deal with. What seems to be happening is that various brake companies are finding something on the shelf that is real close and than adapt it to the front. Cheap, but cost effective. Rear calipers are a different story as the e-brakes are so different between makes and manufacturers, so apparently no rear e-brake equipped big calipers.

If one wants more braking power, the most effective way is to change the pads.

Have to agree with bob, again.

Although I will add that you can have the best brakes in the world, but the coefficient of friction that the tires make with the road is the limiting factor of how fast you can stop, (not including active aero mods) as long as the brakes can lock up the wheels. The larger rotors, brakes, pads etc are just allowing you to brake at maximum torque more times in a row without fade.

[Gentleman Jack]

Would adding a more aggressive pad in the back help to balance out the front bias in the car? 

GJ

[snaponbob]

Absolutely. That is EXACTLY what I have done. Hawk HPS fronts and Hawk Plus rears. BTW, I plan to switch to something else because I just do not like the "feel" of the HPS.

[kennysabarese]

Gotta be careful with brake bias. Bad things CAN happen.

[snaponbob]

Now we are getting close to the under/over steer definitions. Kappas have in excess of 70% front brake bias. Per two different brake product vendors, it would take a BUNCH to bring the ratio down to 60/40 without reducing front brake action. What, do you ask? On the rear, bigger discs with larger (total piston area) calipers, plus more aggressive pads on the back, and THAT would still net +/- about 62-63% front bias.

Having driven a variety of vehicles with disc/drum and disc/disc systems, to me it is always clear what is at the other end of the brake pedal without even looking. Disc/disc ALWAYS feels better, more responsive, and more balanced than disc/drum. I have played with the brake balance on my (disc/drum) TR8 and my Sky (disc/disc). Changes can be felt. To me, one would have to be under 60% on a rear drive car to start getting dicey. And in road racing, having a well balanced brake system really helps trail braking. That's why a lot of them have adjusters at the driver's fingertips!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[Gentleman Jack]

I was thinking of oiling the front brakes to make them a bit less sensitive.  What do you think?

GJ

[Uranium-238]

Uh, we DO have a sarcasm smiley now, or did you not notice?

[Gentleman Jack]

Yeah, didn't really think that one needed an icon.  

plus, I think I used my quota for the month in some other post....

[Sol Asylum]

I was thinking of oiling the front brakes to make them a bit less sensitive.  What do you think?

GJ

I think you should try this one out and report back to us.  In theory it should also increase the brake life by reducing friction.  You live near the mountains right?  This could be a win win for all of us.





Oh yeah I forgot to add this 

I should probably add a disclaimer saying not to do this but if someone is too stupid to not know that already then by all means be my guest and go for a Darwin award. 
What have you got to loose? (notice the lack of sarcasm emoticon)

[KWhale]

....... I think I used my quota for the month in some other post........

WHAT!  Quota?  Quota?  We don't need no stinking quotas!

[Sol Asylum]

WHAT!  Quota?  Quota?  We don't need no stinking quotas!

There better not be a quota!  Right Moby?