newbe post...PYSICS question re brakes
01-15-2004 | 08:54 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
newbe post...PYSICS question re brakes
Okay, as we learned in HS, torque = force x distance. So, if you put larger diameter rotors on your z32, say skyline rotors, but kept the stock calipers, would you realize an increase in braking power? I would assume so, even with the same pads. But it's sort of confusing when you think of it because there is more inertia at the same time.....
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
01-15-2004 | 09:13 PM
#2
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,672
From: Gerber, CA
I have the skyline brake kit on my Z32. It has the larger 4 piston calipers up front, but the stock calipers in the back. The comparison is difficlut to make over stock because the skyline kit came with cross-drilled rotors. The front rotors are not only slightly larger in diameter, but much thicker. There rear rotors are same diameter but thicker than stock also. The difference between the Skyline kit and the stock brakes is tremendous. I agree with your analysis. Larger rotors would create better stopping power, or at least would stop the car sooner by using your equation. It would probably not be enough to really make a difference though. You'll see a greater improvement in braking power by upgrading calipers also. The bigger, stronger calipers grab the rotor much harder, but this creates more heat. The larger rotors will dissipate that heat much better than stock. Excess heat may cause them to warp. My stock rotors were very warped and I'm not hard on my brakes.
Cheers, and welcome to the club!
Cheers, and welcome to the club!
01-16-2004 | 08:47 AM
#4
confuzed member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,074
From: Salinas, CA
I'm in a Z club here in San Diego, and one of the guys owns a shop called Powertrix, he was just talking about how he's putting together a kit that includes the skyline rotors and a bunch of other stuff, would you like me to keep you updated? Let me know if you're interested.
01-16-2004 | 09:19 AM
#5
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,494
From: Palmyra,Va
hell yeah, i would love to upgrade my brakes. see not too many z owners where i live+ the ones that do have them are not the type of people that should have them if you know what i mean. i just wonder how those z's ended up in their hadsa to begin with.
01-16-2004 | 10:28 AM
#6
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,672
From: Gerber, CA
I bought mine from Stillen 3 years ago. I've got 50k miles on the car since then. I haven't replaced the pads and there's still a lot of life on them. They sell for $1600 from Stillen. Ultimate Z has the same kit for now $1300. Don't waste your time with stillen.
01-16-2004 | 11:46 PM
#12
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,672
From: Gerber, CA
Also check out The Brake Man at www.specailtyz.com. They look pretty nice. Brembo and Stoptech are also a step or 2 above the Skyline kit.
01-17-2004 | 12:26 AM
#13
Administrative Brown Guy
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,406
From: Ontario, Canada
The great thing about brakes is that they are fairly simple. In brakes, friction is king so, bigger is better. So if one can afford the larger brake rotors and calipers get them.
If you can't afford them though, the way to go is with stock sized rotors that are either cross drilled or slotted or both. Upgraded pads help out alot more than ppl would think as well.
If you can't afford them though, the way to go is with stock sized rotors that are either cross drilled or slotted or both. Upgraded pads help out alot more than ppl would think as well.
01-22-2004 | 03:11 PM
#15
Administrative Brown Guy
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,406
From: Ontario, Canada
01-27-2004 | 09:00 PM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
first post as a new member...here goes
From what I have learned, drilled rotors are best for improved performance for normal driving. The drilled rotors, while decrease friction area, increase efficiency of cooling, reducing fade, but not directly increasing stopping power (assuming OEM diameter).
Slotted and slotted/drilled rotors are for racing conditions. Where fade is a major factor when breaks don't have time to cool down. While the slots do help cool the rotor, their main function is to cut or resurface the pads to keep a fresh contact surface. Perhaps you have seen how dirty slotted rotors and their wheels get. This is because they greatly reduce the life of the pad, no matter what compound.
So thats my take on rotors...feel free to correct me or add to what I have said.
I like the feel of this forum compared to others I've seen, and the people seem very nice...I think my Z and I will like it here
From what I have learned, drilled rotors are best for improved performance for normal driving. The drilled rotors, while decrease friction area, increase efficiency of cooling, reducing fade, but not directly increasing stopping power (assuming OEM diameter).
