I'm no expert either but I suspect it boils down to surface area. Bigger rotors
probably means bigger calipers and larger pad surface area and that translates
to greater braking ability. The extra surface area and the drilled/slotted part
just help with cooling and reduces the tendency for fade.
Stan
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-6pack@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-6pack@autox.team.net] On Behalf
Of Dr L. Kevin McNelis
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 10:24 AM
To: 6pack@autox.team.net
Subject: general question: Brakes
OK, let me start by saying I AIN"T NO ENGINEER, and there are lots of
things about my LBC that I don't understand.
Why do those who build their cars for racing applications go for larger
brake rotors? I undertand the vented and cross-drilled, allows for
faster cooling of the rotor, prevents brake fade under hard use. But
why larger (i.e. greater diameter) rotors? Same reason? Larger mass
to absorb more heat, to prevent fade? It seems to me that if you have
a big enough rotor to lock up the wheels/tires, you have enough brakes!
Do the larger rotors help under repeated braking situations?
Thanks, and yes, I'm ignorant. That's why I asked.
Kevin
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