ceramic disks?

Jimbo · #1 (**permalink**) 07-06-2004, 10:00 PM

What little I have learned about the emerging technology of ceramic disk brakes looks promising. Improved brake performance. Most importantly, a component weight saving of over 50%, which is also un-sprung, and rotational inertia weight savings. Considering a lightweight car such as the Elise, such an upgrade could have an overwhelming impact on performance. Does anyone know if these ceramic disks are yet offered by aftermarket suppliers?

thegit · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2004, 08:47 AM

You might want to look into porsche's current trouble with ceramic brakes.
VERY expensive to replace, are damaged by objects if the car leaves the road.
There's a market for special adapters that assist in mounting the road wheels without damaging the rotors.
I don't think the technology is ready yet.
m.

Yargk · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2004, 03:15 AM

Agreed, if I bought a GT3 I'd get the standard steel brakes and if I needed more braking, I'd get larger steel brakes. Have you seen any GT racecars with ceramic brakes? The longevity is lacking.

Chicago Elise · #4 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 09:27 PM

I agree. When I bought my Lamborghini last year, there were rumors about upcoming ceramic brake availability on that car and I told the dealer I definitely was not interested. Considered buying a 996 GT3, and definitely did not want the ceramic brakes on it... most of my friends with P-cars with ceramic brakes have them in their garages, have iron rotors on the car, and will put the ceramic brakes on for resale when they sell the car.

Zero interest in ceramic brakes here.

And the Elise doesn't need much better brakes, it already outbrakes almost all street cars...

dermot · #5 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 11:49 PM

My 430 is on order without Ceramic disks, apart from the crazy cost of these on a Ferrari (12k), they may make it more difficult to resell as few are willing to pay the extra.

As for the Lotus, like the last poster says this car does not need em.. I can stop on a dime in my Elise :-)

Derm

Chicago Elise · #6 (**permalink**) 12-30-2005, 05:16 PM

Agree with dermot & congrats on the 430 order...

**mapes** · #7 (**permalink**) 01-02-2006, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix SRT

...I thought the Lotus felt a little lazy getting stopped, but if the brakes can hold up to 20 minute sessions at track days without fading, which I read they can, then that makes up for the relatively mediocre stopping power. I'll find out in a couple of weeks at PIR.

I suspect you will be quite impressed. A big plus is that you'll be amazed at how many track days you can get fromone set of pads...