This question is more geared towards those of you who race your RX-7s but I was wondering, is the durability of the front brakes an issue in 3rd gens? My uncle is currently working on a set of ducts to funnel air toward the brake rotors and was wondering if I should trouble him to make me a set once he's got the design finished.

 

I wouldn't say durability is an issue... but heat soak is... even with ducting. AutoX won't present any problems... road racing will even with upgraded pads.

Look at the thread that Howard Coleman has going about a new big brake kit (BBK) he is working on bringing to market for the FD and those that track them on road race courses. It is in the suspension/brake section.

 

Depends how hard you brake, which depends on how much speed you carry into a corner, which depends on how much speed you carry out of the previous corner, which depends on your suspension/tires/motor.

So all-in-all I will say it depends.

For stockish power levels with street tires, the stock brakes are excellent. As you move forward in your driving, start running more agressive rubber and higher power levels, the ducting on the stock brakes is a good idea to keep things cool. The big brake kits, while all nice and shiney, aren't really necessary until you start running lots more power and true race tires.

All IMNSHO, of course.

Good luck,

-bill

 

Nick at N-Tech has backing plates for ducting the brake rotors:

http://www.ntechengineering.com/

As far as the 3rd Gen braking, the first thing you need to accomplish before adding brake cooling is the proper pad selection. You need a dedicated track brake pad for the stock brakes. This means you WILL need to use two different sets of pads, one of the track and one for the street. You just can't get way with a dual purpose pad on the stock brakes.

In most cases, a good track pad will be sufficient for 90% of the people tracking their 3rd Gens. Some tracks however are just flat tough on brakes. In those cases, creating brake ducting or going with an aftermarket big brake kit may be required. However, always start with the proper pad (and fluid) first.

 

Oops, sorry, missed that part. Absolutely corrent. And make sure you have fresh fluid - flush the system before you go on track.

If you want pad recommendations, search the race forum - we have beaten on this quite a bit already.

-b