Disc-Brake Corvettes

[Stallion]

I was just reading Newton and he says that any "disc-brake" Corvette prior to '84 is going to have caliper problems. I haven't heard of this "specification" of braking system. What is meant by "disc-brake"? And, what other braking options are there for systems?

Thanks!

TR

 

[Bullitt]

Wow, I remember when I was full of these questions. I'm glad to see that you are enthusiastic enough to honestly ask, when you don't know.

The disc brake on production cars was preceeded by the drum brake, which is still incorpoarted on some lesser models of cars. Both of them primarily work through a hydraulic system which uses brake fluid. Here's some links that I think you'll find useful:

How Stuff Works- Disc Brake
How Stuff Works- Drum Brakes

Do me a favor and never lose your quest for knowledge. And do your best to convince your parents to buy you a great tool set to compliment a great project car (beg, again) to wrench on.

--Bullitt

 

[sscam69]

The coolest part is he is not gettting bashed for it.

Some of these OTHER forums are vicious!!


How'd your holidays go bullit?

Frank

 

[Bullitt]

I would never bash someone who honestly is seeking an answer with an open mind, but I will "toss" someone who pretends to know or is just completely ignorant on a subject, yet promotes himself as the opposite. What I like about this kid is that he honestly pursues the "answer." I think we all remember what it was like for us when we first started getting into cars and trying to figure out how they work. I had someone there to guide me and I hope we can all guide someone of a younger generation. This site does a wonderful job of it and yes, I still need answers, myself. :gap

The holidays were kind of 50/50 for me. Glad to have what I do, but I missed being with my immediate family. Some things can never be replaced or replicated, I guess. That's a good thing. I've had a lot of time to think and perhaps overthink, but I'll stray too far off topic if I delve into it. Anyways Frank, I can't wait to swing by El Paso and pay you a visit. I read an article about the airport races on the East side of El Paso. Is that place off of Joe Battle? I still don't know when exactly I'll get by there, but hopefully some time soon.

--Bullitt

 

[Stallion]

Thanks for those links and kind words, Bullit! I will surely read through those articles and maybe be back with questions if I don't understand the material. Thanks again!

TR

 

[Stallion]

I'm currently reading about the disc brakes, and I'm not sure I understand the movement of the rotor. The caliper applies pressure on the rotor, stopping the wheel. But, is the rotor always moving with the wheel? Or is it just in contact when the brakes are pressed?

Thanks!

TR

 

[Bullitt]

Yes, the rotor is always moving with the rotation/speed of the wheel. The disc pads are what make contact with the rotor, which is forced out by the caliper pistons by hydraulic pressure. Take a paper plate, push a pencil through it's center and spin it to simulate the wheel/rotor. Your hand can act as a brake by pinching the spinning plate with your fingers. A "Bill the Science Guy" experiment, if you will.

--Bullitt

 

[Stallion]

Okay I understand. Thanks, Bullit!

TR

 

[sscam69]

The holidays were kind of 50/50 for me. Glad to have what I do, but I missed being with my immediate family. Some things can never be replaced or replicated, I guess. That's a good thing. I've had a lot of time to think and perhaps overthink, but I'll stray too far off topic if I delve into it. Anyways Frank, I can't wait to swing by El Paso and pay you a visit. I read an article about the airport races on the East side of El Paso. Is that place off of Joe Battle? I still don't know when exactly I'll get by there, but hopefully some time soon.

Sorry to hear about the 50/50 part

I hear ya about the things not being able to be replicated. I pretty much have had my head in the books for the last 5 years and have missed out on a lot of family functions. They didn't even count me in on things sometimes because I was always to busy.

I am starting to get back into the swing of things and enjoying stuff outside of school. I am going to give my education a break. Its just getting harder and harder to lift the pencil and I am starting to find excuses to do other things. Especially with my family! We went up to Riodoso (sp?) to go skiing and snowboarding. That was a lot of fun!! Looking forward to going to Elephant Baute in the summer and diving off of cliffs!!

As far as the airport is concerned if definitely cool sometimes. Depends on what night though. Its pretty much heads up LEGAL street racing! Sometimes its an all import night. Not by organization but by chance. There are other nights when there is nothing but F-bods and domestic muscle out there. No slips or track prep. Just a tree and 'RUN WHAT YOU BRUNG'.

I will probably be leaving EP at the beginning of the summer and will be moving up to ABQ NM. I want to stay down here but there is nothing that is going to help propel my career down here so have to leave. My fiance might have a job waiting for her up there among other reasons. We should know VERY soon if that is going to happen. If not I wanted to head out towards Houston or Dallas! We'll see what happens.

Frank

 

[Rowdy1]

Thanks Bullit

Wow, I remember when I was full of these questions. I'm glad to see that you are enthusiastic enough to honestly ask, when you don't know.

