Lightweight Brakes
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 2,641
From: Texas Hill Country
Lightweight Brakes
What are the lightest calipers and rotors available for our cars?
I am not going to use them for road racing, just for drag pulls and some normal street driving....
Thanks!
I am not going to use them for road racing, just for drag pulls and some normal street driving....
Thanks!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 743
Likes: 30
From: Farmington Hills Michigan
There is someone that makes titanium brake rotors for C5's. Red Devil Brakes is the company I think. The rotors cost about $1k each. They were talked about years ago in the Autocross & Road Racing section and determined not to be a good choice for road racing type events. They cracked. I'm not sure how they would do for your application.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Not sure "lightweight brakes" make sense for your use. Reducing sprung weight is more important for road racing and handling. For drag racing, weight is weight, easier and cheaper ways to reduce.
I would suggest drilled and slotted rotors, they will save some weight. BTW, two piece rotors with aluminum top hats are usually the lightest (and most expensive) rotors.
I would suggest drilled and slotted rotors, they will save some weight. BTW, two piece rotors with aluminum top hats are usually the lightest (and most expensive) rotors.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 2,641
From: Texas Hill Country
Everything makes sense for me application. Nothing makes sense for my application.
I am open to more ideas than just rotors. Calipers, wheels (what are lighter than the stock Z06 wheels - and I don't mean by a pound - more like wheels around 12-15 lbs....), etc.
I am open to more ideas than just rotors. Calipers, wheels (what are lighter than the stock Z06 wheels - and I don't mean by a pound - more like wheels around 12-15 lbs....), etc.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,361
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte Area NC
Solution for thought
Here is what I'm in the process of working on:
SuperLight Calipers from Wilwood
2 piece rotors from Hardbar
www.hardbarusa.com and ask for Gary.
This, from what I've seen, is one of the lightest combinations you can go with. Hardbar rotors in C6 Z06 sizes weigh in around 15lbs front and 14 lbs rear. Amazing.
Check it out.
SuperLight Calipers from Wilwood
2 piece rotors from Hardbar
www.hardbarusa.com and ask for Gary.
This, from what I've seen, is one of the lightest combinations you can go with. Hardbar rotors in C6 Z06 sizes weigh in around 15lbs front and 14 lbs rear. Amazing.
Check it out.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: tempe Arizona
1. Lighter weight two piece hats/rotors.
2. The use of lighter castings for the rotors.
3. Hat to rotor relationships that favor the largest hat.
4. Calipers that are smaller and lighter but must maintain the same piston area.
5. Calipers with smaller and thinner pads. (pads can be very heavy)
None of that is terribly difficult or hard do come by. The only issue you need to be aware of is that what's "right" for the drag race is not ideal for the street and has no place on the open track day. Different use applications require a different mindset about what you want to exploit. In this case you're after lighter parts suitable for one good stop.
2. The use of lighter castings for the rotors.
3. Hat to rotor relationships that favor the largest hat.
4. Calipers that are smaller and lighter but must maintain the same piston area.
5. Calipers with smaller and thinner pads. (pads can be very heavy)
None of that is terribly difficult or hard do come by. The only issue you need to be aware of is that what's "right" for the drag race is not ideal for the street and has no place on the open track day. Different use applications require a different mindset about what you want to exploit. In this case you're after lighter parts suitable for one good stop.
