Quote:
Originally posted by randywebb
Grady - are you saying that the rubber hoses give the "right amount" of flex for a 'moderate,' street car type braking situation? And that the steel covered plastic hoses do the same under racing conditions?
- both determined just before lock-up
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Randy,
Basically yes. I would substitute your word “moderate” for “extreme.” We are talking about maximum breaking at the limit of traction and still being able to not lock up the tires.
The "right amount” is difficult to quantify. Too rigid tends to lock up tires easily. Too spongy is uncomfortable to drive.
As most know, locking up the tires feels equivalent to suddenly running on grease. The braking effectiveness is dramatically reduced and you loose all steering input. If the rears lock up, you loop it. That is the reason for ABS.
When I’m talking about race situations, envision a Cup Car race at Las Vegas. Say only 90F and the 4000’ thin air. The rotors are cherry red all the time. Porsche tries to build in as much safety margin as possible without added weight and within the rules. Anyone who has driven proper race cars knows how poor the braking is when cold. This is from three factors; cold race tires, cold pads that only work properly hot, and very rigid (SS lines) with freshly bleed hydraulics. The warm-up lap is to get the engine, transmission, tires, and brakes up to temperature. I typically run the first part of the lap with my left foot on the brake. How long and how hard depends on the ambient temperature among other.
I don’t have any scientific data or studies to back up my assertion. This is purely anecdotal based on my personal experience and talking with others. I’m sure some others who have experience braking at the limit can chime in here.
Best,
Grady