17 replies to this topic

[Bindegal]

I just got my shiny AP discs + bells from Thorney, and I was curious as to how much lighter they were. So they went on the scales. Yeah I know we can all loook it up on the web, but this is the real deal product as shipped, no nonsense Turns out to be quite a big difference... My standard disc: 7.7kg AP 290mm + aluminum bell: 5.9 kg That´s a 1.8kg unsprung-weight saving right there for what seems like a nice product /Allan

[redvts]

How much were they if u don't mind me asking?

[Bindegal]

My calculator says around £420+VAT for the pair. Yeah, it seems stupidly expensive compared to the available options for standard one-piece discs, I know. The reason I wanted to try them is because I have exceedingly good experiences with my other cars on Wilwood discs on seperate bells. Parts made for race applications seem to work well for me. The AP/Thorney kit is more or less the only option I can find for the VX, as 288-290mm x 25mm is not a popular size for race parts. /Allan

[siztenboots]

for a full 4pot kit and disks kit from AP , around £1500 # 2 x Specially designed vented discs # 2 x Lightweight anodised alloy mounting bell # 2 x AP Racing alloy caliper # 2 x Purpose designed caliper mounting bracket # 4 x Brake pads # Fixing bolts # 1 x 500ml Formula brake fluid

[techieboy]

Not all bells and rotors are made equal.

Just fitted the Elise Parts 288mm bells and rotors to the rear of the car, this morning.

They weigh in at 5.4kg each but the rotor part, at least, is actually made by EBC by the look of the part number.

The Plans Motorsport 295mm AP bells and rotors on the front weigh in at 5.3kg each

And for reference, the EBC Ultimax rear discs I removed, weighed in at 7.4kg each

[alanoo]

If I am right these AP are still heavy as they are the low end / small air gap ones...

[cheeky_chops]

are the thorney ones 288mm or did you need to shim out the caliper at all?

[siztenboots]

are the thorney ones 288mm or did you need to shim out the caliper at all?

if you are asking has it been properly engineered , then no

[slindborg]

given its only 1mm extra radius, I imagine it makes fcuk all difference and needs no shimming anyway.

Edited by slindborg, 24 March 2010 - 01:19 PM.

[theolodian]

are the thorney ones 288mm or did you need to shim out the caliper at all?

if you are asking has it been properly engineered , then no

Maybe, but 1mm?!?

[Bindegal]

Supposedly they should work with the standard calipers without modifications. I´ll let you know when I get the chance to have some work done on the car. /Allan

[mandarinvx]

I spoke to HiSpec at the Autosport show about this They said they would machine a Wilwood disc down to 288mm; and sell a pair including bells and fasteners for <£300

[slindborg]

I spoke to HiSpec at the Autosport show about this

They said they would machine a Wilwood disc down to 288mm; and sell a pair including bells and fasteners for <£300

how long will it take them and how random will the 288mm wind up being

[siztenboots]

I spoke to HiSpec at the Autosport show about this

They said they would machine a Wilwood disc down to 288mm; and sell a pair including bells and fasteners for <£300

how long will it take them and how random will the 288mm wind up being

there will be a certain amount of tolerance

[chris]

Drilled OEM disk : 5,6 kg (new)



It doesnt worth to change for alu bells one



Regarding "The Plans Motorsport 295mm AP bells and rotors on the front weigh in at 5.3kg each" I would like to see a picture of the weighing !

[Bindegal]

Worth it...? Well depends on application. For me, discs with seperate bells have worked wonders before on the track. My Honda has similar power to a VXT and similar weight. Fade/warping seems impossible even on smaller tracks (well smaller than the Nordschelife) on my 280mm Wilwood discs. Hence, I want something similar on the VXR too. I actually tried to find a suitable 295mm wilwood disc and have them machined down. Great idea in theory, but finding a disc with the correct thickness proved difficult so I gave up a while ago. If someone can locate a suitable part number, I´ll be happy to play guinea pig. I´ll buy some and get some bells made up for them /Allan

[chris]

IMO, the main interest of light brake disks is to save unsprung weight, in order to improve suspension ability. Due to light weight of the VX220, the braking efficiency and endurance were never an issue on this car (IMO) I have installed alu bells disks in the the 4 corners on my car (with a large one in the front : 308 mm) Results : I have lost unsprung weight(versus my front drilled OEM disks) and I didn't noticed, any difference in Braking ability and endurance ! The only valuable think to do in order to improve the braking ability of this car, is to replace the calamitous OEM ABS module by a Lotus one, and install AO48 LTS ... For the rest, it is a matter of urban legends ...

[oakmere]

Drilled OEM disk : 5,6 kg (new)



It doesnt worth to change for alu bells one



Regarding "The Plans Motorsport 295mm AP bells and rotors on the front weigh in at 5.3kg each" I would like to see a picture of the weighing !

Those disks are not standard but the upgraded option they cost £270.00 a pair if you can get hold of them. So alu bells will work out cheaper in the long-run as only rotors will be needed in future.

Cheers Oakmere