29 | ASP February 2017
Technical
generate a higher coefficient of friction. Some
ultra-exotic applications employ carbon/
carbon rotors and pads or other unique
application-specific pad compounding.
e evolution of semi-met materials has
come a long way over the past few years to
accommodate the higher energy generated
during braking.
Depending on the application, high per-
formance fitments may feature ceramics,
Aramids or some application-specific semi-
metallic formulation.
Stopping power is of obvious importance
on any vehicle application, but for "spirited
driving," the customer will expect and demand
consistent braking with a high degree of fade
resistance, so don't compromise.
Bear in mind that these customers are not
going to be as budget minded as others, so
regardless of cost, always select the highest-
performing pads for these discriminating
customers.
e point we're making is that high-end/high
performance applications require pads that are
designed for specific makes and models.
Rotors
High performance vehicles (this may
include both late-model OEM vehicles that
push the legal limits in terms of horsepower,
torque, handling and braking, as well as
custom vehicles built with these attributes)
require high performance brakes. As part
of the system, brake rotors must be able to
withstand the rigors of performance use.
In addition to potential rotor wear, issues
of concern involve cooling channel rust.
As these heat-evacuation channels become
clogged, the rotor tends to absorb more heat.
As heat increases, the chances of disc crack-
ing, wear and warping increase.
If you discover rotor warp, it's best to
replace the rotor(s) rather than resurfacing.
Machining the disc reduces its thickness,
making it even more susceptible to warping
and cracking due to overheating. When you're
dealing with a mega-dollar vehicle, don't cut
corners. Buy the best rotors available that
meet the same material and design criteria as
the original equipment rotors.
Premium performance rotors may feature
a high carbon content. Citing Centric Parts'
offerings as an example, a proprietary blend
of molybdenum and chromium is used in
the casting process, which boosts braking
power, reduces potential squeal, resists stress
cracking under extreme braking use and aids
in heat dissipation.
From an appearance standpoint, this
formula also resists oxidation/rust, making
the rotors looking good for a longer period of
time, as the increased chromium and carbon
content is also more resistant to oxidation.
Raybestos R-300 high performance rotors
represent another example of high-carbon
metallurgy that improves cooling and
vibration-cancelling. High performance
aftermarket rotors are offered by a number of
manufacturers including Centric Parts, Brake
Parts Inc. LLC (Raybestos) and others.
Whether replacing with new OEM or after-
market components, these vehicles require
the highest quality rotors, pads and calipers
that provide a direct-fit.
Today's quality aftermarket suppliers
Some high performance rotors employed by
OEMs feature an exotic disc construction formula
such as carbon fiber-infused material. The point is
that not all rotors are simply made of "cast iron."