team3s             Tuesday, June 13 2000             Volume 01 : Number 169




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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 15:51:16 -0500
From: Merritt <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

>When I bought my Porterfield rotors last December, I asked them what
blanks they
>use.  Their reply was that they use Brembo.

Oh my. I did not know that. No wonder my rotors work so well.
>
>My KVR crossdrilled 1-piece rotors cracked.  They lasted nine months of
street
>driving with one or two hard 110mph-60mph stops per week and 36 minutes of
>driving school.  Before the school, most holes had lots of stress cracks.
After
>the school, one outermost hole cracked all the way through one side and
all the
>way to the outside edge.

Oh my, again! I always thought KVRs were super.

>> Just buy Porterfields and stop worrying!
>I second that!

It's nice to be right once in a while. But then again, even a blind
squirrel finds a chestnut once in a while.

Rich/Old Poop


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 16:12:15 -0500
From: Merritt <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

At 04:43 PM 6/13/00 -0400, WALTER D. BEST wrote:
>I have to agree with Brain, I have had the Power Stop cross drill rotors for
>over two years and drove a Friday at track, (Summit Point Raceway) and I
>have no sign of cracking.  Planning on running them again this year.

With all due respect to your driving ability, I don't think a Friday
afternoon run at Summit Point (presumably your first on-track event) was
enough to really test your rotors. You need to get them good and hot, and
bang on them HARD repeatedly, lap after lap. Then, one lap, they go CLANG!
and you have no brakes.

If you are going to continue driving those rotors at track events, you need
to be prepared for broke brakes. When the PowerStop breaks at the hub (see
Curt's photos from a post or two ago), the pads grab the outer rotor ring
and stop it cold. This fools the ABS into thinking that the wheel is locked
up, and it eases off the hydraulic pressure. Apparently, it backs off the
pressure everywhere in the system, and you lose ALL YOUR BRAKES.  Pray for
a nice runoff area when this happens, because it takes a while to get it
stopped with no brakes.

I recommend that you limit your hard braking to areas that have a runoff,
else you may be spelling "Mitsubishi" backwards on a concrete wall somewhere.

Also, you may not want to hit the brakes at any speed over 100 mph. I was
warned by someone that when a rotor  breaks in half like this at very high
speeds, the outer ring can slice off the calipers.

>
>
>Of the folks condemning the drilled rotors how many of you have had a set
>that did crack, just wondering?

I broke two PowerSlots (not drilled, just slotted) on two separate occasions.

>As an SCCA Nationally Licensed Tech Inspector and I haven't seen a GT-1 or
>Trans AM car that didn't have crossed drilled rotors and they don't seem to
>have problems.

Those cars are quite a bit different. First, their rotors cost about a
zillion dollars each. Second, they last for ONLY ONE RACE!  Rotors on
TransAm cars are replaced after every race. They are considered to be
consumable parts.
>
>Could it be if folks are having problems, it's due to not having sufficient
>ducting?  I don't have the stock wheels maybe that helps.

Ducting certainly helps. But I think it's substandard rotors that are the
real problem. Especially since I've heard of the problem ocurring on
non-Mitsu cars.

Rich/old poop>


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 15:45:00 -0700
From: "Chris Maxwell" <shmacker@home.com>
Subject: Team3S: Putting Engine back together, need help

Hey guys.  I have a 92 Stealth TT and I'm putting a new engine (4 bolt main)
into the car and I'm a little confused.  I just put the timing belt on and
adjusted it and put the lower cover on.  The manual then says to connect the
crankshaft and camshaft position sensors.  I don't remember seeing these
sensors when I took the engine out and I then noticed in the manual that it
says that this relates to the 93 and up cars.  So am I to understand that
these sensors are not required for my car and therefore were never present?
I searched through all the parts on the ground and didn't see anything that
looked like these sensors, or any wires in the engine that would hook up to
these sensors.  So I'm pretty sure that they were never on my car but I
wanted to stop and check first with you guys before I put anything else back
on the car.

