Brake Question

[Purdue_Boiler_Viper]

According to one source:

Gen II Brakes

Front Brakes, Size & Type 13.0 x 1.26 (330.5 x 32) vented disc power assisted w/four-piston Brembo fixed caliper
Swept Area 304.8 sq. in. (1966 sq. cm)

Rear Brakes, Size & Type 13.0 x 0.87 (330.5 x 22) vented disc power assisted w/single piston Brembo sliding caliper
Swept Area 244.3 sq. in. (1576 sq. cm)

Does anyone know how they calculated the "Swept Area", and what it is for the Gen III with the 355 mm rotors?

 

[CANTDRIVE55]

Hi,

I'm guessing: Area(swept) = (pi * r-sqrd (outer edge) - pi * r-sqrd (hub)) * 2 would be close.

 

[PhoenixGTS]

Tom probably has a good calculation already. Search archive for Tom and "swept area" or pm him.

 

[jrkermode]

Swpet area is the surface area the pad clamps upon.

Use CANTDRIVE55's formula, but use the inner diameter of the friction surface instead of the hub diameter (unless that's what he meant).

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

The swept area will indicate the total surface available to convert kinetic energy into heat. It's still only one part of package - tires and brake clamping force are also important, as is the distribution of each factor over the four wheels. You wouldn't expect good braking with snow tires or using OEM rear calipers, no matter how large the swept area.

Swept area also leads you to think a larger pad would help braking, since it produces a larger swept area. It really won't, a larger pad just increases the area that dissipates heat - other things (like the caliper size) are what generate the heat.

 

[ROCKET62]

Tom,

Might be time to update your sig to "Fuels & Lubes & Brakes Geek of the Realm".

I did Tom's upgrade last year and the difference is stunning! Viper now "squats" with no nose dive whatsoever. Stopping is almost as much fun as going!