Has anyone actually measured brake temperatures?

**cvjoint** · June 1, 2018, 12:06 PM

Those stock R7s on the front and no ABS was not actually the most inspiring braking performance. I feel like my C7 Z06 had a shorter breaking distance. Plus you have to leave some cushion in case you lock up.

Since I switched to 245 section RB25 fronts though, the car is an animal. That's likely the reason I pump a lot more heat into the brakes than some of you, the rubber sticks so I pound the brakes in with confidence. I even cracked one of the front rotors recently and the other had large heat stress cracks all over. I've been told rotors don't crack on the Atom, they wear out, but I had plenty thickness left in mine.

The lack of ABS is still a bit of a performance shortfall. At Thunderhill 2 mile I brake shortly before jumping straight over this rumble strip with my right wheel and I lock up every time when I land. Still faster than going slower to brake less but it's brutal to see the right front lockup every lap.

**argonaut** · June 4, 2018, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by 9and3

Argonaut I am probably going to do a Pitt Race HPDE at end of June with AutoInterest. They are a great group and allow Atoms. If you can make that, you can do a couple laps in my car to feel the difference. I am running BFG R1S with Wilwood Polymetric A pads which is very different than the R7 with Hawk DT70 I ran last year.

Wow, I'd really love to come to that event and meet up...but alas I will just be getting back from summer vacation with the family (out of the country) and won't be able to swing it. Are you going to be at the Autointerest event Sept 1-2?

**argonaut** · June 4, 2018, 05:01 AM

Originally Posted by cvjoint

Those stock R7s on the front and no ABS was not actually the most inspiring braking performance. I feel like my C7 Z06 had a shorter breaking distance. Plus you have to leave some cushion in case you lock up.

Since I switched to 245 section RB25 fronts though, the car is an animal. That's likely the reason I pump a lot more heat into the brakes than some of you, the rubber sticks so I pound the brakes in with confidence. I even cracked one of the front rotors recently and the other had large heat stress cracks all over. I've been told rotors don't crack on the Atom, they wear out, but I had plenty thickness left in mine.

The lack of ABS is still a bit of a performance shortfall. At Thunderhill 2 mile I brake shortly before jumping straight over this rumble strip with my right wheel and I lock up every time when I land. Still faster than going slower to brake less but it's brutal to see the right front lockup every lap.

I've seen other posts regarding the RB25 Hoosiers - sounds like THE tire for an Atom. What rims are you mounting 245s on?

**cvjoint** · June 4, 2018, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by argonaut

I've seen other posts regarding the RB25 Hoosiers - sounds like THE tire for an Atom. What rims are you mounting 245s on?

I have a Keiser set, 10" wide front 14" wide rear. I ran them in 100* this past weekend. I need more power to break 'em lose!

**9and3** · June 5, 2018, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by argonaut

Wow, I'd really love to come to that event and meet up...but alas I will just be getting back from summer vacation with the family (out of the country) and won't be able to swing it. Are you going to be at the Autointerest event Sept 1-2?

I am planning to attend that event. It is their Carfest so they will be hosting an HPDE as well as Car Cruise. Thought it might be fun to try and do an Atom Event that weekend. I know the organizer pretty well and feel they would love for us to show up in force.

Lets plan on meeting up at that one

**9and3** · June 5, 2018, 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by cvjoint

Those stock R7s on the front and no ABS was not actually the most inspiring braking performance. I feel like my C7 Z06 had a shorter breaking distance. Plus you have to leave some cushion in case you lock up.

Since I switched to 245 section RB25 fronts though, the car is an animal. That's likely the reason I pump a lot more heat into the brakes than some of you, the rubber sticks so I pound the brakes in with confidence. I even cracked one of the front rotors recently and the other had large heat stress cracks all over. I've been told rotors don't crack on the Atom, they wear out, but I had plenty thickness left in mine.

The lack of ABS is still a bit of a performance shortfall. At Thunderhill 2 mile I brake shortly before jumping straight over this rumble strip with my right wheel and I lock up every time when I land. Still faster than going slower to brake less but it's brutal to see the right front lockup every lap.

Not sure the 245 will fit under the front fenders. They barely fit under the rear ones. If I can get the Wilwood Polymetric A to bite without lock up they stop the car really well. I had a similar problem with throttle control my first year in car. My guess is I just need to get used to the new pads.

**cvjoint** · June 5, 2018, 11:49 AM

I have the 295 section rear fenders up front and extended fenders out the back.

**argonaut** · June 6, 2018, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by 9and3

I am planning to attend that event. It is their Carfest so they will be hosting an HPDE as well as Car Cruise. Thought it might be fun to try and do an Atom Event that weekend. I know the organizer pretty well and feel they would love for us to show up in force.

Lets plan on meeting up at that one

Sounds like a date! Sending you PM.

**Phoenix Atom** · June 22, 2018, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by 9and3

I felt the DT70 really never got hot enough to give much bite at lower temps. I switched to Wilwood Polymetric A compound for my SRA and they do BITE. A lot of torque even when very cold. Will take some getting used to . I could apply a lot of brake pressure and never lock up wheels on the DT70. Now I have to be very careful, especially during heal/toe to not lock up wheels. Slow the car very quickly however Jury is still out.

Try the E compound. Wilwood compounds get progressively more aggressive as the letters ascend, so that A is the most agressive and E is much less aggressive. A Wilwood dealer recommended the E to me and I used it and liked it but wanted something more aggressive so he sold me some B compound. I found the Bs essentially undriveable and pretty much destroyed a set of tires with flatspots. I immediately went back to the Es. With the E compound, initial bite is far less aggressive than the A or B but they offer plenty of stopping power. It's no issue to lock the tires if you're not paying attention. And the Es don't require much heat. They work right off the bat.

I have the set of essentially new Bs if you're interested in them. I'll sell them cheap.