AP Racing brake systems in development

[JRitt]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

So, Caliper, tell me, how are you doing today?

I'm doing well, thanks for asking!

My rotor temps are ~1,050-1,150F. Caliper temps with non-full metallic pads was very low. With full metallic pads (CL RC6Es) and harder braking they were in the mid-upper 300s which is pretty warm but not hot enough yet to be a concern, not enough to boil fluid, etc.

It is enough that I'm actually considering brake ducts though, just in case..

What he said!
Most people just think of brake ducts as something to add cold air to the brake system. They are actually more of a tool in managing heat in the brake system, as you don't always want more cool air. On some tracks, one would want to have your ducts wide open, on others partially blocked, and on some possibly even closed. The goal is to reduce the temperature swings on the discs as much as possible. That's what leads to cracking. Also, most brake pads have a temperature range in which they are most effective. So on an easy braking track with a quality big brake kit, you could possibly be running below your ideal temperature range if you have your brake ducts fully open with maximum airflow into the discs.

The temperatures your brakes see depend on the car setup/power/tires/driving style/and on course layout...how far is it between brake zones? How much will the brakes cool during that time? How heavy are those brake zones (140mph down to 50mph, or 120 down to 80mph)? The first step to finding out what works best is to record data as Dave-ROR is doing. Once you have your data, you can analyze it and work towards the best solution.

For example, in NASCAR Sprint Cup we provide the teams with different calipers and discs for each type of track. On a Super Speedway, they use the lightest setup possible to reduce unsprung weight. If you took that setup to Watkins Glen though, you'd fry them easily. For a tough road course like that, we provide them with a heavy duty package that uses a disc with more thermal mass. It just depends on the particular situation.

The point is, gathering data and knowing what your car is doing is always a good thing. With that info you can optimize performance. With brakes, ducts give you an additional tool at your disposal to do so. They add some flexibility to the system by either increasing or limiting the cooling airflow to the brakes. It's just like using a tire pyrometer. You can take temps across the tread block to figure out how much camber you need to optimize your contact patch. In that example, your camber plate/bolts/whatever would be the same sort of tool as your ducts. You adjust them based on the heat data for any given condition/situation.

[JRitt]

This came up in another thread...here are all of the fitment templates for the various brake kits Essex offers:

Essex Sprint Kit wheel fitment template

Essex Endurance Kit wheel fitment template

AP Racing Formula Big Brake Kit Six piston front wheel fitment template

AP Racing Formula Big Brake Kit Four piston front wheel fitment template

AP Racing Formula Big Brake Kit Four piston rear wheel fitment template

[Hanakuso]

Jeff, what do you recommend when storing either stock or AP calipers? I've read conflicting ideas such as leaving brake fluid in, taking it out, spraying brake fluid on them, etc

[OrbitalEllipses]

You either want to leave the fluid in and seal them so they don't get air/moisture in them OR you want to drain them so there's no fluid in them. Store in a cool, dry place.

Personally, I have some disassembled Brembo calipers in the garage. The seals are double-bagged in brake fluid and the calipers are unsealed with no fluid in them. Make sure they're dry if you do it this way, as the calipers can mold if there's leftover brake fluid.

Caliper can provide a better answer, but that's what I've done in the past.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

You either want to leave the fluid in and seal them so they don't get air/moisture in them OR you want to drain them so there's no fluid in them. Store in a cool, dry place.

Personally, I have some disassembled Brembo calipers in the garage. The seals are double-bagged in brake fluid and the calipers are unsealed with no fluid in them. Make sure they're dry if you do it this way, as the calipers can mold if there's leftover brake fluid.

Caliper can provide a better answer, but that's what I've done in the past.

This is honestly a question I've never even considered. My OEM clappers (that will be Caliper's next name BTW) are sitting in a plastic bin.. somewhere. I don't even remember where

[OrbitalEllipses]

You slay me, Dave.

[Hanakuso]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

You either want to leave the fluid in and seal them so they don't get air/moisture in them OR you want to drain them so there's no fluid in them. Store in a cool, dry place.

Personally, I have some disassembled Brembo calipers in the garage. The seals are double-bagged in brake fluid and the calipers are unsealed with no fluid in them. Make sure they're dry if you do it this way, as the calipers can mold if there's leftover brake fluid.

Caliper can provide a better answer, but that's what I've done in the past.

Thanks

Not sure how a caliper can answer the question better tho

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by Hanakuso

Thanks

Not sure how a caliper can answer the question better tho

Caliper = JR = J Ritt = Jeff Ritter.

Soon Clapper = Caliper = etc.

[CSG Mike]

Hmmm our OEM calipers are just sitting on a shelf...

[OrbitalEllipses]

There's always a PROPER way to do things and then the way they're done. Nothing wrong with OEM brakes rotting a shelf since you're not likely to need them again.

[evilconcarne999]

anyone know or can chime in if the AP sprint kit will clear konig feathers 17x7.5 45 offset? just ordered the sprint kit and didn't realize that these don't clear certain wheels. If they don't clear then they are going up for sale, just don't have a printer handy right now to print out the template, thanks.

[ICantAffordAnLFA]

Just finalising my endurance system order

[Captain Snooze]

So I tracked my car for the first time a couple of weeks ago. It has the Sprint Kit fitted with DS2500 pads + 225 AD08s . I have temperature strips attached to each caliper as well. I didn't rate my skill level very high before going to the track but now I rate it even lower. Why? The temperature strips haven't registered!! That is I haven't even warmed the brakes enough for the strips to turn black at 149c. I'm going to cry.

(Do temperature strips have a use by date? Yeah, I bet that's it. They're broken)

[Dave-ROR]

Yep I managed it first for these cars with the sprint kit I believe sorry for the large pic.