Rotor Weight

[swift996]

Originally Posted by industrial

This sounds like a really interesting option. Please keep us posted. I'm all for dropping weight, 16 pounds a corner is huge. I just hope it performs well too but at such a large weight differential I wonder if this will hold up to 30 minute sessions at a HPDE or something along those lines?

I think these will be a good option for the spirited driver who might take part in a couple autocrosses/track days. They are slightly thinner than the OEM rotors by 1mm. These are designed for the weight of a WRX so I'm sure they will hold up fine with a BRZ. I'll be taking my car to mid-ohio in June and these will be much better than the OEM brakes.

I got the bolts in yesterday and am having them installed on Monday. I will update when I get them on.

[SubieNate]

Originally Posted by Grimlock

Rotors typically aren't the best place to save weight. Sure, it's less rotating mass. But rotors also act as thermal heat sinks (which is why they heat up). The less mass the rotors have (stay with the same material) the less thermal capacity they have and the quicker your calipers and brake fluid start to over heat.

Actually, it takes roughly twice the amount of input heat energy to raise aluminum 1* as it does iron. So assuming that you have good heat transfer to the aluminum hat, you could cut roughly half the mass and still have approximately the same thermal capacity just because of the properties of the metals used.

Now, it may be that there is some reduction in heat transfer to the aluminum hub due to smaller surface area in contact with the iron disk and/or heat transfer characteristics (How easily heat moves in and out of the material through thermal conduction) but straight mass isn't a good indicator of "thermal mass."



Nathan

[ender2664]

I don't use this car for autocross or racing period, I personally do not consider it a sports/racing car, although I know that is the general consense of the public. I am not too worried about the rotors heating to a point I need to worry about on daily driving.

[miodculae]

thanks for the info. i'm looking to improve braking performance and reduce unsprung weight.

the two piece rotor linked above actually includes brake pads in the price.

just add some steel brake lines and you're done.