Need help on 360 Challenge brake parts source

I just bought my first set from GIRODISC.

They look good, but I havent used them yet.

 

Pads: cobaltfriction.com - they won't have the pimpy "ferrari" brand pad, but they have real race pads you could use instead and with marked success.
Rotors: cobalt can get you the rotors as well, but like someone else mentioned, giro's got em too.
regards.

 

I had a great chat with an Aussie engineering legend today. A guy named Keith Shelton. Know's his stuff this man, been there, done it, got beaten, got angry, got even, beat 'em...that sort of guy.

Anyway, he had a look at the Girodisc discs and says they're ok, but not as good as Brembo.

They are lighter, which helps unsprung mass, but hinders heat dissipation slightly. No big deal though. He also pointed out the casting technique is different (slightly inferior), and has a couple of tighter radius's (radii?), which could potentially pose long term fatigue problems.

The problem with 360C brakes are very few..they're awesome, but they DO wear the radial bobbin slots prematurely, meaning replacement of the disc well before they're worn or cracked excessively in many instances, so I think any long term issues are minimised.

I'll happily try the girodiscs as they're available quite quickly, cost effectively.

Brembo's are still the best, but I'm game for a test.

Wayne. I wouldn't waste money trying new calipers. The whole brake set up on 360C is simply awesome performance wise. The only reason you'd change calipers would be to fit in wider endurance pads. If you really must, go to the 360GT brake set up, but then the pads are so thick it can cause problems actually getting temperature up to work properly...same problem with 355C brakes. Pads are simply too thick for sprinting to keep them in the optimum temperature band.

 

No wayne. The std plain surface are not so good. The more slots the less cracks, but also excessive pad wear and snatch. We tried 24 slots for a while. Stops like hell but eats your pads.

8 grooves as Girodisc/basic brembo are good. The current Brembo new discs have a "squiggle" shape slot cut. This is less abrasive to the pads, less snatchy too, while allowing surface expansion to minimise cracking.

If you have access to a cryogenic heat cycling facility it's worth using. Controlled heating and extreme cooling re-aligns the molecules and shuffles all the carbon around to reduce cracking considerably. I do it for endurance races if time/budget permits. Don't bother for sprinting though.

Std 360C DS3000 pads on plain surface discs are crap on a high braking load track too.

We have one of the most "anti" brake tracks here in Calder Pk. std 360C brakes will only last 6 laps or so without frying the pads.

Go to Grooved discs with Pagid or PFC high end pads of your choice and you'll be ok. Pagid RS14B, PFC 93, 01, 03 in front are my choices. Balance the rear to suit your style with Pagid 4-4, or 14B. 4-2 are an option, but only for the rear, and they won't last long.

The bobbin slot wears in the discs. Hat's will last for at least 10 disc replacements. Bobbin last ages too, the little bolts can be a bugger when replacing, so carry spares.

The rate you replace discs will really depend on many things. With the most aggressive pads, hot conditions and a REALLY hot driver on a harsh track, you could kill a set of discs in 300km. Mostly though, they'll last 2000km approx. Pads will last about 650km on front....again HIGHLY subjective though. You could half or triple these distances.

I'll promise you that the first few times you drive the car, you won't even get close to the limit. These cars are AWESOME on corner entry...plucking downshifts, ABS pumping, turning in...all at the same time, with maybe only 2 or even 1 wheel on the ground. Goes against all driving theory, but they can do it.

The difference good shocks makes to braking performance is also remarkable. It can't be stressed highly enough how much speed will be found with a new spring/shock package....on any circuit with a bump. If you're driving on a beautiful smooth surface, the difference will be less.

 

There's no need to improve cooling unless you're in absolute extreme conditions.

I often blank part of the ducts to get the temps up. I use Brembo heat paint on the discs for data acquisition on this.

If you really do need more cooling, there's an optional flip up thing that fits on to the wishbone to catch a bit more air. Never needed it though, the biggest thing is to keep the temps UP.

 

ferrarifixer - you got a source on caliper tape? I've been looking for it for a while with no luck; they're these mini thermometers that adhere to the caliper. Would be gratful for a lead.
Regards.

 

No sorry. Don't use it. I just use thermo paint on discs only (sometimes pads). Caliper temp is meaningless on 360C......the paper part number sticker does NOT burn off, If that's any help!!