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The Science of Friction

Looking To The Future
Staying in front can be every bit as demanding as taking the lead. At AP Racing, yesterday's knowledge, know-how and experience provide the platform for today's development. Building on success, AP Racing is constantly exploring new systems, techniques and materials in a continuous quest for further improvement.

The Science Of Friction
Transferring 1000 bhp from power unit to road; or reducing speed by 150 m.p.h. or more in seconds - these are never simple matters. At the pinnacle of motor sports, numerous other factors dictate the most specialized requirements for ultimate success. Exploiting the unique properties of modern materials and adapting scientific advance to manufacturing method. AP Racing is constantly probing the boundaries of technology.

1) Large Diameter Vented Discs:
Vented discs have 24, 30 or 48 cooling vanes, depending on the application, to convect air through the center of the discs. They are left and right handed, and are cross drilled and/or slotted, depending on the application, to allow gasses that build up on the surface to escape. The discs are wider (up to 35.5mm) and of a larger diameter than standard (up to 355mm). The extra metal controls heat build-up and the larger diameter means the calipers can be mounted further away from the center emphasising the leverage effect, which increases braking pressure while decreasing effort required on the pedal.

2) Aluminum Hats:
To prevent heat distortion and stress cracking, the cast iron discs are mounted on aluminum (6061 T6) hats. This allows for the tiny amount of flexing required to avoid distortion. All our hats are designed in house using our state of the art CAD (computer aided design) system. We also manufacture these components in our state of the art machine shop using the latest CNC equipment. By designing and manufacturing in house, we can ensure you receive the highest quality components. This is not true with many of our competitors.

3) Differential Bore 4 or 6 pot Caliper:
Calipers are made to AP Racing’s® exacting standards and use two or three pairs of opposing pistons, depending on the application, in each caliper. Tailing edge pistons have a slightly larger diameter than the leading ones, to compensate for mechanical end load and protect the pads from tapered wear. On road cars with thin spoke alloys the visual effect of the brakes is important. The caliper are finished with a black PTFE coating with the AP Racing® logo embossed in the casting – just to let everyone know you’re running something special!

4) Aluminum or Steel Mounting Brackets:
Our brackets are machined from aluminum billet (2024, 6061, or 7075 - T6) with steel inserts for maximum strength and weight saving. The mounts ensure accurate location of the calipers making installation simple. In applications such as large Trucks or SUV’s, steel (1018) brackets are incorporated for added strength. All our brackets are designed in house using our state of the art CAD (computer aided design) system. We also manufacture these components in our state of the art machine shop using the latest CNC equipment. By designing and manufacturing in house, we can ensure you receive the highest quality components. This is not true with many of our competitors.

5) High Performance Brake Pads:
Our AP Racing® Brake Kits come complete with appropriate pads for all-round performance road use on the individual application. We can specify and supply more specialized pads specifically for track days and the like. Contact our sales department for further information.

6) Stainless Steel Braided Lines:
Not only do braided lines offer extra protection against damage, they also resist expansion when the fluid within them is under pressure. Standard lines expand under pressure resulting in a ‘spongy’ feel. Our lines incorporate a PTFE inner with a Stainless Steel Outerbraid. Every line is DOT approved and pressure tested to 3,000 psi, which meets the FMVSS-106 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) test.

7) Flexible Hose Guards
Road brakes have to perform perfectly day after day without constant inspection. Chaffing and ‘motorway debris” can cause damage without the driver being aware – so we include every possible safeguard in our kits.

8) Bolts, Washers and Hardware:
AP Racing® Formula Brake Kits are complete conversions. Everything you will need for installation is contained in the kit. All mounting hardware is of Aerospace quality and grade.



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