Brake Cooling Ducts

[ReplicaR]

Even with Cobra brakes, I still manage to have brake fade when I go to high speed track such as Big Willow. Last time the pedal pressure was pretty good, but it was not biting worth of shit, so the pad was overheating. I still wanted to use HP+, because I did not want to change pads track-side, so the answer was to eliminate fog lights, and rig up brake cooling ducts. Here are some pics I took in process.

The kit came with fog light adapters, and brake ducts from Quantum Motorsports. I also called Pegasus Supply for the hose. I was going to use metal strap to hang the ducts, but ended up not using it at all, because I had to redo everything completely

Now you see them

Now you don't

Duct installed

Fender liner cleared for the hose

This is how I did the first setup, because the hose I ordered was too short. I ended up just passing it right next to the wheel, but as soon as you would start turning in, you would contact the hose, and destroy it. Here is what happened after a week.

I went on Corner-Carvers, and looked around and realized that you have to zip the hose to the strut, to avoid the wheel contact, and pass it above the sway bar under the car, so that no part of the wheel touches the hose. Obviously, a new longer hose had to be ordered

No impressions so far, but there is no contact with the wheel either, so that's a good thing. I've got a track days coming up this weekend, so I should get some seat time, and be able to talk about the brake ducts, and how much they helped, or whether they were no help at all.

 

[white95]

That's awesome bro!! Nice write up!! I'm looking to do something very similar to my 95 GT. I plan to go one step further and make the rear vents functional as well. I plan to delete the back seat and ''do a little surgery to my inner-quarter panels'' to make it work. Once I get that underway, I'll post pics.

 

[duh09]

Pretty cool. Would brake ducts even do anything on a street car? just wonderin

The rear vents wouldnt be that hard to make functional (I know mine actually are vents, but some are cut off, I've seen) but I can't imagine much air would get through them with the way they're shaped.

 

[ReplicaR]

I'm going to find out just how functional those ducts are, because I'm going to the track this weekend. It's not just a street car, but a weekend track car as well. Cobra R had brake cooling ducts stock, so I'm certain it's not for nothing. I know a few people who track their mustangs use similar setup, and they say it helps a good deal.

You need a vented rotor before you can think about making rear ducts functional. The air comes into the rotor, and blows outward, it's the best way to cool the brakes.

 

[Matt94GT]

sweet,how is it? Ive seen a someone do the mod of the brake cooling ducts that were supposed to come stock (side scoops and i wheel wells) not sure how they rerouted it though I cant find the thread anymore.

 

[duh09]

I'm going to find out just how functional those ducts are, because I'm going to the track this weekend. It's not just a street car, but a weekend track car as well. Cobra R had brake cooling ducts stock, so I'm certain it's not for nothing. I know a few people who track their mustangs use similar setup, and they say it helps a good deal.

You need a vented rotor before you can think about making rear ducts functional. The air comes into the rotor, and blows outward, it's the best way to cool the brakes.

I wasn't calling your car a street car, because I knew you hit the tracks with it... but do you think it'd help any on a street car? I can't imagine it'd do a whole lot since brakes aren't worked nearly as much on the street as they are on the track.

Still cool looking if nothing else! :thumbsup:

 

[ReplicaR]

For a street only car it's a complete waste of money. I can't imagine you fade brakes sitting in traffic.

 

[white95]

You need a vented rotor before you can think about making rear ducts functional. The air comes into the rotor, and blows outward, it's the best way to cool the brakes.

duly noted.. and i agree that brake ducts are worthless on a street car.. mine does it all; street, 1320, autocross and open track

 

[Spd0lit]

looks great Dmitry! when is the next time you are going to the shop?

 

[ReplicaR]

I'll probably roll be next week. Got track days this weekend. I wanna check out the new shop anyway. I've seen pics, and it looks great.

 

[Javi]

pretty interesting.

 

[OnyxCobra]

I find that pretty damn cool, I had no idea there was a kit that mounted up to the rotor and fog light area, awesome. I couldn't see getting rid of my fogs though, i like them too much lol.

 

[Paul]

Cool man! The brake ducts on my racecar are made of old funnels and dryer duct. LOL

 

[Spd0lit]

cool i'll be there friday to finish up my wideband install.

 

[SRT Handz]

do you DD Your Car?

 

[ReplicaR]

23k miles a year of DD.

 

[SRT Handz]

i did this mod 2 years ago. Got the kit for free off my buddies cobra before he sold it. Used it 2 times......but on a street car is just caused too much issues.

Since the inlet holes for the ducts are open, things seem to find there way in there. Leave, dirt, other BS from the road.

I took it off after a month and sold it.....great for the track, annoying on the street

 

[ReplicaR]

There are bigger problems than "trash in my rotors". First of all the bottom of the rotor is still open, and it's not covered by the dust shield any longer, because that was removed in the process of the duct installation. Nothing is gonna get stuck there. At all.

Bigger problems are overcooling the pads on highway, and losing pad effectiveness. I'm probably gonna get some plugs to put on the ducts, when I drive around on the street, if the overcooling is severe enough to mess with street driving.

 

[SRT Handz]

Dmitry, you would be surprised the crap that got stuck in mine lol

JDM Spec Limited STI Pig nose came with brake cooling ducts. Thats the reason the STI fog covers remove so easy is so you you just pull them off at the track and avoid the stuff getting in there on the street.

 

[ddrracing]

Every stock car we've ever built, we've just put 1/8 Mesh over the ducts up front. Keeps out any debris you would encounter, especially chunks of tire, which is what your going to see on a track.

Dmitry, I think you'll be pretty happy with the ducts. In my experience (which is mainly circle track, but you use the crap out of brakes) ducts were the difference between hot enough to touch with gloves, and bright red glowing rotors. Good Luck!