We all know that wheels can dramatically change the appearance, look, and character of any car, truck, or SUV, and can be the single best or worst modification that an owner can be made to a vehicle depending on who you ask. For wheels, we were thinking of doing something different, something German and something that would provide clearance with the aggressive choice in brakes we had in store. Further, knowing Project A3 was headed for SEMA, we wanted to do something a little bit more aggressive than you might typically see.
Full Story

I think its a little over $2K here the down side though courtesy of Dave. :

"First of all . . . . I doubt that the MC is properly sized to push 6 pistons. Hard to say because ECS does not make or modify their own calipers. They just bolt on whatever fits. I doubt you can make the argument that the A3 has the same master cylinder as the Cayenne, GT and Gallardo.

2nd, the rotors are larger and move the rotating mass further out from the center, still causing increased loss.

3rd, the ECS rotors are slotted wrong. They are slotted in a way that will increase pad smearing and issues with brake vibration & whatnot.

4th, the pad selection is a joke and replacement pad costs are $$$$$$$$$

5th, ECS use coleman racing directionally vaned rotors . . . very basic, not the best design for cooling. The rotors are also slotted and drilled poorly thus making it much easier to heat / stress crack

6th, you really want to run the smallest brake kit possible for unsprung weight / low rotating mass / run smaller diameter wheels. You increase the size of the rotors if you are having cooling issues. With a better constructed aero rotor, you reduce the need for larger brake rotor sizes. Ultimately, smaller diameter wheels will have less rotating mass and more of the mass will be placed in the center.

7th, Porsche monobloc calipers are overrated. Monobloc does not equal stiffer and was implemented as a cost-saving feature from a manufacturing standpoint. Monobloc calipers make up for stiffness by increasing mass.

8th, cost of the ECS BBK is now up there with reputable brake companies . . . . i'd go with a kit specially designed for the vehicle with properly sized pistons and rotors instead of something made by one-size-fits-all calipers.

Oh yea and factory brakes are 12.3".

Dave "

and,

"Some updated info . . . ECS's kit weighs 1.5lbs less than OEM . . . . here's the kicker . . . . the rotors weigh more than OEM and the weight is placed further out

Piston Area is increased from 2205mm2 to 2747.5mm2. ~25% increase in piston area . . . yea it really makes me wonder now how much more it's stretching the abilities of the stock master cylinder.

Dave"

Modified by judgegavel at 1:48 PM 12/9/2005

Modified by judgegavel at 1:48 PM 12/9/2005

Dave

this isnt a thread to bash anything, just to post updates on my car and give thanks to the companies that are helping.

No the article gives the updates and thanks to the companies, the post is to discuss it in an open FORUM both positive and negative, and related questions and opinions.

15' wheels might be better for the track too, but they look like crap.

Still doesn't justify a poorly designed BBK that costs $2250 which could be had for $1600 a few years ago.

My money goes to Stoptech ($1900), Brembo or Alcon.

Dave

You are correct in this. I think there are some strong opnions being voiced here leaning one way, and at the same time it's also natural for Brian to be defensive about his car and his choices.

More importantly....

Quote, originally posted by borg54 »

there are of course pros and cons to every mod. lets face it...on a racecar every thing must perform at the top level, but for the street looks and coolness are big factors. Personally i think those brakes, while total over kill, look bitchin. 15' wheels might be better for the track too, but they look like crap.

Well said.

Brian's car is very nice for the theme he is going for.

i do plan to run NASA or other track events in the future and only then will i be able to see the systems full potential, goods and bads.

but for now they look bad ass, work great, made great, and perform nicely.

Quote, originally posted by mack73 »

Looks very nice, Just played Speed channel's Sema coverage off the Tivo and it was very nice to see the car it on tv for a split second

i missed that damn show. I am gonna have to get them to send me a copy. or hope its available for download sometime soon.

They started the shot looking at the hood, zoomed in close on your euro plate, then panned around the drivers corner to show the wheels/calipers

awesome, thanks
and thanks for the compliments
the next article will bring one true surprise to everyone.