Pennock's Fiero Forum
  General Fiero Chat
  13" Brake Rotor Upgrade for the 88's (Page 1)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Email This Page to Someone! | Printable Version

This topic is 6 pages long:  1   2   3   4   5   6 
Previous Page | Next Page
next newest topic | next oldest topic
13" Brake Rotor Upgrade for the 88's by fieroguru
Started on: 10-26-2011 08:08 PM
Replies: 231 (9503 views)
Last post by: fieroguru on 09-07-2013 08:17 AM
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post10-26-2011 08:08 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Currently the C4 12" brake rotor kit for the 88 Fieros is one of the best bang for the buck upgrades for the 88 fieros (Phil's $100 master cylinder upgrade is probably the best). The only real downside to the 12" rotor upgrade is the rotor to lower a-arm contact issue, which is more common on the lowered 88's.

I set out to find a better 12" rotor that would allow similar bracket simplicity of the 12" Vette rotor upgrade, but with slightly less rotor depth to avoid the lower a-arm interference. Unfortunately, I didn't find a better 12" rotor.... but I did find a 13" one! The 13" fieroguru rotor is about 3mm less deep than the 12" Vette rotor, so it should not have any clearance issues with the lower a-arm on a stock 88 fiero.

One of the major downsides of the larger rotors is their higher weight:
Stock 88 rotor: 11.2 lbs
12" vette rotor: 14.6 lbs
13" fieroguru rotor: 18.x lbs

At around 18 lbs, the 13" rotor upgrade would add about 30 lbs in weight overall, but the benefit will be about 31% increase in braking torque vs. the stock 88 rotors.

Along with the additional braking performance, the larger rotors better fill out the wheels. Here are some pics with 16x7 Mille Miglia wheels:
Stock 88 Rotor:

12" Vette Rotors:

13" fieroguru Rotor (in a 16" wheel):


Here the rotor was drilled for the 5x100 pattern (I will have concentric rings, but for mock up the wheel studs are precise enough):


Rotor on the wheel bearing:


Back side showing the caliper clearance as well as the general shape/size of the needed bracket:



The next step is to slide the 13" rotor in place on my stock 88 and confirm clearance to the lower a-arm, then finish the design of the brackets to optimize the available clearance between the rotor/caliper and caliper/wheel. If I can get it all worked out to my standards, then I will entertain selling a 13" rotor upgrade kit for the 88's (and only the 88's).

[This message has been edited by Cliff Pennock (edited 10-26-2011).]

IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
Alex4mula
Member
Posts: 7403
From: Canton, MI US
Registered: Dec 1999


Feedback score:    (11)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 153
Rate this member

Report this Post10-26-2011 08:12 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Alex4mulaSend a Private Message to Alex4mulaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I'll be one of your first customers
IP: Logged
N3M3S1S
Member
Posts: 3865
From: Dover, DE
Registered: Dec 2007


Feedback score:    (6)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 51
Rate this member

Report this Post10-26-2011 08:21 PM Click Here to See the Profile for N3M3S1SSend a Private Message to N3M3S1SEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I'm gonna guess that this wouldn't work well with stock 88 lace wheels eh?
IP: Logged
mattwa
Member
Posts: 7106
From: Lorain, Ohio
Registered: Sep 2008


Feedback score:    (41)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 88
Rate this member

Report this Post10-26-2011 08:45 PM Click Here to See the Profile for mattwaSend a Private Message to mattwaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by N3M3S1S:

I'm gonna guess that this wouldn't work well with stock 88 lace wheels eh?


If the 13" brakes just fit in 16" wheels, then yes I would say with confidence they won't fit.
IP: Logged
wftb
Member
Posts: 3692
From: kincardine,ontario,canada
Registered: Jun 2005


Feedback score: (4)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-26-2011 09:06 PM Click Here to See the Profile for wftbSend a Private Message to wftbEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
i am amazed that fits in a 16" wheel .looks like a rear disc from a large SUV of some kind .nice job .
IP: Logged
N3M3S1S
Member
Posts: 3865
From: Dover, DE
Registered: Dec 2007


Feedback score:    (6)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 51
Rate this member

Report this Post10-26-2011 09:22 PM Click Here to See the Profile for N3M3S1SSend a Private Message to N3M3S1SEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by mattwa:


If the 13" brakes just fit in 16" wheels, then yes I would say with confidence they won't fit.


