[DeTomaso] Brake Upgrade - Opinions?

[Kirby Schrader]

Gosh, Mike.... I got you beat!

I've had Wilwoods on my car since 1985. Put me down for 25 years.
Nyah, nyah, nyah.

:-)

And they fit 15" Campys if need be. Of course, they do look kinda' small with the 18" wheels, but they still stop very well.
Street or track. Never had a problem with them.

I do have the more aggressive compound for the pads (I forget which one, but the GT40 has the same), so they squeal a little bit if you don't use them hard, but one good stop and they shut up.

FWIW,
Kirby

On Nov 10, 2011, at 6:30 PM, MikeLDrew at aol.com wrote:

> 
> In a message dated 11/10/11 16 20 16, bjbstewart at yahoo.com writes:
> 
> 
>> Anyone have a particularly good experience with a vendors' offering? 
>>  Alternatives that make sense? 
>> 
> 
> I am very happy with the Wilwood-based package I got from Pantera 
> Performance Center.   Significantly, they locate the rotors on the back side of the 
> hubs, in the stock fashion.   This is a pain in the ass because it requires 
> you to break down your hub carriers (press out the axles etc.) to change the 
> rotors.   Of course, even if you got the other style that slips the rotor 
> hats over the studs,   you would STILL have to break them down to remove the 
> old rotors, don't forget!   So it's really not a big deal unless you think 
> you would be changing rotors on a routine basis--which I guarantee you 
> wouldn't!
> 
> I have stock Campagnolo wheels, so my rotors are sized accordingly.   
> Lately the vendors have been moving towards larger rotors which prevent the use 
> of 15-inch wheels.   That's fine if you have larger wheels, but it also 
> commits you to them.   Strictly speaking, such large rotors aren't necessary.   
> The limiting factor on stopping power is tire traction, and my 
> 12-inch-diameter rotors with four-piston Wilwood calipers are more than capable of 
> overwhelming the tires, even after 30-45 minutes of track abuse.   Larger rotors 
> have greater weight and greater flywheel effect, but they also have greater 
> torque, so for a given amount of clamping power, you get more braking force.
> 
> I got my brake setup in 1993, and at the time the only parking brake option 
> was to retain the stock rear caliper.   Accordingly, I got narrow .75 inch 
> thick rear vented rotors.   If I had it to do all over again, I would opt 
> for full-thickness rotors front and rear.
> 
> Yes, Wilwood calipers are lacking the dust seals etc. necessary for DOT 
> compliance.   Whoop de freaking do.   Mine have been on the car for going on 15 
> years with no problems; I also have them on the Cobra, same story.
> 
> If you are keen to have the best possible brakes, one option would be a 
> Porsche 911/Brembo-based package.   Several listers have taken it upon 
> themselves to invent such a system; there has been a lot of engineering and 
> head-scratching, and even procurement of components (used calipers from Porsche 
> speciality junkyards, and (I think) new rotors), but precious little on-the-road 
> data.   I suspect this is because the principals have cars that are 
> perpetual restoration/modification projects (pot calling the kettle black there!)
> 
> If you want to engineer the system with a checkbook, Hall Pantera has ONE 
> full Brembo brake package left sitting on the shelf.   Brembo and Hall worked 
> together, and Brembo engineers designed a complete system specifically for 
> the Pantera, using Ferrari F40 components.   NOT cheap; the complete package 
> retails for something in the $8000-9000 range.   But think of the bragging 
> rights that would go along with it!   I've driven a Ferrari F40, and the 
> brakes are outstanding, with perfect balance, modulation and feel with no power 
> assist necessary.
> 
> You pays your money, you takes your choice.....
> 
> Mike
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