RE: alfa-digest V8 #236 - Brake upgrades

["Brian Shorey" <bshorey@domain.elided>]

> Having the same brake pads (porterfields R) in both cars, and taking into
> account the big weight difference, I notice that my 74 GTV has
> about 4 times
> more braking power than my non-ABS 89 Milano Verde.  Same fluid,
> etc.  Even
> when really cold, the GTV race pads don't have to *wait* to get
> warm to stop
> the car on the street.  Even more difference at the track.
> My opinion: the master cylinder/booster unit.  May be you should
> take a look
> in that direction as well.  No use in having 5 piston calipers,
> 45 cm disks,
> and no fluid pressure.

I don't think the master cylinder will affect braking distances that much.
Pedal pressure, yes, braking distances, no (imo).

I'd hazard a guess that the reason your GTV stops so much better than your
Milano, with the same pads, is because it weighs 400 - 500 lbs less.

If you want to stop faster, you need to increase the surface area of the
brake pads, or change the compound.  Obviously you then need to deal with
tires breaking loose, temperatures, etc.

Fwiw,

bs

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