[justpete]

Anybody have any experience with these guys?

http://www.powerbrake.co.za/

[feuer]

They have been around and users like them:http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=42872
But wouldn't be shipping to expensive?

[justpete]

Originally Posted by feuer

They have been around and users like them:http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=42872
But wouldn't be shipping to expensive?

This is really great to hear, thanks!

They have a US operation now, were at the recent PRI show where the race team manager and car chief caught up with them. Apparently some personal relationship exists as well and a quote is in progress. There isn't a 328i in the vehicle list on the .za site so we'll see. Looks promising at much lower cost than ST or Brembo, both of which are serious overkill for even a highly mod'ed 328i ime.

The description of their operation sounds like they take great care manufacturing the calipers but I'm not finding much about the rotors but if users like them and they've been around, as the thread indicates, could be a great change.

If they can't provide fully floating rotors front and rear I may not bother but if they do I know Carbotech will make pads for them if they don't already. The four pads per caliper on the full size four piston sounds interesting, fwiw. I know I've seen that before but where isn't coming to mind.

[feuer]

I first came a cross them about 10y ago. They caught my attention with the painted on temperature markings on their rotors. Before I was exposed only to the stickers for temperture readings. Don't know nothing about their calipers though.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by justpete

The four pads per caliper on the full size four piston sounds interesting, fwiw. I know I've seen that before but where isn't coming to mind.

4 pads per caliper:
Older Twin Turbo and V8 Audis circa 1995 to 2005 and currently most AMG cars from the 2003/4

Not good idea, especially if the caliper is not progresive and you will be better of to stick with one huge pad instead.

[justpete]

Originally Posted by feuer

I first came a cross them about 10y ago. They caught my attention with the painted on temperature markings on their rotors. Before I was exposed only to the stickers for temperture readings. Don't know nothing about their calipers though.

Couldn't have gotten by for ten years on half assed engineering then, this is really good to know. I think DBA (?) from Australia has color markers for temp on their rotors, too.

Calipers look pretty well designed. The use of stainless only is somewhat concerning as it's not as strong as carbon steel but they claim FEA, etc. and you'd think failures would be problematic in a braking system which makes me believe they've done their engineering and have the depth for it. No idea if the calipers are world class but apparently good enough for some racing classes. We'll see I guess.

Thanks again for the background, very helpful.

[justpete]

Originally Posted by feuer

4 pads per caliper:
Older Twin Turbo and V8 Audis circa 1995 to 2005 and currently most AMG cars from the 2003/4

Not good idea, especially if the caliper is not progresive and you will be better of to stick with one huge pad instead.

Thanks, looks like it'd have to be the compact six pot front and compact four pot rear if they make it. Will avoid the full size four pot.

[Three_thirty_I]

Their stuff is indeed good! They have big brake upgrades for most cars and based on what I have heard over the years, very good indeed! Local motorsport makes use of their uprated brakes, but it seems that they only do upgrades for front brakes, nothing for the rear.

[justpete]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

Their stuff is indeed good! They have big brake upgrades for most cars and based on what I have heard over the years, very good indeed! Local motorsport makes use of their uprated brakes, but it seems that they only do upgrades for front brakes, nothing for the rear.

Very helpful, thanks. Probably don't want to deal with the parking brake I guess.

[justpete]

Finally got a quote and they're no less expensive than Stoptech, etc.