Date:         Wed, 6 Nov 2002 20:43:07 +1300
Reply-To:     Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Subject:      Re: Drilled Rotors vs. Big Brake Kit
In-Reply-To:  <000a01c2853a$95a96820$61109e40@9gcdb01>
Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=us-ascii

>I've got a Syncro w/ 15" 205/65's. Also getting a 2.2L Euro Cars
>motor installed, so a bit more H.P.
>I know the big brakes are obviously better, but more $ then the
>drilled rotors from Fast Forward.
>Will I still get a decent increase in performance w/ the rotors or
>should I go w/ the big brakes?
>Trying to save $ if I can.
>Thanks

>The only good thing drilled rotors will do is shed water for better braking
>in the rain. Every hole is less mass to absorb heat, more potential for
>stress risers and cracks, and cooler running is just speculation. If you
>need more powerful brakes, put on the bigger calipers and rotors. I don't
>think an 0.1 liter boost in motor size is going to justify the need of any
>brake expense beyond stock. Verify those wheels/tires weigh no more than
>stock or you can start pulling the suspension mounts apart.

Drilling the rotors is purely an esthetic thing. It gives no
performance benefit. But the holes DO trap water, thereby lubricating
the brakes... which is why motorcycles don't come with drilled discs.
I had one in which the front discs had been drilled, and boy were
they bad in the wet. They will most certainly NOT shed water!

All other things being equal, bigger discs should give better
mechanical advantage (leverage), as well as larger swept area.
--
Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut