On Fri, 19 Jul 2002, Clive Smith wrote:

> Rubbish, I'd say, what they're trying to save is unsprung weight, not
> overall weight for fuel consumption
> If indeed they are using thinner barke disc, which surprises me greatly!

Hmm...you're probably right about trying to save unsprung weight,
though I'd guess saving money is an even higher concern.  Here's an
article that's from a 1998 Road & Track:
http://integra.vtec.net/carmag/warped.html

"As Ruiz explains, the biggest problem isn't rapid brake heating, it's
rapid cooling. In the typical undersized passenger-car brake system, this
shows up as high peak temperatures from a hard stop, followed by chilling
from either long periods between hard stops or parking the vehicle. This
is also why adding cooling ducts to an undersized brake system can make it
even more efficient rotor-warping device. The increased cooling air
blasting away on a hard-working small brake means the rotor will
heat-cycle that much more rapidly, leading to warped and cracked rotors."
...
    "The problem is, the brakes are an easy place for the auto
manufacturers to save a couple of dollars. Most drivers stay well within
even the modest performance of the average braking system, and such
systems can usually make one panic stop at the limit of the suspension and
tires without bursting into flames. What gives is the the system's
durability. Unfortunately, the light-brake philosophy can carry through to
a manufacturer's more sporting cars, where enthusiasts more easily uncover
its limits."

             _ _
  __ _ _   _| | |  | David M. Brodbeck (N8SRE)              Ypsilanti, MI
 / _` | | | | | |  +-----------------------------------------------------
| (_| | |_| | | | @ cyberspace.org
 \__, |\__,_|_|_| "Geekdom is fantastic at being AGAINST something, and
 |___/             it's hopeless at being FOR something."
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