Superformance information on new Wilwood brakes

[spfgm]

To all Superformance owners and dealers. Superformance in conjunction with Wilwood brakes has recently conducted testing on the new rear brake system for the Mark III. The base car used was a mark III with 17 inch wheels and A Roush 427SR engine. The base car utilized the 34mm rear caliper with the front Dynalite caliper equipped with I pads. In the test we found the engine produced 9.75 inches of vacuum at idle, and the split master cylinder produced to all 4 wheels 800psi of line pressure to all four calipers. We found the test car to have blued rear rotors and the front rotors not yet Seated. We ran the car and bedded the brakes according to the procedure and found the car stop adequately under both normal and heavy driving conditions. We then brought the car back and exchanged the front pads with the BP-10 style pad, same one used on the GT 40 and re-bed the brakes and conducted the test again. We found the car achieved the desired modulation a front to rear bias, especially noticeable under heavy braking, and proceeded to test the parking brake. According to federal regulations FMVSS 571.105, the vehicle with the parking brake properly applied the brakes bedded held a 30% Grade for 5 minutes in both directions. Wilwood then installed the 41mm rear caliper, bled all brakes again and then ran all the test again. Both Superformance and Wilwood found that although the car design was front brake bias, the 41mm caliper changed the stopping characteristics of the vehicle giving the car a less aggressive deceleration. Wilwood does offer upgrade performance brake applications for track use, consult your local installer for applications and availability.

Superformance and Wilwood brakes found no fault in the 34mm design of the brake system currently used as long as the following criteria is met.

1 Inspect engine vacuum, minimum booster requirements 10 inch vacuum at idle
2 Clean rotors with either solvent or Brake Cleaner
3 Bleed brake system
4 Bed Brakes according to procedure

Superformance will upgrade the brake pads and rear calipers free of charge to the customer if the customer request as long as the original parts are returned in the factory boxes. We ask the customers to provide Superformance with there name, address, and vehicle number, for identification. We ask the dealers, or installers to return the new calipers and pads from the cars as soon as the new ones are received. Please contact Barry at Superformance via email. barry@superformance.com if you have any questions.

Barry Bloch
General Manager - Superformance, LLC.
dba Shelby Distribution USA

[CBattaglia]

What car # did the new brake set up start at?

[terry251]

Originally Posted by spfgm

Superformance will upgrade the brake pads and rear calipers free of charge to the customer if the customer request as long as the original parts are returned in the factory boxes.

How would a Superformance customer have the factory boxes for the original parts?

[vegasmike]

I think/hope he is sayign that call us up, get your parts and return what you have taken off in the boxes sent. At least I hope so. At least I hope that is what he is asking.

[raclaims]

Apparently first car was SPO 2713...

[spfgm]

The first car number installed was 2713, We ask that you return the calipers in the box sent out with the replacement calipers.

[PANAVIA]

Thank you Barry for posing this. Can we post the proper procedures>? -- Like; "We ran the car and bedded the brakes according to the procedure"

-This would help for the owner/builder.

-thanks !

Steve

[Jim Kellogg]

Barry,
Thanks for the clear explanation of your findings.
Sounds like a very fair deal for the affected cars.

Is SPF or the dealers going to try and contact the owners of the cars involved?

Thanks for coming online here at CC with the info!
Jim Kellogg
Breesport, NY

[Richie18]

Brake Pad Bedding Procedure:

Bedding is a "real conditions" heat cycle and the final step in preparing the pads for service. All
pads, even OE stock replacement parts, will benefit from a proper bedding cycle. Bedding can be
done either in the vehicle, or on a special bedding dyno that can realistically duplicate the torque
loads, pressure, and temperature that will be realized in the vehicle.
The bedding process is the final "heat cure" for the pads. This final bedding cure differs from an
oven heat cure in such that the oven heat cure does not include the pressure, torque, and elevated
surface temperatures that are necessary to properly condition the pad for service. New pads must
be gradually brought up to temperature and then slowly cooled. If the pads are put into hard service
right from the start, damage from fractures or accelerated deterioration due to extreme temperature
variations between the surface and the body of the pad can occur.
Once the brake system has been tested and determined safe to operate the vehicle, follow these
steps for bedding of all pad materials.

1. Begin with a series of 8-10 light stops from approx. 30 MPH down to 15 MPH allowing 20-30
seconds for cooling between each stop.

2. Progress to series of 8-10 moderate stops from around 45 MPH down to 30 MPH allowing a
20-30 second cool down period between each stop.

3. Proceed with a series of 8-10 hard stops from 55-65 MPH down to 25 MPH allowing 20-30
seconds of cool down time between each stop.

4. Drive at a moderate cruising speed, with the least amount of brake contact possible, until most
of the heat has dissipated from the brakes. Avoid sitting stopped with the brake pedal
depressed to hold the car in place during this time. Park the vehicle and allow the brakes to
cool to ambient air temperature.

During the bedding process, a more positive feel from the brakes should develop. This is an
indication that the bed in process is working. If any level of brake fade is observed during the hard
stops, it may be an indication that the brakes have been more than adequately heated. Begin
cooling the brakes with light driving and without brake contact immediately.

[Jim Kellogg]

Awesome!
Here's something that we all can use. Thanks.

I will finally be needing new pads on SPF887 (after approx 45,000 miles) and this will help.

Jim Kellogg
Breesport, NY

[spfgm]

Jim ,Superformance has asked all dealers to contact there customers regarding the upgrade. I posted it on Club Cobra in case customers do not have contact with there seelling dealers. I have a list of all cars that were built currently in my posession. If there is any question email me at
barry@superformance.com


Barry

[madmaxx]

It is no surprise why Superfomance is the replica standard which all others are compared too. What more can you ask for? Thanks SPF!!

[jbrianboyd]

Hey, Barry - that wasn't my mark III with 17 inch wheels and A Roush 427SR engine, was it?
British racing green, stripe delete, dark red leather interior.

[pooreds]

Just an FYI, I have SPF #2690, which I believe has the 41mm rear. I don't understand how the 41mm are less aggressive in stopping than the 34mm. Wait for my call soon. ED

[PANAVIA]

thank you to all at SPF. I am glad you came out to talk.

Have SPF thought about a "step above" solution for braking on the MkIII

possible ideas;

1. cross drilled rotors
2. ABS
2. Multi Piston Calipers


--Steve

[Rich_C_21]

Barry,

Should we or shouldn't we change the rear calipers to 41mm? What are the pro's and Cons? Also, will SPF reimburse for the expensive of the labor?

Rich, SPF#2735

[madmaxx]

Please contact Barry at Superformance via email. barry@superformance.com if you have any questions.

[jbrianboyd]

OK, Barry - I have to admit - I knew it was mine all along.

[WildBill1965]

pooreds, hey 2689 here on the east cost. Thats about as far away as we can get in the states. Often wondered where sister cars ended up.
WildBill