I track my car at Mid-Ohio and will be upgrading my brakes. I've already use a track pad and the proper fluid.

However I'm considering 2-piece rotors for the front to reduce unsprung and rotational weight and for better heat dissapation.

If you could only do one or the other, would you go with the 2-piece rotors or upgraded calipers and why? Put price aside. Thanks.

 

I went through this dilemma when I was researching brake upgrades on my WRX.

Two things to research to make a calculated decision regarding weight reduction (pick the one which offers more net weight reduction):

1- OEM (iron) caliper weight vs. Aftermarket (fixed) caliper weight
2- Conventional rotor at OEM diameter weight vs. 2 piece rotors of same diameter.

Perhaps you can pull some specs from the Racing Brake or DBA websites.


As for heat dissipation, two things work to your advantage; larger swept surface area (that's what a BBK does for you besides acting as a larger heat sink) and direct spindle cooling via ducting. Perhaps you can try some inexpensive ducting before you invest in pricey brake upgrades.

 

I would go with the 2 piece rotors. The primary problem with OEM floating calipers is caliper flex and uneven pad wear and weight. The weight really isn't much of an issue as its non-rotational, so you're only getting a little less unsprung weight if you switch calipers. Caliper flex isn't a huge problem either.

The two piece floating hat rotors give you several advantages.
1. They are lighter, which reduces unsprung weight more than switching calipers. Plus the weight reduction is in rotational mass as well.
2. They run cooler due to better ventilation and the aluminum hat heat dissipation.
3. They prevent hat distortion under high cornering loads which can happen to OEM fixed hat rotors.

If you elect to change the caliper make sure you get them sized correctly or you will ruin your brake bias and the car won't stop as well as OEM. If you've got big bucks you could do both but if you want only one I'd go with the rotor.

I just switched from a FWD Acura to the RX8 and comparatively speaking the OEM brakes with Cobalt track pads are great. I'm not getting any fade with R-compounds at Sebring.

 

i'd say do them both
2 piece and big brake

 

...do the 2-piece. You'll have more wheel fitmet issues w/BB kits, as well as previously mentioned possible fnt-rear bias issues. OEM Calipers are heavy but strong, work very well. Weight saving would be the only plus, but at what costs? Alot.

 

Thanks all. I went with the DBA 5000 2-piece rotors...they were on clearance at Tire Rack for $236 each!

 

That's a great deal.
I checked out Tire Rack and did not see DBA rotors for the 8.

 

Not to sound condescending, but how long have you been tracking? Are you sure your lack of braking power is what's holding you back, instead of just driving smoother lines?

Reason I ask is because Mazda has supplied our cars with some fantastic brakes, and not even large STI monocoque Brembos feel like they bite any harder.

 

Try searching with a 2006 RX8. When I put in 2007 as mine is, no brake options appear, but with the '06 they will.

 

No offense taken...I've ran only 4 HPDEs. I'm at level 2. Of course I have a lot to learn and have been using the brakes less as I progress and able to carry more speed into the corners.

But since the DBA 5000's were on clearance at tire rack for $236, I jumped on them. RB's 1 piece rotors are about $130, so I thought why not get the weight savings benefit even if the 2 piece rotors are overkill.

 

DBA 5000 is a very nice rotor. I've always wanted a set.
Tell us if the temperature paint marks actually work.

 

HA, damned Aussies! I just read the description for the DBAs, and "kangaroo paw design"?? wat. Next they'll tell ya it'll make your brakes bite like a croc.

I see what you're looking for. Besides, everyone will at some point obsess with upgrading their cars. :p

 

I have the upgrade kit from Racingbrake.com..... I have the one piece rotor with the 4 piston caliper... its a noticible change but I will eventually go to the 2-piece rotor

http://www.racingbrake.com/Fits_stoc...set_s/4410.htm

 

^...............do it.....I did!
Although I didn't get the drilled(didn't want then), just the curved slotted....

But I'm still on the OEM calipers for now.

 

Save up you money and do both at the same time