Aluminium Discs ?

[Cookie Porsche]

I have a set of aluminium discs (aluminum rotors!) with 993 style hats and a box full of 'special' pads for these discs / rotors.

After searching this board and the www with few results I have a few Q's.

1) Besides them being ultra light (they are cross drilled too)...

2) Would they work in a race application?

3) Could I use normal pads (ie pads for steel discs)

4) Are there any safety concerns


My car is currently running the 993TT steel discs so it would be a straight swop.

Regards, Tom

[Candelaria]

Must be the Metal Matrix stuff from George Velios, no longer making them, they were good, they vibrate a lot when you apply hard on the pedal, I use to use them on street applications, probably will work best on a racing app., I too have some laying around!, Candy.

[Bill Verburg]

Maybe for street use where the don't get very hot, but on track they would melt and transfer material to the pads. Instant junk

[Quicksilver]

The metal matrix composite is some strange stuff. It keeps almost all of its ultimate strength right up to the melting point of the aluminum then it very quickly fails. Very wierd.

Not sure how it holds up but I suspect that there is no way that it could absorb as many BTUs as cast iron so under heavy punishment the discs would self destruct. I would guess that when they go it would be a much more complete failure then we are used to seeing. (Anyone up for some excitement? If so please post pics.)

If they would hold up to real punishment someone (a lot of someones!) would be using them on the track.

BTW - How much did they cost?

[Candelaria]

I hear that they did hold pretty good, I never like them on street, never try them under race cond., there is a following for them I hear, they weren't just aluminum per se, that is where the "matrix" comes in, actually it was an alloy from alum./syli,(Alusil, kind of)., very hard stuff, you will need diamond cutters in order to turn them. Candy.

[Cookie Porsche]

Originally posted by Quicksilver
BTW - How much did they cost?

These discs came from Europe. I bought them from a friend and don't know the original price.

The rotors are mounted on a different type alu hat, thus both front and rears are floating.

If not good for racing they may be ideal for a drag Porsche!

I will post pics on Wednesday (on holiday...).

Regards, Tom

[Superman]

Originally posted by Quicksilver
It keeps almost all of its ultimate strength right up to the melting point of the aluminum then it very quickly fails.

In my opinion, this sounds like a description of the worst possible braking system.

[id911T]

Originally posted by Superman
In my opinion, this sounds like a description of the worst possible braking system.

And your opinion is based on Bill's opinion, which doesn't sound like he has any direct experience with this particular brake setup.

[Cookie Porsche]

Originally posted by id911T
And your opinion is based on Bill's opinion, which doesn't sound like he has any direct experience with this particular brake setup.

So then. This raises the next few questions.

1) What is the critical temperature these alu discs can handle? I mean - do they 'melt' like a marshmellow at 500 degrees or well in excess of the normal 600-700 degrees that is considered a spike.

2) Anyone here with actual experience?


The chap I bought the discs from races a 993 GT2 EVO (same class as me) and is known ONLY to buy from Weissach directly. He has subsequently retired from hardcore racing and that's how I got the discs. I do believe they were VERY expensive.

Image the advantage of this weight saving. My car is already very light but I run against some very fast cars and every little 'advantage' is welcome.

Regards, Tom