One of the most frequently asked questions is "Can I run lighter rotors? How do I choose the right rotor?" Here is a good comparison. The caliper is like the faucet at your kitchen sink. When you use the caliper, it creates thermal energy that needs to be dealt with. The rotor is like the drain. It must take the energy and dissipate it. If you create too much energy, your rotor may not be able to dissipate it, and instead, will see a temperature rise that causes damage to the rotor.

The factors surrounding the rotor requirements are considerable. The weight of the race car, type of track surface, length of track, type of turns, length of straights are all key elements determining how hot your rotors will get. Now combine this with your driving style, whether you are using all four brakes to the maximum, whether your system has been installed and is operating properly all add to the equation.

We offer temperature paints that help you to determine how hot your existing system is presently operating. We suggest that until you know what you have, if is difficult to determine if you can change it to make it better. If you are operating at lower temperatures, you may be a candidate to run lighter rotors, including our "REVOLUTION", but never select a rotor on the basis of weight savings alone! It has to be right for your application. If you run the same car at more than one track, don?t forget to design the brake system to take the track that will be the most abusive. You wouldn?t go to a high-speed track with a disadvantage in horsepower would you?

In general, there are two basic guidelines for helping you choose the right rotor. First, the material has much to do with its thermal abilities. Aluminum and titanium do emit heat much more readily than cast iron or steel. In the case of aluminum, however, it is capable of being damaged at much lower temperatures than the other commonly used materials, because at about 600 degrees Fahrenheit, it begins to change from a solid to a liquid.

Secondly, when is apparent that cast iron or steel is the choice, the steel rotor will rise to a higher temperature, but may still be able to tolerate the loads being applied. Most steel rotors have a tendency to warp when overheated. When a steel rotor warps, you will notice the pedal travel increases and the braking becomes very inconsistent. Although the "REVOLUTION", has been specially designed and treated to take greater loads than would normally be capable by a steel rotor, it still is limited in where it should be used. If the "REVOLUTION", won?t handle the track, then at that point, cast iron is more than likely your only choice.

As a general rule, for cast iron rotors, the greater the number of veins and the heavier the weight, the better it will be, however, don?t forget that design has a great deal to do with dissipation and your own previous knowledge regarding various rotor capabilities is probably pretty accurate.