Anyone have experience with FMs little big brake kit
10-31-2013, 12:26 PM
#1
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Anyone have experience with FMs little big brake kit
Hi guys,
Im considering upgrading the front calipers on Project Lazarus in order to cope with the pad taper that is starting to appear with the stock 1.6 brake calipers. Additionally, the pad cost for the powerlite calipers used in this kit is actually lower than the cost of the same pads for the stock calipers. I would use the opportunity to upgrade to the 1.8 brake rotors, I dont see a reason to go to the sport rotors since I dont forsee a need for massive rotors based on the relatively low speeds that Lazarus generates in a straight line. The car will always be a naturally aspirated 1.6 that only weighs 2050 full of fuel and driver that so far hasnt seen speeds higher than 115. I know there are a variety of "big boy pants" kits out there, but for the budget that this car is on and the lack of weight these brakes need to cope with would this be a viable option? The car will see a ton a late braking and my home track has a relatively decent straight where you haul the car down from 100+ into a chicane. My only worry is that the calipers wont hold up to the abuse of r comps and extremely late braking based on the fact that FM does not recommend this kit for hard track use.
Flyin' Miata : Chassis : Big brake kits : FM Little Big Brake Kit (front only)
This is the kit in question.
Im considering upgrading the front calipers on Project Lazarus in order to cope with the pad taper that is starting to appear with the stock 1.6 brake calipers. Additionally, the pad cost for the powerlite calipers used in this kit is actually lower than the cost of the same pads for the stock calipers. I would use the opportunity to upgrade to the 1.8 brake rotors, I dont see a reason to go to the sport rotors since I dont forsee a need for massive rotors based on the relatively low speeds that Lazarus generates in a straight line. The car will always be a naturally aspirated 1.6 that only weighs 2050 full of fuel and driver that so far hasnt seen speeds higher than 115. I know there are a variety of "big boy pants" kits out there, but for the budget that this car is on and the lack of weight these brakes need to cope with would this be a viable option? The car will see a ton a late braking and my home track has a relatively decent straight where you haul the car down from 100+ into a chicane. My only worry is that the calipers wont hold up to the abuse of r comps and extremely late braking based on the fact that FM does not recommend this kit for hard track use.
Flyin' Miata : Chassis : Big brake kits : FM Little Big Brake Kit (front only)
This is the kit in question.
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11-01-2013, 08:49 AM
#2
The LBBK in the front does loose some thermal capacity in the pad since the pads are slightly smaller. I'd probably only run them with 1.6 sized rotors on the front at auto-x. AND they also probably dont fit your wheels with 1.6 sized rotors and you'll need to go to 1.8 size anyways.
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11-02-2013, 01:18 PM
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I can't see how the Wilwood calipers would be any worse than a stock 1.6. The Wilwood description for the PowerLite is:
The Powerlite four piston radial mount caliper starts at 2.26 pounds with a sleek profile, superior strength, lightweight and durable in higher temperature situations. Easily adapted to a wide range of sports, rally, and off road driving applications.
(Wilwood High-Performance Disc Brakes - Powerlite Calipers)
I would think that for a 2000 pound 115 hp car it should be plenty for the track.
--Ian
The Powerlite four piston radial mount caliper starts at 2.26 pounds with a sleek profile, superior strength, lightweight and durable in higher temperature situations. Easily adapted to a wide range of sports, rally, and off road driving applications.
(Wilwood High-Performance Disc Brakes - Powerlite Calipers)
I would think that for a 2000 pound 115 hp car it should be plenty for the track.
--Ian
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