A quote is attributed to Enzo Ferrari, "what
do you want big brakes for, they just slow you down."
Whether "il Commendatore" ever really expressed that
sentiment or not, it has a core of truth. In any form of motorsport
or racing, weight is the enemy. It takes more power to accelerate a
heavier car, heavier cars steer and take corners slower, and require
more time or bigger (heavier) brakes to slow down. Stripping
off extra weight makes a car quicker and more agile. Race
classes have minimum weight rules to equalize the field, and trying
to dip below that amount without getting caught is a popular
"cheat" for obvious reasons. Various weight-saving parts
are used in any serious performance car such as lightweight wheels,
carbon fiber or aluminum body panels, removal of insulation
material, etc. This "diet plan" makes for a lighter and
therefore faster and better-handling vehicle.
With most of the typical "big" brake kits,
the mammoth calipers and oversize rotors can add a significant
amount of weight, working against the weight reduction effort. Even
more than just static weight, the oversize rotor which can often be
as much as 10lbs heavier than the original rotor has an even greater
effect as it is a rotating mass, the weight gain multiplied by the
moment of inertia physics concept.
"Big" brakes really can slow you down... even when you
don't want them to.
Alcon's use of aerospace grade aluminum alloy (as opposed to simple
standard cast aluminum) has changed how brake calipers are designed
and built in such a way that class-leading strength and light weight
can be shared benefits. Additionally, the use of aluminum center
sections in the rotors and lighter but stronger heat-treated
mil-spec steel bracketry contributes to the weight reduction.
A simple comparison demonstrates the weight reduction. Depending on
the application, the UUC/Alcon kit is an easy way to drop unsprung
weight from the front of the car:
| brake package |
rotor size |
total weight
includes caliper, bracket,
rotor, and pads |
weight loss
per corner |
TOTAL
WEIGHT LOSS |
| UUC/Alcon |
325mmx28mm |
27.25 lbs. |
- |
- |
| E46 330 |
325mmx25mm |
35.36 lbs. |
8.11 lbs. |
16.22 lbs. |
| E36 M3 |
315mmx28mm |
30.26 lbs. |
3.01 lbs. |
6.02 lbs. |
| E36 325 |
286mmx22mm |
26.71 lbs. |
-.54 lbs. |
-1.08 lbs. |
This kind of weight loss means
not only less mass to accelerate (so the car is faster in the
straights), but also less mass to turn and stop...all
of which adds up to make your car faster!