The disc brake on production cars was preceeded by the drum brake, which is still incorpoarted on some lesser models of cars. Both of them primarily work through a hydraulic system which uses brake fluid. Here's some links that I think you'll find useful:

How Stuff Works- Disc Brake
How Stuff Works- Drum Brakes

Do me a favor and never lose your quest for knowledge. And do your best to convince your parents to buy you a great tool set to compliment a great project car (beg, again) to wrench on.

--Bullitt

I'd be VERY upset with anyone that wouldn't take the time to help our young friend in his quest for learning all he can before he buys his first Corvette. I've been trying to help him as much as he wants, but I too need help with some things. He's always been a very polite and very enthusiastic young man. Fortunately for me, we live in the same state and I plan on getting him some first hand knowledge by going to the drags, cruise nights, as much as time will allow.
As for anyone bashing him, that's ONE of the great parts of this site and has kept me here. I've made some good friends by being in here and had the pleasure of meeting them in person and I look forward to meeting more this summer and in the years to come. We all had to learn somewhere and with the help of someone, thanks Bullit and anyone else that takes a minute to help my little buddy Stallion.

 

[Stallion]

Yes, thank you again, Bullit. And thank you, Lou, for those kind words. I don't think that this forum could possibly know that help that you privately give me, Lou. And I don't know if I have sent across the message of my appreciation, but I really do appreciate all that you have done for me (as well as this whole forum).

And he's right! We both live in NJ and we do plan on doing some Vette outings in the near future.

Thanks again, fellas!

TR

 

[rpounds]

TR,

I have to agree with Frank's earlier post. You're full of questions and I know that some of them are pretty basic for a lot of people on this forum. However, everybody had to start somewhere!! I'm glad to hear your questions and doubly appreciative of everyone who is willing to take the time to answer them. Let's face it, this Corvette ownership thing is an ongoing learning experience for all of us. I'm glad that there are others here that are willing to help all of us.

Ron

 

[Bullitt]

Here's a perfect oppurtunity....

... to introduce this youngster to my favorite form of motorsport, Formula 1, too. Just a few pics of braking power in action!

Berger's Ferrari circa '93
Schumacher locked '95
Puff, not the magic dragon
JPM Aglow

--Bullitt

 

[Stallion]

Thanks again, everybody. And I'll take a look at those Formula pages, Bullit. Thanks!

TR

 

[DkBG]

Hey Bullitt It is amazeing how much we don't know when we are first getting started . When I was 16 a guy gave me a car with a spun bearing in the engine . I spent a whole evening getting the oilpan off and when I did I didn't see anything that even resembled what I concieved to be a bearing . Dad had the car towed away the next day . Cliff

 

[Stallion]

Re: Here's a perfect oppurtunity....

... to introduce this youngster to my favorite form of motorsport, Formula 1, too. Just a few pics of braking power in action!

Berger's Ferrari circa '93
Schumacher locked '95
Puff, not the magic dragon
JPM Aglow

--Bullitt

I was just looking at those pictures, Bullit! And all I can say is... :eek :eek

How fast can those Formula 1 cars go? They look like they've got power in them.

TR

 

[sscam69]

Those are just amazing machines period.

I have a friend who is CRAZY about that stuff. He showed me some dyno video. They spin those things up to 18000rpm!:eek

The injectors looked like they flow constantly, I mean didn't even close just a constant stream of fuel!! Needless to say the headers were cherry red glowing.

They produce about 900horses but the torque is down on the low side about 150ftlbs or so.

I dunno to much about them but definitely well engineered vehicles!

I swear its a skunk works kind of environment in F1. "If it doesn't concern you, you don't need to know". Its that competitive!

 

[Stallion]

Yes, JohnZ is telling me about the differences between our cars (Vettes) and Formula 1s. As you said, they have high revs, but low torque. High horsepower. They only start putting out power at 100+mph. Of course, not good to drive around town.

TR

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

I am really glad I found this thread! It is so cool that TR wants to learn and is not shy to ask questions. BUt what is even better are the responses that he gets on this forum. It is great to have younger enthusiasts like TR & Justin who are hungry for knowledge.

I remember the first engine that I rebuilt; a 327 in 65 Chevelle. When it started, I took the oil and rubbed it on my face. I was so proud. Lets see, firing order was 18436572, I think!!! Now for drum brakes; nothing better then do a brake job on a '57 Chevy! Yikes, am I old:L :L

 

[Bullitt]

Formula 1 cars can be engineered and tailored to suit top speeds for different tracks. Suzuka, a city and track in Japan, has perhaps the most amazing sweeping curve referred to 130R that is taken at speeds of 180mph+. At tracks like Spa, Belgium and Monza, Italy these race cars approach speeds over 190mph+. The thing about Formula 1 is that no track is designed for all-out top speed, with straightaways that mostly expose thier outstanding acceleration than top-end. Compromises are a reality of racing, so aerodynamics must be suited to the whole track, instead on just one aspect of it. These open-wheeled machines are about being quick rather than being fast. Watch a F1 car take a corner and you'll begin to see what I mean. Of course, they can boil the hides, as well.

--Bullitt