Brake & Clutch Performance stopping power and launch control

DBA EXPANDS ITS RANGE OF BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS

And even more new releases are on the way

Disc Brakes Australia (DBA) continues to expand its range of performance brake rotor and pad applications and in this article shares some tips on what to look out for when selecting a braking component for the racetrack. The latest models to have been added to DBA’s impressive line-up include the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Trackhawk, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Hyundai iN30, while forthcoming releases will feature performance products for the Toyota Yaris GR, Volkswagen Golf R Mk8, and many more. It has also been a successful year of collaboration between DBA and Supercars team Tickford Racing/Automotive, with 5000 Series rotors and XP pads now available for the current Ford Ranger and Mustang models – not just through the wide network of DBA brake specialists but also directly from Tickford. DBA’s performance pack consists of its twopiece 5000 Series brake rotor and the Xtreme Performance brake pads as the perfect complement. When looking for brake rotors for a track going car with the intention to re-use the rotors after a session, DBA would like to remind vehicle owners and mechanics alike that a heat-treated product is really the only way to go. All 5000 Series rotors undergo Thermal Stability Profiling (TSP), meaning they receive heat treatment cycles during the manufacturing process, resulting in increased metallurgical stability. With its 6061 T6 aircraft grade aluminium hat, 5000 Series rotors feature a two-piece design, which thanks to its reduced unsprung mass notably improves vehicle handling. It also enables users to replace only the rings at the end of their service lives. 5000 Series performance rotors, like their 4000 Series counterparts, are available in various slot and drilled surface designs. For track use DBA recommends the T3 slotted surface design. DBA warns that a cheap rotor with inferior material and poor cooling vents can crack under extreme heat. It says the 5000 Series rotors feature DBA’s unique, patented Kangaroo Paw ventilation design, facilitating up to 20 percent more efficient cooling of the rotor. Further, 5000 Series rotors make use of thermographic heat paint (TGHP), providing a method to monitor rotor temperatures and take appropriate measures in case maximum recommended temperatures are frequently exceeded. When it comes to brake pads, DBA says its Xtreme Performance pads are the ‘ultimate road pad’ for unparalleled stopping power and reliability. Features include its unique, low metallic, low copper friction formulation, scorching treatment for increased performance, and application-specific HVN shims and slots for reduced vibration. The range consists of over 160 unique part numbers, of which approximately 60 percent have so far received ECE R90 approval and covers all popular performance models in the market. While the Xtreme Performance pad is also perfectly capable of performing light trackwork, DBA advises that its all-new range of Race Performance pads, exclusively developed for track and racing applications, will be launched later this year, with more information to be released soon. To learn more or find a DBA performance product for a particular vehicle, visit www.dba.com.au, or call 1800 730 039.

GET INTO THE GROOVE

With ER² Clutch Cover Assemblies

Every now and then a genuine innovation comes along for a product that has basically remained unchanged for many years. Clutch Industries says such an innovation can be found in its performance clutches with its ER2 Groove pressure plate. 4Terrain and Mantic Stage Cover Assemblies include this Patented ER2 Groove Design which is a unique groove pattern that is CNC machined on the friction face of the pressure plate. This groove has been specifically designed to increase the Mean Effective Radius of the pressure plate and assist in heat removal. The increase in the Mean Effective Radius of the cover assembly gives a significant increase in torque capacity. By adding the groove to the pressure plate, the inside radius of the friction face has effectively been increased. The first 8mm of the pressure plate has all but been removed and added to this, there is progressively less material removed as the radius increases. The net effect of this is to move the effective inside radius further out. When comparing the Mean Effective Radius (Rm) of the ER2 version to the non ER2 version, you can see the ER2 version is further out (left image). Clutch Industries explains that moving the Rm out has the effect of increasing the surface area of the clutch which increases the torque capacity. Torque capacity is directly related to Rm, so the greater Mean Effective Radius the higher the toque capacity. Clutch Industries states that this Australian engineered innovation gives 4Terrain and Mantic clutches an advantage over other performance clutch systems while not compromising on drivability or durability. For more information, visit www.clutchindustries.com.au

STOLZ BRAKE UPGRADES

Now exclusively distributed in Australia by CoolDrive Auto Parts

The SFZ Series (single bullet aluminum block) and FEX Series lines are included in CoolDrive’s current range. Each system features ultra-light disc rotors, four or six-piston calipers, and high-performance brake pads along with a complete fitting kit as a direct bolt-on option. This range has applications for a wide variety of local and international vehicles, including the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, VW Golf, Nissan Skyline, Subaru WRX, and Nissan 200SX. It has options for performance vehicles as well as 4WDs like the Ford Ranger and Toyota LandCruiser.

