Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Brake upgrade and reducing unsprung weight.

[Dennis Liu (BigHeadDennis]

Grahame wrote:

>OK, here is another question about my 308gt4 that is occasionally tracked.
Have any of you pursued reducing unsprung weight? I would imagine there is
not a huge amount of weight reduction possible, but it may still be quite
worthwhile - I don't know.  I am considering a brake upgrade soon anyway, so
it is the ideal time to look into this. Any experiences and advice with
upgrades to brakes and/ or unsprung weight reduction?

=====================

The best bang for the buck to get rid of unsprung weight is to get light,
forged wheels.  Also, when selecting a tire, check out their weights - it's
surprising how some are a lot heavier than others.  Taking weight out of the
brakes is tough, and also counter to effective braking.  If you want better
brakes, you really just need bigger/heavier rotors, that will take the abuse
and soak up and disperse the heat.  Differences in caliper weights are
marginal, for the most part, though I dunno what the GT4 has.  Other than
this stuff, you start looking at custom suspension pieces - which is fine if
you're looking to rework the suspension altogether.

Especially for track use, you'll find that having new wheels and ***TIRES***
will make a huge difference.  If you don't drive on the street all that
much, consider R-compound tires, which have a LOT more grip and weigh less,
though won't last that long and suck in anything but dry weather.

Bottom line, I'd buy some nice wheels and new tires - by far the best bang
for the buck for overall performance.  And it'll make the car look newer and
cooler and, what's the word?, pimpier?  :-)  (now, I don't mean to go out
and get some chrome dubs or anything ridiculous like that, but look at some
nice forged wheels from a reputable manufacturer, and you'll save several
pounds per wheel, and you'll be able to mount modern 16-18" rubber)

Vty,

--Dennis