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High-Performance Brake Systems
Design, Selection, and Installation
by James Walker, Jr.
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High-Performance Brake Systems: Design, Selection, and
Installation gives you the knowledge to upgrade your brakes the
right way the first time. Author James Walker, Jr. doesn’t just tell
you what to do—he uses over 330 photos and plain English to
help you understand how and why your brake system works, what
each of the components does, and how to intelligently upgrade
your brakes for better performance. There are chapters showing
you how to choose and install the most effective rotors, calipers,
pads, and tires for your sports car, muscle car, race car, and
street rod. You will even find special sidebars detailing how each
upgrade will affect your ABS.
Brakes might be one of the most important, yet least understood,
vehicle systems. Brakes are relied upon day in and day out
without giving a second thought to their condition, let alone their
purpose, function, or design. Brake systems can be intimidating,
and they aren’t usually the first thing the average horsepower
junkie chooses to upgrade. But there’s no reason to wait until you
have a problem to learn how your brakes work. Whether you are
a casual enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or a professional racer,
this book will tell you everything you need to know about brakes.
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Click below to view a sample
page from each chapter
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Chap. 1 - Energy Conversion
Chap. 2 - Tires Stop the Car
Chap. 3 - System Design
Chap. 4 - Brake Balance
Chap. 5 - Pedal & Master Cyl
Chap. 6 - Brake Fluid
Chap. 7 - Lines and Hoses
Chap. 8 - Brake Calipers
Chap. 9 - Brake Pads
Chap. 10 - Brake Rotors
Chap. 11 - Sports Car Brakes
Chap. 12 - Race Car Brakes
Chap. 13 - Muscle Car Brakes
Chap. 14 - Street Rod Brakes
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8-1/2 x 11"
Softbound
144 pages
330+ color photos
Item: SA126
Price: $21.95
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Click here to buy now!
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This is a great book that any performance enthusiast will love!
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Energy Conversion
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If there’s just one piece of information you should retain after reading this book, it’s that the brakes
don’t stop the car. Contrary to popular belief, bright red calipers, cross-drilled rotors, and stainless
steel brake hoses are not responsible for vehicle deceleration.
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Regardless of their color, size, number
of pistons, slots, holes, or sex appeal,
the brakes don’t stop the car. As you’ll
learn, they exist solely to convert
energy from one form into another. A
glowing rotor is a sure sign that the
energy conversion process is in high
gear. (Hawk Performance)
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That’s a pretty hard statement to accept, isn’t it? This fundamental concept directly contradicts your
own everyday driving experiences. You push on the brake pedal hundreds of thousands of times
per year, each time expecting your vehicle to slow down. This is repeated more than one million
times over the life of a typical vehicle. You’re probably asking yourself right now, “How can those
countless observations be wrong?”
Thankfully, the true purpose of brake systems is not based on particle string theory or quantum
mechanics. All you need is solid understanding of the First Law of Thermodynamics and the rest will
fall into place.
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The Conservation of Energy
The First Law of Thermodynamics says that energy (the ability to do work) can neither be created
nor destroyed. In other words, the amount of energy found in the universe is constant, and
regardless of what you choose to do with it, you can’t change the total amount.
(Note here that Albert Einstein later proved that isn’t necessarily the case, but exceptions only
occur when traveling at the speed of light. Since the vehicles you drive are most certainly not
traveling at the speed of light, you can ignore Einstein’s accurate but irrelevant observations
without worry.)
While the law as stated refers to the universe as a whole, the focus of automotive enthusiasts is
quite a bit narrower. From this perspective, the universe can be replaced with the vehicle and the
law still holds true.
In summary, the amount of energy in and around your vehicle is constant, and while you can’t
change the total amount, you can influence which forms that energy takes.
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These vehicles are sitting on the grid,
ready to head out on the track. Even if
they all were to attain the same top
speed on the main straight, they would
all have different amounts of kinetic
energy because of their differences in
weight. (Wayne Flynn/pdxsports.com)
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Where Energy Comes From
The primary source of energy in most vehicles comes from the chemical energy stored in the bonds
holding together molecules of gasoline in the gas tank. The internal combustion engine is a device
which takes this stored chemical energy and converts it into a variety of other energy forms with the
intended effect of accelerating the vehicle to a given speed and maintaining that speed as long as
the driver intends—or until the gas tank is empty.
In this regard, the most useful form of energy coming from the internal combustion engine is kinetic
energy—the energy of the vehicle in motion. Unfortunately, this only accounts for about 25 to 35
percent of the total energy stored in the fuel. The remaining 65 to 75 percent is converted into
relatively useless thermal energy (such as heat) lost to the cooling system and stored in the
exhaust gasses.