Slotted and slotted/drilled rotors are for racing conditions. Where fade is a major factor when breaks don't have time to cool down. While the slots do help cool the rotor, their main function is to cut or resurface the pads to keep a fresh contact surface. Perhaps you have seen how dirty slotted rotors and their wheels get. This is because they greatly reduce the life of the pad, no matter what compound.
So thats my take on rotors...feel free to correct me or add to what I have said.
I like the feel of this forum compared to others I've seen, and the people seem very nice...I think my Z and I will like it here
01-27-2004 | 09:24 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
I figure a little background wouldn't hurt:
just turned 21 last week...
My 91 is my 2nd Z, I had a great 87 N/A automatic as my first car, I really value a car more now that I did work on my first Z myself. Yeah I was that typical teen who wrecked his Z...without full insurance coverage...ouch. But I kept it, if I had the full coverage it would've been totaled. Long story short I bought a parts Z and rebuilt my original one, swapped everything but the engine on the front end and got it repainted. Then fell in love with Z32's. Cut my losses and the Z31 now has a nice new owner.
Got my 91 2+2 5spd with 100k on it for $6300. Some things needed replaced between then and now, so I've been upgrading them as I go, clutch, flywheel, exhaust etc. It came with no stereo so I had lots of options with that, and spent a months pay to do it tastefully. I'm very pleased with my Z's progress and it was even great in stock trim. I think many Z owners will agree with me that a Z is a drivers car. A true sports car with a heritage dating back a long way. I will always own a Z. I'm also involved in SCCA rally events, my co-driver and I can't wait for our shot in clubrally. What can I say, I love to drive.
Ever since my first Z I've wanted to know every aspect of how they work, mechanically and the physics of everything. Luckily I had a very cool physics prof. that knew a lot about mechanical and rotational engergy (what all automotive power can be reduced to). So I've been learning a lot to help myself and others as I can.
Sorry if that's too much of a read or not in the correct post. Thanks for the welcome!
just turned 21 last week...
My 91 is my 2nd Z, I had a great 87 N/A automatic as my first car, I really value a car more now that I did work on my first Z myself. Yeah I was that typical teen who wrecked his Z...without full insurance coverage...ouch. But I kept it, if I had the full coverage it would've been totaled. Long story short I bought a parts Z and rebuilt my original one, swapped everything but the engine on the front end and got it repainted. Then fell in love with Z32's. Cut my losses and the Z31 now has a nice new owner.
Got my 91 2+2 5spd with 100k on it for $6300. Some things needed replaced between then and now, so I've been upgrading them as I go, clutch, flywheel, exhaust etc. It came with no stereo so I had lots of options with that, and spent a months pay to do it tastefully. I'm very pleased with my Z's progress and it was even great in stock trim. I think many Z owners will agree with me that a Z is a drivers car. A true sports car with a heritage dating back a long way. I will always own a Z. I'm also involved in SCCA rally events, my co-driver and I can't wait for our shot in clubrally. What can I say, I love to drive.
Ever since my first Z I've wanted to know every aspect of how they work, mechanically and the physics of everything. Luckily I had a very cool physics prof. that knew a lot about mechanical and rotational engergy (what all automotive power can be reduced to). So I've been learning a lot to help myself and others as I can.
Sorry if that's too much of a read or not in the correct post. Thanks for the welcome!
01-28-2004 | 02:06 AM
#19
Administrative Brown Guy
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,406
From: Ontario, Canada
Welcome to our forum.
Thanks for joining and taking an interest in sharing and learning about the Z32.
Feel free to search about and learn all you want.
Unlike some of these other guys (especially lately), feel free to start a new thread whenever you'd like.
enjoy,
Riz
Thanks for joining and taking an interest in sharing and learning about the Z32.
Feel free to search about and learn all you want.
Unlike some of these other guys (especially lately), feel free to start a new thread whenever you'd like.
enjoy,
Riz
01-28-2004 | 10:29 AM
#20
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,494
From: Palmyra,Va
Unlike some of these other guys (especially lately), feel free to start a new thread whenever you'd like.
. for example we talked about a 60k service, and ended up talking about hot lesbians getting it on. so we learned about 60k and lesbians...and lets face it you have to know about both
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