I couldn't remember what size the stock ones are. =/
IP: Logged
Sourmug
Member
Posts: 4538
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Registered: Sep 2002


Feedback score:    (29)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 144
Rate this member

Report this Post10-26-2011 11:25 PM Click Here to See the Profile for SourmugSend a Private Message to SourmugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Looking forward to the kit!

Nolan
IP: Logged
mattwa
Member
Posts: 7106
From: Lorain, Ohio
Registered: Sep 2008


Feedback score:    (41)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 88
Rate this member

Report this Post10-27-2011 01:25 AM Click Here to See the Profile for mattwaSend a Private Message to mattwaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by N3M3S1S:


I couldn't remember what size the stock ones are. =/


They are 15".

So I could do something like this in the rear, but what about the front? I have a 86 with 88 rear cradle, so I'm not sure what would work with that setup other then what I have now which is Grand am in the front, and stock 88 in the rear.

[This message has been edited by mattwa (edited 10-27-2011).]

IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post10-27-2011 06:46 AM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by mattwa:

So I could do something like this in the rear, but what about the front? I have a 86 with 88 rear cradle, so I'm not sure what would work with that setup other then what I have now which is Grand am in the front, and stock 88 in the rear.



There are several options already for the 84-87 cars anywhere from Grand Am to 13" and options even use the 88 calipers on the 84-87 front... but all those options are significantly more expensive than the 88's that can upgrade rotors while keeping the stock calipers. If you want to learn more about the brake options for the 84-87, then you can look up the info from the various brake upgrade vendors (WCF, Archie, Held - or whatever they are called these days). Here is WCF: http://www.westcoastfiero.c...ake_accessories.html

I am an 88 only guy, so all my R&D efforts are focused specifically on the 88's.
IP: Logged
ALJR
Member
Posts: 3765
From: Massachusetts
Registered: Jul 2009


Feedback score:    (18)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-27-2011 10:08 AM Click Here to See the Profile for ALJRSend a Private Message to ALJREdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
VERY interesting
Any chance on offering cross-drilled rotors? It would also save a lil weight...
IP: Logged
blakeinspace
Member
Posts: 5923
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Registered: Dec 2001


Feedback score:    (10)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 120
Rate this member

Report this Post10-27-2011 11:21 AM Click Here to See the Profile for blakeinspaceSend a Private Message to blakeinspaceEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:

Phil's $100 master cylinder upgrade is probably the best...


You mind providing a link so I can read up on this? TIA!
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
qwikgta
Member
Posts: 4659
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Registered: Jan 2001


Feedback score:    (21)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 84
Rate this member

Report this Post10-27-2011 11:46 AM Click Here to See the Profile for qwikgtaSend a Private Message to qwikgtaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Guru,
Thanks for even thinking about selling this someday. Two questions. I have the 12" upgrade already, do you see any added performance to upgrading to the 13" with the additional weight? And, I see that the original bolt pattern was 6 lug, do you feel that there is enough "meat" left around the Fiero lug pattern that it will not crack/break with the heating/cooling cycles the brakes can see. I only ask because from the pics I can't get a good understanding of the thickness and amount of metal left after the Fiero (5x100) pattern is drilled into the rotor.

Thanks again and I look forward to watching this thread to see how it all works out.

Rob

------------------


88 Coupe, CJB T-TOP, LS376 and a GT clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAH9yjw6XR0

IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post10-27-2011 12:53 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by ALJR:
VERY interesting
Any chance on offering cross-drilled rotors? It would also save a lil weight...


Possibly... if they are available and if the customer is willing to pay the upcharge.

 
quote
Originally posted by blakeinspace:
You mind providing a link so I can read up on this? TIA!

//www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/072173.html

 
quote
Originally posted by qwikgta:
Two questions. I have the 12" upgrade already, do you see any added performance to upgrading to the 13" with the additional weight? And, I see that the original bolt pattern was 6 lug, do you feel that there is enough "meat" left around the Fiero lug pattern that it will not crack/break with the heating/cooling cycles the brakes can see.