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While complex in design and
operation, the internal combustion
engine only exists to convert the
stored chemical energy of gasoline
into vehicle kinetic energy. The higher
the rate of energy conversion, the
more power (and acceleration) the
vehicle is capable of producing.
Turbochargers certainly add to the
excitement. (Randall Shafer)
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Friction
Since friction is discussed at great length in this book, it makes sense to define it now. In simple
terms, friction is the resistance to movement that occurs between any two objects that are in
contact with one another. More specifically, any time you attempt to generate relative motion
between two objects, there will be a force generated which resists the motion you are trying to
achieve. This force is called the frictional force.
The simplest example is a block of wood sitting on a table. In order to move the block along the
surface of the table, you need to push it with a certain amount of force. The force required to get
the block to move is equal to the weight of the block multiplied by the amount of friction, or
resistance, found between the block and the table. This level of resistance is called the coefficient
of friction. In equation form:
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Force required to move the object (lb) = coefficient of friction (unitless) x weight of the object (lb)
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The force due to friction (green arrow)
is equal to the coefficient of friction, or
mu (blue star), multiplied by the
object's weight (red arrow). This is
equal to the force required to move the
object along the surface (yellow
arrow). As a result, the lower the
coefficient of friction, the easier the
object will be to move.
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From this relationship you can see that lower coefficients of friction result in lower forces required to
move the block. For example, the block would be easier to push along a polished granite tabletop
than along a piece of 60-grit sandpaper because the coefficient of friction is lower on the tabletop.
In addition, once these two objects are moving relative to each other there is an energy
transformation at the interface. This is the frictional force at work. The most common form of energy
transformation is converting kinetic energy into thermal energy. As a result, when the block slides
along the table, both the block and the tabletop will increase in temperature because they absorb
the heat generated due to friction.
Subsequent chapters explore some of the different ways friction is developed, but for now let it
suffice to say that friction always makes the conversion to kinetic energy more difficult than it needs
to be. Unfortunately though, like death and taxes, you just can’t escape from frictional forces.
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Aerodynamic drag is just one
mechanism that can convert a
vehicle's kinetic energy into heat.
Although the contribution from
aerodynamic drag is small while driving
around town, it’s the only mechanism
available for an airborne vehicle – hit
the brakes if you want, but they won’t
help you slow down! (Wayne
Flynn/pdxsports.com)
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Vehicle Kinetic Energy Comparison
The following table compares the total kinetic energy of six unique vehicles at four different speeds.
Due to the nature of energy calculations, the units are given in foot-pounds. Since torque also is
expressed in units of foot-pounds this can be a little confusing at first, but regardless of the units
used, note the extreme differences in kinetic energy between the various conditions.
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Kinetic Energy (in ft-lb)
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35 mph 75 mph 150 mph 225 mph
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200-lb soap box derby car 8,194 37,625 150,502 338,629
400-lb race kart 16,388 75,251 301,003 677,258
600-lb sport bike 24,582 112,876 451,505 1,015,886
1,900-lb formula car 77,843 357,441 1,429,766 3,216,973
3,000-lb passenger car 122,910 564,381 2,257,525 5,079,431
80,000-lb tractor-trailer 3,277,592 15,050,167 60,200,669 135,451,505
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While not all of these vehicles are capable of reaching the speeds listed, the data allows for some
interesting comparisons. For example, a 600-pound sport bike at 150 mph has less kinetic energy
than a 1,900-pound formula car traveling at half that speed, while an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer
traveling at just 35 mph has the same amount of kinetic energy as a 1,900-pound formula car
traveling at over 225 mph!
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Kinetic energy is a function of a
vehicle's speed and weight.
Consequently, a 1,900-pound formula
car traveling at 50 mph possesses
approximately the same amount of
kinetic energy as a 400-pound race
kart traveling at nearly 110 mph.
(Wayne Flynn/pdxsports.com)
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Next
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This has been a sample page from
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High-Performance Brake Systems
Design, Selection, and Installation
by James Walker, Jr.
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|
|
|
|
|
High-Performance Brake Systems: Design, Selection, and
Installation gives you the knowledge to upgrade your brakes the
right way the first time. Author James Walker, Jr. doesn’t just tell
you what to do—he uses over 330 photos and plain English to
help you understand how and why your brake system works, what
each of the components does, and how to intelligently upgrade
your brakes for better performance. There are chapters showing
you how to choose and install the most effective rotors, calipers,
pads, and tires for your sports car, muscle car, race car, and
street rod. You will even find special sidebars detailing how each
upgrade will affect your ABS.
