Number of pistons OR total surface area ?? - 3000GT/Stealth International Message Center

antmay · 08-05-2009, 07:23 PM

Hi,
I have a brake upgrade question and would like someone to comment on it.
For greater braking power, is the number of pistons OR the total surface area of the pistons that is vital and important ???

For example, if a 4 pistons caliper and a 6 pistons caliper both uses brake pad of the same size, why would I pay extra for the 6 pistons caliper ?

Based on the fact that 6 pistons caliper are more expensive than the 4 pistons, it seems like the number of pistons plays a bigger role in braking power ( assuming using the same size rotor ).

What do you guys think ?

Thanks,
Anthony

TT Eric · 08-05-2009, 08:52 PM

I'm not an expert in brake, but a 6 pistons BBK can have less pistons area then a 4 pistons set-up!

But remember, the BIGGEST factor to improve stopping distances is your tires. Use very sticky tires and you can stop faster. After that it's the pad!

The reason for getting big brakes is to allow the car to brake hard repeatedly without suffering from brake fade.

Supercar · 08-06-2009, 12:11 AM

What he said...

The reason to upgrade your brakes is to be able to brake from 60 to 0 more than once. The stock brakes overheat immediately. Just try braking hard several times until the ABS engages.

Big brake kits usually have bigger rotors and bigger pads. The bigger is the better only when it comes to brake rotors and brake pads. But not so when it comes to the total piston area or the number of pistons. The key to using the tires to their peak braking potential is to balance the front and the rear braking force. In fact, properly designed BBK usually have a SMALLER total piston area. The number of pistons can vary from 2 to 4 and depends solely on the shape of the pad (I know of some goofballs that use 10 pistons for marketing purposes).

Check out the StopTech website for a lot of good brake tech info:

StopTech : Balanced Brake Upgrades

Philip

JackBadBoy · 09-06-2009, 01:18 PM

But how would you describe/explain let say 355mm 4 vs 6piston. And price diff. Just curious, because I tend to buy this kit, just dont know the difference..
Thanks

Supercar · 09-06-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackBadBoy

But how would you describe/explain let say 355mm 4 vs 6piston. And price diff. Just curious, because I tend to buy this kit, just dont know the difference..
Thanks

The 6-piston calibers are bigger, heavier, a bigger forged casting, more machining required, four more pistons per kit with all the seals, a larger more expensive brake pad, a higher customer demand, and a higher price premium.

Philip

JackBadBoy · 09-08-2009, 02:15 PM

Thanks for short explanation, but in this case, 6 > 4 ?

Supercar · 09-08-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackBadBoy

Thanks for short explanation, but in this case, 6 > 4 ?

Bigger pads are better. The number of pistons does not matter at all, it's just happens so that brake kits with bigger pads also require more pistons. So, when some car has say... 37-piston calipers... then it is safe to assume that it also has big brake pads, big brake rotors, and it stops well. Usually it is the case. But the mere fact that some brake kit has more calipers than another brake kit does not guarantee that it works better.

You also need to compare the caliper stiffness, which is just as important. Often a stiffer 4-piston caliper made by a respectable brake company is better than a flimsy 10-piston made in the Orient.

Philip

JackBadBoy · 09-09-2009, 03:18 PM

Ok, thanks man.