Q. What is a floating rotor?
A. A floating rotor has oblong holes instead of straight holes cut into the rotor flange to allow for thermal expansion. In comparison, a floating hat uses a hat with slots cut into it and a straight hole in the rotor flange. In order to provide a quiet street worthy brake system, our floating rotors incorporate an anti-rattle system that keeps tension on the rotor and hat thus eliminating any rattle, while still allowing for proper thermal expansion. Allowing thermal expansion of the rotor independent to the brake hat minimizes warping issues.
Q. Why should I upgrade my front calipers?
A. The OEM brake caliper has enough brake torque to initiate ABS, which is a clear indication that no increase in brake torque is required. However, the OEM sliding caliper system does have some drawbacks that make upgrading the calipers a worthwhile decision. First off, a sliding caliper has a piston (or pistons) on the inside of the caliper, and a sliding bridge with a solid backing plate on the outside. As the caliper piston(s) extend, the bridge slides inboard and applies pressure to the outboard side of the rotor. In comparison, an opposed piston caliper has pistons in either side of the caliper. By removing the sliding bridge, you are removing much of the flex of the OEM brake system. So to improve everyday brake f eel, changing the caliper to an opposed piston one is a good move. It will provide a more linear brake pedal, with easier light brake modulation. Secondly, replacement pads for the OEM caliper (S4 in particular) are very expensive. By moving to a more standard pad design, the cost of replacement brake pads can be reduced by half. This also makes running a different pad compound for street and track an easy decision.
Q. Why do I want to upgrade to the Alcon Racing rotors?
A. Alcon develops their products for the pinnacles of motorsport in Formula One, Champ Car and World Rally and that technology goes into every component that Alcon produces. Advanced metallurgy, multiple heat treatments, core material usage and sub 0.001 machining tolerances are what make Alcon rotors superior to anything else on the market. These factors all contribute to outstanding braking performance by maximizing heat absorption & dispersion and minimizing wear & vibration.
Q. Why are the Alcon calipers more expensive than most others?
A. Unlike most companies who have a street and race division of brake components, Alcon only produces race components. These calipers are designed and built in the U.K using the same standards and testing methods as their Formula 1 cousins. Superior stiffness is provided by cross-bolted billet, or unique bridged monobloc construction. Further advantages include alloy pistons, precision retraction seals, internal weather seals, insulated fluid pipes and machined airflow passages for pad and fluid cooling. All of these features come in a comparatively small and lightweight package assisting in reducing unsprung mass and allowing for better wheel fitment.