Brakes might be one of the most important, yet least understood,
vehicle systems. Brakes are relied upon day in and day out
without giving a second thought to their condition, let alone their
purpose, function, or design. Brake systems can be intimidating,
and they aren’t usually the first thing the average horsepower
junkie chooses to upgrade. But there’s no reason to wait until you
have a problem to learn how your brakes work. Whether you are
a casual enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or a professional racer,
this book will tell you everything you need to know about brakes.
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|
Click below to view a sample
page from each chapter
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|
Chap. 1 - Energy Conversion
Chap. 2 - Tires Stop the Car
Chap. 3 - System Design
Chap. 4 - Brake Balance
Chap. 5 - Pedal & Master Cyl
Chap. 6 - Brake Fluid
Chap. 7 - Lines and Hoses
Chap. 8 - Brake Calipers
Chap. 9 - Brake Pads
Chap. 10 - Brake Rotors
Chap. 11 - Sports Car Brakes
Chap. 12 - Race Car Brakes
Chap. 13 - Muscle Car Brakes
Chap. 14 - Street Rod Brakes
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8-1/2 x 11"
Softbound
144 pages
330+ color photos
Item: SA126
Price: $21.95
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|
Click here to buy now!
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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This is a great book that any performance enthusiast will love!
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Chassis Engineering
Precise and predictable handling the key to high performance
driving. The art and science of engineering a chassis can be
difficult to comprehend, let alone apply. In this book, chassis
expert Herb Adams clearly explains the complex principles of
suspension geometry and chassis design in terms the novice
can easily understand and apply to any project. Hundreds of
photos and illustrations offer the information on what it takes to
design, build and tune the ultimate chassis for maximum
cornering power, both on and off the track.
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Price:
$18.95
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The Street Rodders Chassis & Suspension Handbook
The experts at Street Rodder have now compiled a
comprehensive handbook on one of the most critical areas of
street rodding – the chassis. Sections covered in this book
include frame design and construction, hanging suspension
components, independent verses sold front suspensions,
independent verses solid rear axles, steering system design
and modification, driveshafts, brakes, shocks, springs and
much more. The information is this book will give you the
knowledge to properly design and build your chassis and
suspension.
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Price:
$18.95
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How to Make Your Car Handle
Make your car handle, design a suspension system, or just
learn about the chassis; you’ll find what you’re looking for in this
book. Basic suspension theory is thoroughly covered including
roll center, roll axis, camber change, bump steer, anti-dive, ride
rate, ride balance and more. How to choose, install and modify
suspension hardware for best handling; springs, sway bars,
shock absorbers, bushings, tires and wheels. Regardless of the
basic layout of your car it’s covered in this book.
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Price:
$18.95
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The Metal Fabricators Handbook
How to build structurally sound, good looking metal parts for
custom street rods, race cars or restorations. Over 350 step-
by-step photos and instructions illustrate proper welding, metal
shaping and design techniques. Learn to fabricate metal like a
professional. This book is for the reader who already has more
than a passing interest in automotive fabrication. Master metal
craftsman Ron Fournier shares the tips, techniques and
secrets necessary for fabricating metal components for race,
custom or restoration use.
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Price:
$18.95
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Turbo High Performance Turbocharger Systems
This book is the most detailed and up-to-date resource on
turbocharging. You'll learn how turbochargers work, how to
choose the right turbo or turbos for your engine by reading
flow maps, and how to tune your engine to run perfectly with
your turbo system. Uses more than 300 photos and technical
information to help you make more horsepower. It also
discusses the various components of a turbocharger and
explains how to decode turbocharger model numbers,
compressor maps, other specifications and includes a
complete step-by-step turbocharger tear-down and rebuild.
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Price:
$22.95
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Payment, Shipping & Sales
Tax: Iowa
residents must pay 7% sales tax. Items usually ship
within one
business day of receipt of payment! Standard shipping is a flat rate of
$4.95 to
anywhere in the United States with USPS Media Mail.
Priority Mail shipping is available for an
additional $2.95, or
$7.90 for shipping. Shipping is combined and discounted for multiple item
purchases as follows: first item regular shipping price, add
$1.95 for each additional item. For
purchases of 3 or more items
shipping is automatically upgraded to Priority for no additional
charge! We offer world wide shipping and ship to Canada and Mexico
with USPS Priority Mail
International for $11.95, and to most
locations in Europe, Australia, Asia, Japan and South
America for
$14.95. Satisfaction is Guaranteed. Our store has a NO HASSLE RETURN
POLICY
within 7 days of purchase.
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