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  1. #1
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    Default Performance brake shoes

    It seems like most drivers use Carbotech brake shoes in their formula vee. Are there any other performance brake shoes out there that are comparable to the Carbotechs?

    How much of a difference is there in braking performance between the Carbotech or other performance brake shoes versus the stock brake shoes?

    If you were going to order the Carbotech brake shoes, what parts numbers are used?

    TIA

  2. #2
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    The new Carbotechs are very effective,with light pedal pressure required.Very expensive. Porterfield RD4 shoes are plenty good enough in all but the most extreme requirements and 1/2 the cost.

  3. #3
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    Default

    How rough are the Carbotechs on the brake drums?

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Posner View Post
    The new Carbotechs are very effective,with light pedal pressure required.Very expensive. Porterfield RD4 shoes are plenty good enough in all but the most extreme requirements and 1/2 the cost.
    What are the "most extreme requirements" where the Porterfields won't be good enough?

  5. #5
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    The carbos are really tough on drums but it's a result of the high friction capability and is likely not avoidable. The shoes must fit perfectly to the radius of the drum and rotated after each weekend. Carbos come in a less aggressive compound now and it's probably fine for most applications.

    Extreme is a relative term but an example would be turn 5 or 12 and Road America. Anywhere there is heavy braking and a passing zone.

    I would think that enhanced mechanical advantage in the pedal design would be an alternative to the carbos.
    The above post is for reference only and your results may vary. This post is not intended to reflect the views and opinions of SCCA and should not be considered an analysis or opinion of the rules written in the GCR. thanks, Brian McCarthy, BOD area 9.

  6. #6
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    Default

    What is the current cost of the Carbotech's vs Porterfields?
    Reinventing the world, one wheel at a time.

  7. #7
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    I just paid over $500 for Carbo fronts and rears. Carbo recommends you run both ends on the same compound. The last time I bought Porterefields they were about $180 for fronts. I generally run a less aggressive shoe on the rear since we bias to the front so much. The new carbos I ran this last weekend were a real challenge and I plan to go back to Porterfields on the front and Chinese rears. I turned all my drums, arched the shoes correctly, and they still locked unpredictably and chattered considerably. I understand that Carb has a less aggressive compound and that may be better. I have some friends that swear by Carbos but I have found myself swearing at them.
    The above post is for reference only and your results may vary. This post is not intended to reflect the views and opinions of SCCA and should not be considered an analysis or opinion of the rules written in the GCR. thanks, Brian McCarthy, BOD area 9.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Amon's Avatar
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    Budawe,

    What type of Carbotech's were you running?

    Mark

  9. #9
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    I was running the silver agressive compound.
    The above post is for reference only and your results may vary. This post is not intended to reflect the views and opinions of SCCA and should not be considered an analysis or opinion of the rules written in the GCR. thanks, Brian McCarthy, BOD area 9.

  10. #10
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    I too purchased the Silver Carbotechs for the front and the rear, cost was between $500 and $600 for all four corners and shipping.

    I planned to put them on for my last race but still have plenty of life left in my green Carbo shoes so they will sit on the shelf for now.

  11. #11
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    $500-600! *chuckle*

  12. #12
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    Just looked at receipt:

    Fronts $245.00
    Rears $245.00
    Freight $15.70

  13. #13
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    Default Porterfields

    What is the difference between the two compounds of Porterfields? What's the best break in method for them as well.

    Thanks
    Reinventing the world, one wheel at a time.

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