Yes, that is the point. However, as it turns out, not many wheels have the clearance of the 1.0's in 15" size. They are very nice that way. I thought the 1.2's did fit (as listed on the NAM Big Brake Kits and Wheels.... Updated List thread). If not, we need to go update that list.
Mike, I can tell you with a +38 offset they definitely do not fit, it's close, but you'd have to modify the outside corner of caliper to clear. I just didn't feel comfortable grinding the caliper down, so off they came. I don't know if the +30 would fit or not, but at this point I'm not willing to take the chance, especially since I have a set of 1.0's that do work, and that's getting way down there on the offset. I'm getting a set of 16 inch rota's for everyday, and I'll use my 15 inch TD 1.0's on the track. Hopefully another set of 15's will rear their ugly heads if the 1.0's ever get too beat up. You can get 1.0's done special order, but you have to give up one of your significant body parts to get it done, and I kind of like mine the way they are now, as a matched set...
What pads will fit on the calipers of this kit? (Are they the same fitment as the stock calipers?). Thanks!
Stock won't even come close. It uses the PFC 752 or HB 100 pad type. OK, that is really helpful I hear you saying. Those pad types correspond to a known shape of brake pad. HB is Hawks numbering system, PFC is Performance Friction's system. These are standardized across the industry. The HB100/PFC752 is a very common type with a host of compounds.
No, they've been tested as they were prototyped - BDM, then MDM, then LDM. Nonetheless, I can tell you that the BDM is by far the most able to take a severe beating. The difference between the 11.75 X .81 and the 12.2 X .81 kits is not as dramatic.
Yes, I do recommend it. I have tried driving around with different pads front and rear, but I've been happier with matched pad sets. In my case, I had Porterfield R4S up front and R4 in the back, but on rainy days I noticed increased braking distance because the rears would lock up first (triggering the ABS).
So the BDM is 11.75 x 1.2 disc? and this combo excepts some 15 inch wheels. How thick is the bell or how much does the wheel move outwards in mm ?
The rotor is 11.75" x1.25", certain 15" wheels do work, Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 off the top of my head. The hat moves the wheel out 5mm, in effect a 5mm spacer is "built into" the hat. TSW does have a template on their site that can be used to check potential wheels.
Yes we can! Now I did say matching pads, but this doesn't necessarily mean the same compound front and rear, just that the pads are performance matched. For instance, I really like the R4S front and rear for the street, but for the track I prefer Raybestos ST43 front, Porterfield R4 rear.
Nate do you have any data comparing our old combo with this combo with the Toyo 888 on, i.e 130 to 80.
All of the BBK's and even the stock brakes are going to show very similar stopping distances. All of the above mentioned are capable of locking the tires, or getting into the ABS. The difference between these various kits is repeatability. While an OEM brake setup may last a few laps the TSW BDM BBK is capable of lasting even a double stint session session giving that same confident inspiring stopping ability lap after lap even in TX heat. Anyone that claims shorter stopping distances with a BBK is full of it. We are tire limited, not brake limited. Assuming a decent pad compound designed for track use. Before you ask why I moved from a 12.2 Wilwood Kit from TCE to the TSW BDM BBK...There was nothing wrong with the Wilwood kit. I was at TSW WHQ for something else and I had cracked rotors, one very deep. TSW made me an offer I could not refuse and after selling the Wilwood calipers and dogbones I about broke even. If TSW was not in my pretty much in my backyard I'd probably still have the Wilwoods.
The only way to shorten stopping distances is to improve tire bite, and then you can run grippier pads and/or bigger discs and/or shorter tires to improve mechanical advantage. I run the Hoosier 205/45-16 on-track and with my TSW BBK I still have to modulate the brakes [with track pads] because they're more powerful than the tires have grip. The only advantage in running a more capable braking system than your tires can handle is the brakes don't have to work at their maximum, meaning temps are lower and pads, rotors, and fluid lasts longer.