Currently there is a 13" brake upgrade kit on the market that uses a 6 lug rotor. My setup has more material between the fiero pattern and the oem 6 lug pattern than the other available kit (that has never had a problem with cracking). Also, the pilot bore ID of my rotor is smaller than the C4 setup, so there is more material between the fiero studs and hub than even the C4 setup. With the rotor properly torqued between the bearing flange and wheel, the loads the rotor are subjected to will be spread across the contact area vs. concentrated at the studs.

My primary goal with this project was to find a better fitting brake kit, not necessarily a better performing one... because the ability to use any increase in braking potential is limited by available traction at the tire/road contact patch. The leverage effect going from the 12" rotor to 13" rotor is approximately 10%, the 13" rotors should do a better job dissipating heat and be more resistant to fade due to the increased size, and they may be easier to modulate at the limit of traction... but whether any of these will be of any benefit really depends on the car and its intended use.

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 10-27-2011).]

IP: Logged
FieroBobo
Member
Posts: 683
From: Verona, NJ
Registered: Mar 2007


Feedback score: (1)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-27-2011 03:11 PM Click Here to See the Profile for FieroBoboSend a Private Message to FieroBoboEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by blakeinspace:
You mind providing a link so I can read up on this? TIA!

Here you go sir. As per your request the link you want is listed below.
. . . //www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/072173.html . .


It is a worthwhile upgrade, but I found that it took me a bit of time to cut and thread the 2 brake rods.
It also took more time than I thought it would to cut the support bracket from the old brake booster.

I hope the info proves helpful.
~ Bob ~
IP: Logged
Alex4mula
Member
Posts: 7403
From: Canton, MI US
Registered: Dec 1999


Feedback score:    (11)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 153
Rate this member

Report this Post10-27-2011 03:15 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Alex4mulaSend a Private Message to Alex4mulaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by blakeinspace:


You mind providing a link so I can read up on this? TIA!


Also Rodney was working on a full kit for that mod. Supposed to be ready by November.

http://rodneydickman.com/ca...h=58&products_id=279
IP: Logged
Sourmug
Member
Posts: 4538
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Registered: Sep 2002


Feedback score:    (29)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 144
Rate this member

Report this Post10-27-2011 05:16 PM Click Here to See the Profile for SourmugSend a Private Message to SourmugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:
Snip...

My primary goal with this project was to find a better fitting brake kit, not necessarily a better performing one...


I like your approach, this has been one of the issues that I have with the current 13" kits.

Nolan
IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post10-28-2011 06:30 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Here is a comparison of the C4, stock 88 and the 13" rotors:


The bracket to mount the caliper is very similar to C4 brake setup:


Rotor/caliper and wheel back together to confirm fitment... and it does fit, just some slight contact with the wheel weight that can be relocated to the wheel lip:



Then the moment of truth... will the rotor clear the lower a-arm for its full range of motion. To check this, I took a spare lower a-rm and bolted it to the upright. Then using the mechanical limits of the lower ball joint, the lower a-arm was moved all around trying to make contact and it just was not possible. In fact in the tightest position I was able to pass a large washer between the a-arm nose and the rotor. The reduced depth and the larger rotor diameter work together to eliminate any chance of interference when using stock lower ball joints (the non-lowering kind).







I already have the autocad prints for the bracket (slightly different shape than the mock up one) and rings and will be sending them out to a couple of places for quotes. Since none of my 88's are currently drivable, the first set will be given to a PFF member for free to install/test on their 88. I have already chosen this person and they have agreed to test, so I do not need any more volunteers...

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 10-28-2011).]

IP: Logged
blackrams
Member
Posts: 31839
From: Hattiesburg, MS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003


Feedback score:    (9)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 229
Rate this member

Report this Post10-29-2011 10:59 AM Click Here to See the Profile for blackramsSend a Private Message to blackramsEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
It would appear that you've got a winner here. Let me know when you're ready to produce this kit and put a price on it. Very interested.

------------------
Ron
"While you cannot control the length of your life, you can control the width and depth." Live life to it's fullest, you may not see tomorrow.

