3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Brake ducts...do they really make a diff?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-04-01 | 07:25 AM
  #1  
clearthinker's Avatar
Thread Starter
Full Member
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Mile high
Question Brake ducts...do they really make a diff?

I found crooked willow web page and they have these very cool looking brake ducts....anyone have any experience.

Under what conditions would it work the best? Auto X, road racing?

Also, if it does work how do you instal in a stock bumper setup?
Old 09-05-01 | 06:26 PM
  #2  
SleepR1's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,131
Likes: 2
From: IN
brake ducts

Thanks for that reply Gordon! I had the same question. Sounds like I'll need to install a set of CWC brake ducts next season. With the heat issue being addressed with the incoming air, I could use Hawk HP Plusses instead of the Hawk Blues (expensive and heat-checks rotors!)
Old 01-24-02 | 12:36 PM
  #3  
SleepR1's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,131
Likes: 2
From: IN
gmonsen

Do these really work that well on track? Not meaning to doubt Mr. Monsen, but I'd like other opinions on the product.

In looking at the pics on CWC's website, the air appears to be routed straight into the center of the rotor, NOT into the venting fins of the brake rotor...

http://www.crookedwillow.com/brakeduct.htm

Every effective brake duct I've seen routes cooling air onto the brake rotor venting fins.

Originally posted by gmonsen
they don't hook up to the front bumper at all, so no problem there. the work very well. they pick up high pressure air from inside the wheel housing. they work so well that you have to heat up the brakes a good bit or the brakes can get too cold. -gordon
Old 01-24-02 | 02:30 PM
  #4  
ArcWelder's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I have the Crooked Willow ducts, using the stock brake system, Hawk Blue pads for the track and R1 lip. It's hard to quantify just how much extra cooling they provide. I should have used temperature measuring paint to measure temps before and after the install.

Anecdotal evidence: I've had no brake fade from hard track use after installing the ducts. I perceived minor fade before the install. Also, I had unusually high pad and rotor wear after a track day run in cool temps indicating my brakes were probably too cool and the ducts should have been taped closed a bit. I ran an event in colder temps before installing the ducts and didn't have this problem.

To sum it up, they provide "some" extra cooling.

BTW, the air is directed into the "eye" of the rotor, through the cooling fins to the outside of the rotor. The duct also protrudes into the airflow much better than the stock sytem, actually outside the width of the tire.

Mark
Old 01-24-02 | 04:08 PM
  #5  
SleepR1's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,131
Likes: 2
From: IN
Mark

So with the better cooling, I could use a "sofer" pad compound, no?
Old 01-24-02 | 04:57 PM
  #6  
ArcWelder's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I'm not sure about softer, but one of a lower temp range possibly. The Hawk Blues are very abrasive if they aren't up to their designed temp range. Once up to temp, they're not bad at all. You could try another pad for cooler track days but it would take some experimenting. I'll stick with the Blues in cold temps for now and just close off the ducts a bit.

Mark
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BNR34RB26DETT
Build Threads
42
02-28-18 12:27 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:35 PM.