The Stolz brake upgrade systems are designed to limit heat build-up and distribute and transmit forces according to the calliper’s specifications based on complete structural analysis. Stolz’s callipers can be purchased in black, gold, red, or silver finishes. A thorough thermal and flow analysis is completed on all designs, which helps to minimise temperature transfer from the pad to the calliper, from the calliper to the brake fluid, and from the disc. The ultra-light weight disc rotor available from Stolz is constructed from two pieces to create ideal stiffness. The rotor features aerodynamic ribs and well-placed drill holes, which also help with heat disbursement by decreasing the frictional heat delivered to the pad and calliper. Stolz’s brake pads are advertised as being reliable and consistent even after repeated heavy applications. They are made from non-asbestos organic compounds, and they are designed to produce low noise and low dust. The brand’s fitting kit is designed for each individual model by utilising the same forged aluminum alloys that are used in the construction of the callipers. This helps to maximise the stiffness while also decreasing the chances of fatigue failure. For more information, visit www.cooldrive.com.au

XTREME CLUTCH SPRUNG TWIN PLATE ORGANIC UPGRADES

Xtreme Clutch is continuing to expand its range of sprung twin plate organic performance clutch kits

The kits have been designed specifically for high horsepower street driven vehicles. Xtreme Clutch says the new range of upgrades are already proving very popular in the Australian market as well as overseas and provides a great solution for vehicle owners looking for a driveable clutch solution for high-powered vehicles. Xtreme Clutch is a part of the Australian Clutch Services group of brands and covers the street performance and motorsport range of clutch kits. Incorporating a large selection of performance clutch options for each application, the comprehensive range of upgrades are popular around the world with modified vehicle owners and race teams. The Xtreme Clutch sprung twin plate organic kits are available in two sizes, a 230mm and 270mm. The 270mm clutch (pictured) incorporates a pressed metal style heavy duty pressure plate and performance flywheel. The 270mm clutch options have been developed specifically for larger capacity engines and are popular in supercharged V8 and turbo 6-cylinder applications. The design includes a strap driven intermediate plate which minimises the “twin plate rattle” often heard in multi-plate clutch kits due to the floating intermediate plate. “The 270mm clutch option allows for excellent performance in highly modified street vehicles that require a quiet solution,” Xtreme Clutch Senior Mechanical Engineer, Stewart Furze, said. “We have been working hard to develop the most driveable twin plate solutions we can to help support the expanding tuning market. “With so many groups now able to get huge horsepower and torque figures from their performance packages, it is critical we can provide a clutch solution that retains the excellent level of driveability that performance vehicle owners demand.” For smaller capacity turbo charged engines, the 230mm clutch is well suited. These kits include a lightweight, motorsport inspired alloy pressure plate along with a 4140 chromoly flywheel. “Our 230mm range of upgrades are highly adaptable to different makes and models from around the world,” Stewart said. “In the past, we offered these with rigid centre organic discs for street applications, however these new sprung kits for select vehicles reduce shock loading on the transmission in comparison to the rigid style discs and are well suited to high performance street use.” Both clutch designs are recommended for street applications up to 1000 Nm, however Xtreme Clutch also has an option for vehicles being used in motorsport. “We are also offering the 230mm sprung style multi-plate kits with a ceramic friction material for higher heat capacity”, Stewart said. “These kits are recommended for motorsport applications where minimal shock-loading on the transmission is critical, such as race cars modified for increased power but still using the factory gearbox.” The kits come complete with everything required for the installation such as release bearing or concentric slave cylinder (application specific), metal alignment tool, replacement bolts and spigot bearing as required. “We are always looking to provide everything the installer may require in the kit, and this is something we put a significant amount of time and effort into,” Australian Clutch Services Sales Manager, Colin Jevons, said. “Whether it be for our Xtreme Clutch performance products or our ClutchPro standard replacement kits, we are looking to provide a kit with everything that is required for the installation process to help minimise the chances of installation delays and to ensure that critical components such as spigot bearings and release bearings are replaced at the same time as the clutch. “We are even including spline grease in our kits and thread locking compound with our flywheel bolts.” The Australian Clutch Services product range is available through a nationwide distributor network and the new range of sprung twin plate kits are available now. To check your application, please visit the Australian Clutch Services online catalogue at www.australianclutch.com.au For more information or for help selecting a performance clutch solution, please call 1800 CLUTCH.