IP: Logged
ALJR
Member
Posts: 3765
From: Massachusetts
Registered: Jul 2009


Feedback score:    (18)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-29-2011 12:27 PM Click Here to See the Profile for ALJRSend a Private Message to ALJREdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Very nice and simple (= cheap$) adapter bracket!
IP: Logged
Alex4mula
Member
Posts: 7403
From: Canton, MI US
Registered: Dec 1999


Feedback score:    (11)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 153
Rate this member

Report this Post10-29-2011 01:04 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Alex4mulaSend a Private Message to Alex4mulaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Put me in the waiting list for one of the first sets. At least slotted would be nice. You know, at least some bling
IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post10-29-2011 01:41 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by ALJR:

Very nice and simple (= cheap$) adapter bracket!


If everything checks out on the test installation, then I will start selling complete kits... not the individual brackets. The key to this brake setup is the OEM application of the rotors, once that information is out there, then there will be 5 threads in the mall selling knock off brackets. It will happen eventually, but until then I will only be selling complete kits.

I am trying to keep this upgrade affordable, but there will always be those who do not think it is cheap enough. The two comparable 88 brake upgrade kits are:
WCF 12" C4 rotor upgrade lists at $440+ shipping
WCF 13" Viper rotor upgrade lists at $742+ shipping

My target price is going to be somewhere in between these two with free shipping. My rotors cost more than the C4 rotors but my bracket setup is less complex than the Viper kit as well. Right now it all depends on what I can get the brackets/rings produced for and I will not know that for a couple of weeks.

I have confirmed that the rotors I am using are available cross-drilled & slotted, so that will be an option (with a slightly higher cost due to the increased cost of the drilled/slotted rotors)

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 10-29-2011).]

IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
ALJR
Member
Posts: 3765
From: Massachusetts
Registered: Jul 2009


Feedback score:    (18)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-29-2011 02:28 PM Click Here to See the Profile for ALJRSend a Private Message to ALJREdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:
If everything checks out on the test installation, then I will start selling complete kits... not the individual brackets. The key to this brake setup is the OEM application of the rotors, once that information is out there, then there will be 5 threads in the mall selling knock off brackets. It will happen eventually, but until then I will only be selling complete kits.


You should only be worried about that if your price is out of line...
Giving us the option to buy the rotors local would save a fortune on shipping; thus reducing the overall cost. You say shipping will be free; but every time I go to the post office or UPS, then never have a "free" shipping option for me to chuse from

[This message has been edited by ALJR (edited 10-29-2011).]

IP: Logged
Raydar
Member
Posts: 40685
From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country.
Registered: Oct 1999


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 460
Rate this member

Report this Post10-29-2011 02:49 PM Click Here to See the Profile for RaydarSend a Private Message to RaydarEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by ALJR:

You should only be worried about that if your price is out of line...
Giving us the option to buy the rotors local would save a fortune on shipping; thus reducing the overall cost. You say shipping will be free; but every time I go to the post office or UPS, then never have a "free" shipping option for me to chuse from



WCF's kit is likely going to still be more expensive than this one, IF you can get WCF to ship in any kind of timely manner.
Archie's kit is $1400+, although it includes more stuff. Heck... Archie's brackets, alone, are $240.

Give the man a break. At least let him make some money before it gets reverse engineered.
(We've all seen guru's work in the numerous build threads. No question that everything he does is "top shelf".)
I haven't seen anyone (well... except for the Fiero Store) try to reverse engineer any of Rodney's stuff.
IP: Logged
ALJR
Member
Posts: 3765
From: Massachusetts
Registered: Jul 2009


Feedback score:    (18)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-29-2011 05:47 PM Click Here to See the Profile for ALJRSend a Private Message to ALJREdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Raydar:

Give the man a break. At least let him make some money before it gets reverse engineered.
(We've all seen guru's work in the numerous build threads. No question that everything he does is "top shelf".)
I haven't seen anyone (well... except for the Fiero Store) try to reverse engineer any of Rodney's stuff.


I am not questioning the quality of his work! Just looking at his project (soon to be product for the Fiero Community) from a business stand point (aka, doing the math).