Thanks again,
Chris
92 R/T TT (out of commission for 3 months, but the nightmare is almost
over...knock on wood)


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2000 01:18:48 +0300
From: "Oleg-Telia" <Oleg@telia.lv>
Subject: Team3S: AFC & ARC

Hi all,

Anyone use Apexi super AFC with ARC 2 hotwire sensor?
My AFC ask me for hotwire sensor details (IN 1-15, OUT 1-15,......) but
there are not information about this in GT PRO manual. ARC use Ford hotwire
sensor, AFC manual has information about some japan. cars like Nissan
Skyline, 3000zx, but no ford.

Anybody has this information?

Thanks,
Oleg Reznik
Latvia


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 18:31:50 -0400
From: "Eddie" <stealth3@superservers.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

What a good discussion.

I went with the Porterfield Rotors and R4S pads.

I spoke to Matt at Dynamic Racing, and he swears that the stillen
cross-drilled don't crack, and they are made from the Brembo blanks.

Thanks.
Eddie





***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 17:51:48 -0600
From: Dave Monarchi <monarchd@refuge.Colorado.EDU>
Subject: Team3S: OT: window tinting

Sorry for the off topic post..  I'm looking a good window tint shop that
will do 20-25% metallized (sp?) tint..  I live in Boulder Colorado, and
all the shops I've been to here won't do "over" 35% tint since that's
the legal limit..  I'm thinking about taking a road trip to visit family
in Tucson Arizona, and was wondering if the law is less strict down there
since it's so much hotter..  any info would be greatly appreciated..

btw, no flames please..  I don't need any lecture about legality or
aesthetic quality..  it's what I want..

thanks!

oh yeah, please reply privately!


Dave
=======================
= 95 Black 3000GT VR4 =
= 87 Mica Red GTI G60 =
= There is no spoon.. =
=======================

***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 19:38:25 -0400
From: GREG RUSH <rush@siscom.net>
Subject: Team3S: timing belt

I think I spun a rod but now I am not so sure of this.I was running
about 5500 rpms  and heard a clunk and clanking until the motor
stalled.It is a 1992 vr4 with 66k on it.At 44k it spun a rod and the
crank was welded and reground and #6 rod was repaired. they also
replaced the timing belt water, pump and clutch. I have started to do a
little troubleshooting. I pulled the top timing belt cover off and
turned the motor over it almost wanted to start and I thought I herd a
small back fire. at first the timing belt looked to be tight but after i
did this it is VERY loose.The oil has not been drained. Yet it looks
like no antifreeze is on the dip stick. If I did loose a belt what
problems might I have [bent valves]? Can the belt be easily replaced
with the motor in the car?
thanks
       rushvr4


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 18:32:17 -0400
From: "Eddie" <stealth3@superservers.net>
Subject: Team3S: Need instructions for gutting pre-cats / ATR Downpipe

Does anyone have these instructions handy?

Does anyone use the ATR downpipe? - Will I notice a large improvement with
this (and gutted cats) - over our stock downpipe? - or should I save my
money and only gut the pre-cats?

Thanks.
Eddie


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 19:09:30 -0400
From: "Eddie" <stealth3@superservers.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

> As for Rotors look at http://www.racesearch.com/, go to select manufacture
> and select Porterfield Enterprises, go to street performance rotors,
select
> model and year.
>
> For my 92 VR4 non-drilled fronts run $110.71 and rear $107.14 and for
> drilled, $182.14 and drilled rear $178.57.  That price is per rotor,
(each).

I believe that http://www.porterfieldbrakes.com has better prices??

Eddie



***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 19:11:21 -0400
From: "Eddie" <stealth3@superservers.net>
Subject: Team3S: Need instructions for gutting pre-cats / ATR Downpipe

Does anyone have these instructions handy?

Does anyone use the ATR downpipe? - Will I notice a large improvement with
this (and gutted cats) - over our stock downpipe? - or should I save my
money and only gut the pre-cats?

