Installed new brake cooling ducts today-details...

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

It was just a couple of weeks ago that I couldn't wait to get my motor back in, thinking I was overdosing on projects for the car.

Today, I jumped back in on a fun discretionary project, installing AJ brake ducts, rotor block-off plates and new front pads (cuz I've had them laying around). These were on sale for PCA members, so I was artificially coerced into spending more money on the car.

I'm going to the track tomorrow for a practice session, and then I've got a DE on Memorial day weekend, so I can't wait to see what they do for me. I've gotten to the point where I can "use my brake fluid to the max" on a DE day. Up until then, the car stops fine, I'm hoping cooling will move the threshold back some.

All told, maybe two hours were spent on this. DAMN, I'm getting fast. A couple of years ago, I'd have spent more than that searching on how-to info!

Took off the front calipers (hung them from coat hangers), as well as the rotor and hub. This gets you to the stock dust cover which is to be removed.

Here's the new ducted backing plate that goes in it's place. It's easiest to mount the hose (using zip tie) before you bolt it to the car.

In addition to the duct kit, I also got the rotor block-off plates shown installed here. These seal the center of the rotors off at the hib, to drive the cooling air thru the rotor's cooling vanes.

Pretty sick when you replace front pads that are only about 40% worn...

Mount the other end of the hose to the scoop, and then secure the scoop to the A-arm using the ties.

I know they're vulnerable, but the scoops really only hang down slightly below the cross-member, so I hope they stay put!

jtratza · 05-14-2005, 11:01 AM

Your next asignment, if you accept it agent hughes, is to report back to us on your success with the new mods at the track.

Brother · 05-14-2005, 12:34 PM

Ed,

Since you are without the A/C, you can remove that grill and lower condensor. You'll be amazed at how much those weighed. There is no other purpose for that grill. I pulled out the blower motor as well and cut up an old sign to cover the hole up. That as well as the evaporator box in smugglers compartment should save you an easy 20+ pounds. Don't forget the drier bottle and all those ridiculous hoses as well.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Nice - made a difference for me - god yob mam

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

I'll report back.

I've removed about 1/3 of my A/C. I've got cold feet-no pun intended. If I don't change my mind in the next few weeks, I'll yank it all.

jaydubya · 05-14-2005, 03:20 PM

I have the same kit on my SC. Works well but you will eventually hit the ducts on something. They sell the ducts separately for this reason.

Eventually I'll add a front spoiler and route the hoses up there. Then I won't hit the ducts, just my front spoiler

Brother · 05-14-2005, 03:25 PM

Don't be afraid to yank it.

It wont make you go blind.

Noel · 05-15-2005, 11:39 AM

You might want to also secure the scoops to the a-arms with some safety wire as a back up. This is how I have mine.

KTL · 05-15-2005, 04:59 PM

My 993 air guides hang down lower than that.

They've survived one uphill off-track adventure so far. But I was going backwards. So that's probably why they didn't get ripped off.

Do let us know how the ducts improve upon the cooling. I'm sure they work tons better than mine. Mine were mostly for grins and didn't do much for keeping my brakes cool. Plus they were only $10 ea. plus zip ties. I've only got one DE under my belt, so I can't blame the guides for my brake heat mgmt.

Obviously the solution to the clearance problem is to get the ducts out from under the a-arms. Carrera owners can remove the foglights and you're all set.

JonT · 05-15-2005, 05:03 PM

Looks good Ed! Definitely a worthy upgrade done right.

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

Well I was able to run a couple of sessions at the track today. I think I was on the brakes harder than normal to test the limits with the cooling. jakermc (Rob) was out with me for one of the sessions, and smelled the aroma of brakes prior to him passing me.

I had some decent speed going my second session, and was using all of the brakes at the end of the two straights @ MSR that you need to "slow down" for entry into the ensuing corners. My pedal did soften up a bit, but not as much as I've experienced in the past.

Now, I need to concentrate on trying to not need as much brake at my DE in 2 weeks.

I was pretty happy with the way everything felt today, the car was doing well.