2-piece rotor vs. upgraded caliper
11-10-2008, 07:37 PM
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2-piece rotor vs. upgraded caliper
I track my car at Mid-Ohio and will be upgrading my brakes. I've already use a track pad and the proper fluid.
However I'm considering 2-piece rotors for the front to reduce unsprung and rotational weight and for better heat dissapation.
If you could only do one or the other, would you go with the 2-piece rotors or upgraded calipers and why? Put price aside. Thanks.
However I'm considering 2-piece rotors for the front to reduce unsprung and rotational weight and for better heat dissapation.
If you could only do one or the other, would you go with the 2-piece rotors or upgraded calipers and why? Put price aside. Thanks.
11-10-2008, 08:28 PM
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I went through this dilemma when I was researching brake upgrades on my WRX.
Two things to research to make a calculated decision regarding weight reduction (pick the one which offers more net weight reduction):
1- OEM (iron) caliper weight vs. Aftermarket (fixed) caliper weight
2- Conventional rotor at OEM diameter weight vs. 2 piece rotors of same diameter.
Perhaps you can pull some specs from the Racing Brake or DBA websites.
As for heat dissipation, two things work to your advantage; larger swept surface area (that's what a BBK does for you besides acting as a larger heat sink) and direct spindle cooling via ducting. Perhaps you can try some inexpensive ducting before you invest in pricey brake upgrades.
Two things to research to make a calculated decision regarding weight reduction (pick the one which offers more net weight reduction):
1- OEM (iron) caliper weight vs. Aftermarket (fixed) caliper weight
2- Conventional rotor at OEM diameter weight vs. 2 piece rotors of same diameter.
Perhaps you can pull some specs from the Racing Brake or DBA websites.
As for heat dissipation, two things work to your advantage; larger swept surface area (that's what a BBK does for you besides acting as a larger heat sink) and direct spindle cooling via ducting. Perhaps you can try some inexpensive ducting before you invest in pricey brake upgrades.
Last edited by SouthFL; 11-10-2008 at 08:33 PM.
11-11-2008, 09:46 AM
#3
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I would go with the 2 piece rotors. The primary problem with OEM floating calipers is caliper flex and uneven pad wear and weight. The weight really isn't much of an issue as its non-rotational, so you're only getting a little less unsprung weight if you switch calipers. Caliper flex isn't a huge problem either.
The two piece floating hat rotors give you several advantages.
1. They are lighter, which reduces unsprung weight more than switching calipers. Plus the weight reduction is in rotational mass as well.
2. They run cooler due to better ventilation and the aluminum hat heat dissipation.
3. They prevent hat distortion under high cornering loads which can happen to OEM fixed hat rotors.
If you elect to change the caliper make sure you get them sized correctly or you will ruin your brake bias and the car won't stop as well as OEM. If you've got big bucks you could do both but if you want only one I'd go with the rotor.
I just switched from a FWD Acura to the RX8 and comparatively speaking the OEM brakes with Cobalt track pads are great. I'm not getting any fade with R-compounds at Sebring.
The two piece floating hat rotors give you several advantages.
1. They are lighter, which reduces unsprung weight more than switching calipers. Plus the weight reduction is in rotational mass as well.
2. They run cooler due to better ventilation and the aluminum hat heat dissipation.
3. They prevent hat distortion under high cornering loads which can happen to OEM fixed hat rotors.
If you elect to change the caliper make sure you get them sized correctly or you will ruin your brake bias and the car won't stop as well as OEM. If you've got big bucks you could do both but if you want only one I'd go with the rotor.
I just switched from a FWD Acura to the RX8 and comparatively speaking the OEM brakes with Cobalt track pads are great. I'm not getting any fade with R-compounds at Sebring.
Last edited by justjim; 11-11-2008 at 09:49 AM.
11-11-2008, 04:17 PM
#5
Momentum Keeps Me Going
...do the 2-piece. You'll have more wheel fitmet issues w/BB kits, as well as previously mentioned possible fnt-rear bias issues. OEM Calipers are heavy but strong, work very well. Weight saving would be the only plus, but at what costs? Alot.
11-14-2008, 01:16 AM
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Not to sound condescending, but how long have you been tracking? Are you sure your lack of braking power is what's holding you back, instead of just driving smoother lines?
Reason I ask is because Mazda has supplied our cars with some fantastic brakes, and not even large STI monocoque Brembos feel like they bite any harder.
Reason I ask is because Mazda has supplied our cars with some fantastic brakes, and not even large STI monocoque Brembos feel like they bite any harder.
11-14-2008, 08:56 AM
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Not to sound condescending, but how long have you been tracking? Are you sure your lack of braking power is what's holding you back, instead of just driving smoother lines?
Reason I ask is because Mazda has supplied our cars with some fantastic brakes, and not even large STI monocoque Brembos feel like they bite any harder.
Reason I ask is because Mazda has supplied our cars with some fantastic brakes, and not even large STI monocoque Brembos feel like they bite any harder.
But since the DBA 5000's were on clearance at tire rack for $236, I jumped on them. RB's 1 piece rotors are about $130, so I thought why not get the weight savings benefit even if the 2 piece rotors are overkill.
11-14-2008, 10:28 AM
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No offense taken...I've ran only 4 HPDEs. I'm at level 2. Of course I have a lot to learn and have been using the brakes less as I progress and able to carry more speed into the corners.
But since the DBA 5000's were on clearance at tire rack for $236, I jumped on them. RB's 1 piece rotors are about $130, so I thought why not get the weight savings benefit even if the 2 piece rotors are overkill.
But since the DBA 5000's were on clearance at tire rack for $236, I jumped on them. RB's 1 piece rotors are about $130, so I thought why not get the weight savings benefit even if the 2 piece rotors are overkill.
I see what you're looking for. Besides, everyone will at some point obsess with upgrading their cars. :p
11-18-2008, 03:27 PM
#13
RX8 Club OG
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I have the upgrade kit from Racingbrake.com..... I have the one piece rotor with the 4 piston caliper... its a noticible change but I will eventually go to the 2-piece rotor
http://www.racingbrake.com/Fits_stoc...set_s/4410.htm
http://www.racingbrake.com/Fits_stoc...set_s/4410.htm
11-18-2008, 05:16 PM
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^...............do it.....I did!
Although I didn't get the drilled(didn't want then), just the curved slotted....
But I'm still on the OEM calipers for now.
Although I didn't get the drilled(didn't want then), just the curved slotted....
But I'm still on the OEM calipers for now.
Last edited by Mazurfer; 11-18-2008 at 05:19 PM.
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