TRW BRAKE FLUIDS

ZF encourages you to choose TRW Brake Fluids for safety and performance

Available from ZF in Oceania is the TRW brake fluid range, which caters for a wide range of vehicles, including those with drum brakes through to highperformance vehicles equipped with technologies such as Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Stability Programs (ESP), Electronic Stability Controls (ESC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). ZF says this product is driven by safety, so all TRW brake fluids are tested to the extreme and exceed international DOT specifications. It states that this means that all TRW brake fluids deliver higher performance in safety critical areas including boiling points and viscosity performance, as well as offering better anti-corrosion and rubber performance. The range incorporates the latest technology to make vehicles safer, with a blend of advanced lubricants, stabilisers, anti-oxidants and corrosion inhibitors to help minimise wear and maximise performance. DOT 3

TRW DOT 3 is designed for vehicles with front and rear drum brakes, as well as hydraulic clutch systems. Some Japanese car manufacturers recommend DOT 3 for their vehicles with ABS, ESP, ESC and/or DSC. DOT 4

TRW DOT 4 is recommended for vehicles with disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear. It is also suited for vehicles with disc brakes all round, and those fitted with ABS. The DOT 4 ESP is suited for vehicles fitted with ABS, ESP, ESC and/or DSC, while the DOT 4 GT is for high-performance vehicles. DOT 5.1

TRW DOT 5.1 is designed to complement the very latest ESP, ESC and/or DSC and is ideal for heavy, high-performance cars with its low viscosity. As a brand of ZF Aftermarket, TRW designs braking systems for over half the world’s vehicles, building much of the original equipment they are fitted with when they roll out of the factory. The local TRW brake program includes over 9,000 part numbers covering brake pads, discs, drums, shoes, electric park brake (EPB), master and wheel cylinders, hoses, boosters and calipers. Consumable products such as brake fluid, brake grease and brake cleaner are also available. For more information on the local TRW braking range, visit www.trwbraking.com.au

TORQUE V POWER

In this article, the experts at Exedy take a look at why torque and not power is the driving force behind performance clutches

Whenever talking to anybody about performance cars, Exedy says it is way too easy to get lost in the hype of engine power and explains it is actually engine torque that matters. Clutch performance is measured by the maximum amount of Torque (force) applied through the driveline before the clutch will begin to slip. This is known as the clutch’s torque capacity. Torque is the measurement of force (or call it twist) applied in a rotational motion. Simply put, the higher the engine torque, the harder it twists and the faster the car will accelerate. Power is the measurement of distance (or in this case, rotation) covered over one second due to the torque applied over this time. The differences between peak engine torque and peak power output

Peak engine torque is the point in an engine’s rev range where the most torque (force) is being generated. This peak engine torque is independent and not dependent on engine RPM. Peak engine power is the point in an engine’s rev range where the relationship between engine RPM and the torque (force) applied at this RPM (not peak engine torque) is most efficient. Why clutch selection based on peak power output can lead to an underperforming clutch

As Exedy outlines above, peak engine torque is the maximum amount of force (or twist) applied to the driveline at any one time. While the amount of torque can be calculated at any specific power output and engine RPM, peak engine torque cannot be calculated by using peak power output and engine RPM. Generally, the amount of Torque being applied to the driveline at peak power output is significantly lower than peak torque. This can be seen in the sample engine dyno meter chart shown below.

Power and torque curves greatly vary for each type of engine and even more so with different engine tunes and other modifications. Exedy says that basing your clutch selection on peak power output can lead to severe deficiencies in clutch torque capacity and a clutch that does not meet your needs or expectations. How can you get your peak engine torque figure?