13" rotors on an 88 are not a necessity; rather a performance luxury. So the number of Fiero owners willing to spend $500+ on an upgrade is significantly smaller then the number who would spend $200+ (just a guess) on brackets and concentric rings... So if he could get 5 ppl (again, just a guess; we all know how many ppl say they want something but when the time comes to pony up, all the seller hears is crickets) to buy the full setup and 25 to buy just the brackets. He would have made more $$ by selling just the brackets...

That’s the way I look at it at least

IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post10-29-2011 06:51 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by ALJR:


I am not questioning the quality of his work! Just looking at his project (soon to be product for the Fiero Community) from a business stand point (aka, doing the math).

13" rotors on an 88 are not a necessity; rather a performance luxury. So the number of Fiero owners willing to spend $500+ on an upgrade is significantly smaller then the number who would spend $200+ (just a guess) on brackets and concentric rings... So if he could get 5 ppl (again, just a guess; we all know how many ppl say they want something but when the time comes to pony up, all the seller hears is crickets) to buy the full setup and 25 to buy just the brackets. He would have made more $$ by selling just the brackets...

That’s the way I look at it at least


It's all about determining your target market, volume goals, and price point.

As I have told my tester, if I sell 10 sets at my target price, I will consider this project a success (I have no interest in being a high volume/low price vendor... I am more of an R&D guy). If there happens to be a higher demand than I want to deal with, then I will probably hand over the details/prints to a dedicated fiero vendor and move on to the next project. To me it is less about the $$$ and more about the R&D challenge and if you follow some of my other projects you will see this time and time again.

This swap is an original development and not a copy of any other currently existing kit... I have a lot of time/effort and soon to be $$$ wrapped up in it and I will not make it easy for the copy cats (by selling just the brackets, or sharing my rotor application).

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 10-29-2011).]

IP: Logged
Alex4mula
Member
Posts: 7403
From: Canton, MI US
Registered: Dec 1999


Feedback score:    (11)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 153
Rate this member

Report this Post10-29-2011 07:54 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Alex4mulaSend a Private Message to Alex4mulaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by ALJR:


I am not questioning the quality of his work! Just looking at his project (soon to be product for the Fiero Community) from a business stand point (aka, doing the math).

13" rotors on an 88 are not a necessity; rather a performance luxury. So the number of Fiero owners willing to spend $500+ on an upgrade is significantly smaller then the number who would spend $200+ (just a guess) on brackets and concentric rings... So if he could get 5 ppl (again, just a guess; we all know how many ppl say they want something but when the time comes to pony up, all the seller hears is crickets) to buy the full setup and 25 to buy just the brackets. He would have made more $$ by selling just the brackets...

That’s the way I look at it at least


I know of more than 20 that spent near $500 to setup a full low bucket headlight mod (me included). That is mainly for looks. So why not improving safety in a real way? The 88 Fiero brakes are ok for a stock car but in todays standards they really suck bad. Whomever thinks otherwise I guess is still driving some other 80s car. Also there are a lot of people out there with engine swaps with real good power that really need to stop quick because we can go fast very rapidly. Don't ask me how I know
IP: Logged
Sourmug
Member
Posts: 4538
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Registered: Sep 2002


Feedback score:    (29)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 144
Rate this member

Report this Post10-29-2011 09:30 PM Click Here to See the Profile for SourmugSend a Private Message to SourmugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Please put me on the list. If you could offer zinc plated drilled/slotted rotors I would be interested in this too.

Thanks Nolan
IP: Logged
FieroMaster88
Member
Posts: 7680
From: Mattawan, MI
Registered: Nov 2000


Feedback score:    (43)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 168
Rate this member

Report this Post10-30-2011 01:45 AM Click Here to See the Profile for FieroMaster88Send a Private Message to FieroMaster88Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I'd be interested in a set too.

------------------

88 Coupe: 2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder
84 Indy #64: Restoration Project!

IP: Logged
daveg
Member
Posts: 193
From: Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Registered: May 2004


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-30-2011 08:18 AM Click Here to See the Profile for davegSend a Private Message to davegEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
The bracket still concerns me. For proper thread engagement you normally need 1.5x bolt diameter. In this case with M12 bolts you need a plate 18mm thick (~ 0.75" thick).

dave
IP: Logged
darkhorizon
Member
Posts: 12279
From: Flint Michigan
Registered: Jan 2006


Feedback score: (1)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 451
Rate this member

Report this Post10-30-2011 09:03 AM Click Here to See the Profile for darkhorizonSend a Private Message to darkhorizonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Apologize if I missed it, but do you expect these to work with lowering ball joints?

