To phrase it slightly differently- larger rotors apply more torque for the same level of force applied by the pads. This isn't any different from using a big breaker bar to take off a difficult nut. The same amount of force applied with a different radius will result in a greater torque. You will have to push the breaker bar further, but the force you need to exert to break that nut loose will be less.
Also, the "one lb is 25 lb" figure isn't really valid here, because once again you need to take the radius of where the mass is coming from to really get an accurate picture. That figure is usually quoted when referring to wheels and tires.. and even then the difference between 1lb on a 13" wheel and 1lb on a 17" wheel aren't both going to be 25 lbs. ----- Original Message ----- From: "jw" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]>; <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 1:28 PM Subject: RE: [a2-16v-list] 9.4 vs 10.1 vs 11 inch brakes > > -----Original Message----- > > From: [email protected] > > [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of > > [email protected] > > Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 12:34 AM > > To: [email protected] > > Subject: Re: [a2-16v-list] 9.4 vs 10.1 vs 11 inch brakes > > > > Every 1 pound of rotational mass is equal to 25 pounds dead > > weight. Remember > > this when considering bigger brakes and/or CV axles. If 10.1" > > and 11" brakes > > have the same size pads then the 11" is just more weight you don't want. > > untrue. it's also extra swept area. > > if we accept: > -curb weight > -pad surface area/material > -pedal pressure > -overall tire diameter > as constants, then it's going to take a given amount of pad-on-rotor "drag > distance" to stop a vehicle from a given speed. a larger rotor means that > more of this "drag distance" is covered with each rotation of the roadwheel, > thereby stopping the vehicle sooner. > > larger rotors will also be more heat-resistant, for reasons obvious enough > that i don't feel i need to elaborate. > > jason wall > 1995 240sx > 1987 gti 16v > > _______________________________________________ > a2-16v-list mailing list > [email protected] > http://mail.a2-16v.com/mailman/listinfo/a2-16v-list > For list archives, see listinfo link above. >