Exedy explains that anyone who has tuned your car on a dyno can give you the peak engine torque of your vehicle – all you need to do is ask for it. Whether you just need extra torque capacity for towing or intend on taking part in the odd track day, Exedy says its range has something to offer. Exedy states that it has a rich heritage in motorsport which over the years has included successful partnerships with Ferrari in Formula 1 and more recently multiple world championships with the Yamaha factory racing team in MotoGP. Further, it states that as one of the world’s leading OEM clutch manufacturers, it has used this expertise and its comprehensive engineering test facilities to apply these advanced technologies into the Exedy Racing range of performance clutches. With everything from Sports Tuff, single sports organic/ceramic series to the Hyper Series Carbon-R triple plate, the Exedy Racing range of clutch products caters for all disciplines of motorsport and more. For further information on Exedy’s clutch range, visit the Exedy Parts Finder at www.exedy.com.au/clutch-finder

CIRCO BRAKES’ PRIVATE LABEL BRAKE PAD PROGRAM

The high-performance brakes are 100 percent made in Japan

Circo says its brake pads are known for their performance and racing pedigree, winning races and championships in categories such as TCR, TA2, Production Car, GT4, Tarmac and Gravel Rally, Time Attack and Drifting. Circo also develops and manufactures performance street brake pads, with multiple compound options and over 1500 vehicle fitments. It is these products which Circo offers for high-quality white label programs, allowing companies to add to their product range or create their own brand of high-performance friction materials without the need to order hundreds or thousands of a single SKU. “We are seeing more companies expanding into the high-performance brake market, but not all are getting the ‘high performance’ they are expecting,” Circo Brakes Technical Director, Marty Beckton, said. “With our program we can suggest suitable compounds from our experience in not only the racing and performance areas, but also the Australian market to provide a product that is market leading. “Not only are we now producing pads for the track day and racing sectors, but also OEM performance, Government and fleet services such as Police cars, and also 4x4 Heavy Duty. “Using the racing and performance knowledge and applying it to aftermarket applications gives some an advantage over traditional OE suppliers. “We have seen this within the 4x4 sector where the other “heavy duty” options don’t compare with a higher friction, higher temperature capable pad that we can supply from our dedicated performance experience. “The result of this allows companies to offer a new stock line to their targeted market, with the support from a factory specialising in performance and racing. “Being able to deal directly with an Australian company streamlines and simplifies the process, with the ability to provide a range of shapes and compounds, low MOQ, anti-squeal shims, custom part numbering and packaging.” For more information contact Circo Brakes on 07 3412 3643 or sales@circobrakes.com

BENDIX OFFERS MORE WHOAAA

For Mustang and other future classics

It is common for car discussions between petrol heads to quickly turn to the numbers: how much horsepower? How many rear wheel kilowatts? How fast down the strip? While it is one thing to go fast, for safety’s sake, it is just as important to have adequate stopping power, both on the track and on the road. As a global leader in the automotive aftermarket sector with more than 70 years’ experience, Bendix is in the process of launching a range of braking packages designed for modern classics and muscle cars, beginning with the current model Ford Mustang. The new Bendix Ultimate+ range includes an upgrade package featuring a set of its Ultimate front rotors, Ultimate+ brake pads, replacement braided brake hoses, brake rotor cleaning wipes and a can of its Cleanup brake disc cleaner. Especially designed for use with the Mustang’s Brembo front callipers, the Ultimate front rotors meet Ford’s original specifications for size, diameter and stud pattern spacing, ensuring the rotors are an easy fit while providing long-term reliability and performance. Drawing on Bendix’s extensive experience as Australia’s largest manufacturer of friction material products and braking expertise, the range includes high carbon metallurgy steel for better thermal stability and a consistent pedal feel in both track and everyday applications. Additionally, the Ultimate rotors make use of diamond tip slots and v-shaped dimples to effectively dissipate heat, while repelling dirt and water. Further complementing the Ultimate+ package is Bendix’s braided brake hoses, which feature a Teflon-coated core line, which is wrapped in a stainless-steel braid and then coated in a protective outer sleeve. The major benefit of braided brake lines is that the steel sheath prevents the line from expanding under extreme pressure, delivering a more consistent brake feel, while also better protecting the lines from damage. While initially available for the Ford Mustang, Bendix’s Ultimate+ Performance Brake Upgrade Kits will be released for additional makes and models later in the first quarter of 2022. These will include packages to suit selected Holden Commodores, Subaru WRX and BRZ as well as its Toyota 86 stablemate. For more information, visit www.bendix.com.au