BIG BRAKE KIT PRODUCT OVERVIEW

In simple terms, optimum brake bias (balance) is obtained when a vehicle's front-to-rear brake force ratio (or force bias) exactly matches the same vehicle's dynamic front-to-rear weight distribution (or weight bias) under a given loading and deceleration condition. As shown in the figure to the right, distributing brake force so that all four tires are simultaneously generating deceleration proportional to the four individual corner weights will maximize brake efficiency. Consequently, the stopping distance will be minimized.

It is purely the combination of these two factors - brake force and corner weight - that determines a vehicle's optimum brake bias. Therefore, when selecting a big brake upgrade one should be aware that changing the force (or torque) output of the front brake components without changing the force (or torque) output of the rear brake components can cause an undesirable shift in bias.

Starting at 3,300 lb. static, corner weight changes that occur dynamically at 1.05 g.

For optimum brake bias, the brake force at 1.05g would be 2,652 pounds brake force front, 813 pounds brake force rear

The most dramatic brake bias mismatches are usually brought about by big brake "upgrades" which are not properly matched to the intended vehicle. How can this occur? Any time that a bigger front rotor is installed there is a simultaneous need to decrease the effective clamping force of the caliper (installing smaller pistons is the easiest method) to offset the increased torque created by larger rotor effective radius (see the chart on next page). Unfortunately, too many of these "upgrades" do not take this factor into account, and those applications end up with both bigger rotors and larger pistons which serve to drastically shift the brake bias forward. As a result, stopping distances can go up dramatically.

So why does brake bias matter? On the race track, outbraking your opponent by just two feet every lap might not sound like much, but over the course of a twenty lap sprint race it can result in a three to four car length advantage at the checkered flag. To the racer, decreased braking distance is the same as free horsepower.

Street drivers also need to take heed of bias, as the effects of improper bias not only result in sub-optimal stopping distances but can also include sub-optimal brake pad life (too much front bias) and/or premature ABS activations. For example, if a car is too heavily front-biased in its typical operating deceleration range, it will wear front brake pads more quickly due to the fact that the rear brakes are not contributing as much as they could be.

StopTech is the only brake upgrade company providing proper brake bias with front only or four wheel brake upgrades. As our test data below clearly shows, attention to brake bias matters whether you are racing for the lead or are simply driving to work. This is exactly the reason why StopTech performs instrumented testing for new applications we develop. You're not just buying parts - you're also buying the assurance that the brake bias has been developed, tested, and ultimately optimized for your exact application.

Benefits of Balanced Brake Upgrades™

• Shorter stopping distances
• Firmer brake pedal
• Improved brake modulation
• Reduced brake pedal travel
• Optimized for ABS performance
• Optimized for OEM master cylinder