Would you be able to do a set in 5x130 for me?
IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post10-30-2011 10:02 AM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by daveg:

The bracket still concerns me. For proper thread engagement you normally need 1.5x bolt diameter. In this case with M12 bolts you need a plate 18mm thick (~ 0.75" thick).

dave


I understand your concern. As a general rule the thread engagement should be 1 1/2 times the bolt diameter to ensure that the bolt breaks before the threads strip out of the hole. When using a bolt and nut of the same grade, the nut is generally less than 1.0 x diameter. If you look at a grade 10.9 nut for a 12 x 1.75 it is 10mm thick (or .83 x diameter).

My first consideration is what the thickness of the attachment point from GM was (1.18 x diameter):


Then next was review of the current 88 brake upgrade brackets from vendor kits... they have all been in the 3/8" (.79 x dia) to 5/16" (.66 x dia) thick with the threads in the bracket. There was 1 run by a few PFF members that has a nut welded to the backside as well.

Based on this review, I am currently planning the brackets to be flat with the threads tapped. However, there is room between the back side of the bracket and the rotor to use a nut on the back side as well:


And if it was used, then the total material thickenss would be 1.47 x diameter (my mock up bracket is thinner than the final one, so there is a spacer in the picture):


If the customer wants the additional nuts for use on the back side, that will not be an issue.
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post10-30-2011 10:19 AM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post

fieroguru

12111 posts
Member since Aug 2003
 
quote
Originally posted by darkhorizon:

Apologize if I missed it, but do you expect these to work with lowering ball joints?

Would you be able to do a set in 5x130 for me?


The lowering ball joints move the nose of the a-arm away from the pivot of the ball joint, so the nose will move towards and away from the rotor at a much faster rate. The issue will be once the lower a-arm breaks the horizontal plane under compression, then it will approach the rotor very quickly and eventually make contact... the question is if this contact will happen during the "normal" range of motion allowed with the bump stops. If you only use lowering ball joints with stock height bump stops, then I do not think it will make contact (but don't take this as certain until I can verify), but if you use lowering ball joints with shorter springs and shortened bump stops I am pretty sure the nose will make contact to the rotor.

Drilling the 5 x 130 won't be any issue. A couple of the stud holes will become slotted due to the increase in bolt circle diameter and the 6 pattern and 5 pattern interference, but that should be an issue.

IP: Logged
Raydar
Member
Posts: 40685
From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country.
Registered: Oct 1999


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 460
Rate this member

Report this Post10-30-2011 06:27 PM Click Here to See the Profile for RaydarSend a Private Message to RaydarEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Alex4mula:
...The 88 Fiero brakes are ok for a stock car but in todays standards they really suck bad.
... Also there are a lot of people out there with engine swaps with real good power that really need to stop quick because we can go fast very rapidly. Don't ask me how I know


Heh. They say it's bad "netiquette" to say "me too", but yeah...
My brakes faded lots more than I'm comfortable with (if anyone is really "comfortable" with any brake fade) during RFTH.

I was gonna do the Corvette brakes, but I really don't like the idea of grinding my LCAs.
Since my car is lowered, this appears to be a real possibility. I think I'll wait.


IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post10-31-2011 04:40 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Sent the prints for the brackets/rings along with the print for my LS4/F40 aluminum flywheel to a local CNC vendor I deal with at work. On Tuesday I will send them off to a vendor I used to deal with before I transferred. They have a lot more capabilities (better source for my flywheel) and decent prices as well... but they would need to be shipped 350 miles vs. local pickup. I am asking for a price based on 40 brackets/rings (10 sets) and 5 flywheels.
IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post11-05-2011 07:08 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Order the 3 other rotors for the prototype set, 50 each of the 10.9 bolts/nuts, and should have the estimates next week from the 2 shops for the brackets and rings... slowly making progress.
IP: Logged
Alex4mula
Member
Posts: 7403
From: Canton, MI US
Registered: Dec 1999


Feedback score:    (11)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 153
Rate this member

Report this Post11-06-2011 06:34 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Alex4mulaSend a Private Message to Alex4mulaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:

Order the 3 other rotors for the prototype set, 50 each of the 10.9 bolts/nuts, and should have the estimates next week from the 2 shops for the brackets and rings... slowly making progress.


IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post11-07-2011 01:10 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Got the quotes back and worked up the pricing...

$565 shipped to the lower 48 for the Standard 13" Brake Rotor Kit (w/ 4 standard rotors, 4 brackets, 4 rings, 8 grade 10.9 bolts, 8 grade 10 nuts)
$640 shipped to the lower 48 for the Cross-Drilled/Slotted 13" Brake Rotor Kit (w/ 4 cross-drilled/slotted rotors, 4 brackets, 4 rings, 8 grade 10.9 bolts, 8 grade 10 nuts)
.
.
.
Assuming $80 for shipping, my standard 13" kit is $45 more expensive that the WCF 12" C4 kit and $257 less expensive than the WCF 13" Viper kit. Even if you opt for the drilled/slotted option you will still save $182 vs. the WCF 13" Viper kit (non-drilled/slotted).

I think these prices are highly competitive, but I am sure some will see them as too high. I am willing to knock off $50 per kit for multiple kits sold to the same individual (88 people seem to have more than one 88). So purchase 2 kits, save $100 or purchase 3, save $150.

The plan right now is when all the parts are here for the first test kit, I will install the first kit on my black 88 (never had a brake kit before) to check for fitment and to create the instructions. Then it will be removed from my 88 and sent to my tester for assembly via the instrutions on his 88. He will then provide his feedback to me and confirm the instructions are more than adequate, then I will start accepting orders for the brake kits.

Feel free to PM me feedback on the pricing and if you are really, really, really interested in having one of these kits. Interest will determine if my first order from the machine shop will be for 5 sets of brackets or 10 sets.
IP: Logged
ALJR
Member
Posts: 3765
From: Massachusetts
Registered: Jul 2009


Feedback score:    (18)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post11-07-2011 04:10 PM Click Here to See the Profile for ALJRSend a Private Message to ALJREdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Prices seem resonable...

What kind of rotors would you be suppling? China stuff or North American?

Any chane on lowering your price if you get enough of us to get you a better qty. deal from your machine shop? I know the price goes down quite a bit if you do a larger production run... Of course we would give you a deposit so you don't get burned...
IP: Logged
Raydar
Member
Posts: 40685
From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country.
Registered: Oct 1999


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 460
Rate this member

Report this Post11-07-2011 04:47 PM Click Here to See the Profile for RaydarSend a Private Message to RaydarEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Sounds good!

I'm confused, though. What are the extra nuts for? The back side of the plates, where the caliper bolts go through?
IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12111
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 257
Rate this member

Report this Post11-07-2011 05:04 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by ALJR:

Prices seem resonable...

What kind of rotors would you be suppling? China stuff or North American?

Any chane on lowering your price if you get enough of us to get you a better qty. deal from your machine shop? I know the price goes down quite a bit if you do a larger production run... Of course we would give you a deposit so you don't get burned...


Rotors I assume are from China...

The price differential on all the kit components is about $28/kit when the order quantities go from 20 (5 kits) to 100 (25 kits). So yes, there is a chance I could lower the cost if there is enough interest, but I just do not see an actual market for more than 10-15 of these kits in the near future. As such, I prefer to pass on the potential mfg. scale savings (and a portion of my margin) to those who purchase more than 1 kit. Which is why I offered up the $50/kit savings when purchasing more than 1. So theoretically, 3 people could pool their order (I get the order/$$ from 1 person and ship to 1 address) and save $150.

IP: Logged
Previous Page | Next Page

This topic is 6 pages long:  1   2   3   4   5   6 
next newest topic | next oldest topic

All times are ET (US)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Back To Main Page

Advertizing on PFF | Fiero Parts Vendors
PFF Merchandise | Fiero Gallery | Ogre's Cave
Real-Time Chat | Fiero Related Auctions on eBay



Copyright (c) 1999, C. Pennock