Thanks.
Eddie



***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 19:59:45 -0400
From: "WALTER D. BEST" <WDBO39@erols.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

OK guys you showed me and I will convert to Porterfield rotors as soon as I
have the money, and before my next track event this fall, thanks Rich.

As for Rotors look at http://www.racesearch.com/, go to select manufacture
and select Porterfield Enterprises, go to street performance rotors, select
model and year.

For my 92 VR4 non-drilled fronts run $110.71 and rear $107.14 and for
drilled, $182.14 and drilled rear $178.57.  That price is per rotor, (each).

Hope this helps, I have found these guys to have very good prices.  If
anyone finds a better price please let us all know.


Thanks,
Dave Best
 3Si #62
http://ifrag.ncsa.uiuc.edu/best/


- ----- Original Message -----
From: Eddie <stealth3@superservers.net>
To: 'Team3S List' <team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 6:31 PM
Subject: Re: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?


> What a good discussion.
>
> I went with the Porterfield Rotors and R4S pads.
>
> I spoke to Matt at Dynamic Racing, and he swears that the stillen
> cross-drilled don't crack, and they are made from the Brembo blanks.
>
> Thanks.
> Eddie
>
>
>
>
>
> ***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***
>


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 16:58:55 -0700
From: Jim Watkins <jwatkins@terayon.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

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I think there could be multiple truths here since the 91-93 rotors
differ from the 94+ rotors.  The photos and descriptions of cracked
rotors are from the 94+ configuration.  The wheels play a role as well
in terms of total available heatsink

I have the 91-93 Stillen rotors with R4S pads installed and Motul 600
fluid and will be hot lapping at Thunderhill very soon.  Previous
experience was with stock 91-93 stuff and I experienced severe fade
causing me to use the runoff area.  Back in the pits I watched smoke
pour out of the stock brakes.  Tried a couple more laps but the brakes
were glazed over and that was it.  But, no cracking on the stock stuff
with extreme temp.

I'll be bringing spare pads, rotors, and fluid to the track so that I
can drive home if the Stillens break.
If I need new rotors, I'll probably get Porterfields.

Jim
91-VR4                 13.38 @ 109 (G-tech)
95-VR4 Spyder     13.75 @ 102 (G-tech)

Eddie wrote:

> What a good discussion.
>
> I went with the Porterfield Rotors and R4S pads.
>
> I spoke to Matt at Dynamic Racing, and he swears that the stillen
> cross-drilled don't crack, and they are made from the Brembo blanks.
>
> Thanks.
> Eddie
>
> ***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 20:34:39 EDT
From: AABOMB1@aol.com
Subject: Team3S: Somewhat off-topic - Fuel Injection question

Ok, this is somewhat off-topic because I don't it was ever features in the
3/S cars, but I was just wondering if someone here can give me an explanation
of "sequential multi-point fuel injection" - i.e. and explnation of how it
works and the advantages it offers.

This, I believe, is features in cars like the Diamante and the new Maxima



AA

- -------------------
E-mail: aabomb@thepentagon.com <or> aabomb1@aol.com
Fax: (707) 982-8817 [In United States]

***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 20:06:08 -0500
From: "Dale T. Kroetz" <kroetz@mvn.net>
Subject: Team3S: factory alarm

Could someone please tell me how to completely disable the factory alarm
system on a 92 3000gt SL. I just bought this car and it is driving me
crazy going off all the time for no reason. I pulled the fuse and the
relay and it still works!! The horn doesn't sound off anymore but the
headlights still flash and stay up.

- --



Dale T. Kroetz
kroetz@mvn.net

***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 18:08:32 -0700
From: jeff.mohler@netapp.com
Subject: Team3S: Brakes to use?  Merritt???

We have a day of free racin coming up at Thunderhill Monday, and we have
the Porterfiled non-cryo CD'd rotors.

We also have TWO sets of stock rotors for the car, one with only 20k of use on
em with hawk pads, and the other with unknown..maybe up to 45k on stock pads.


WHAT should I put on the car?

***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 22:40:03 -0500
From: "Brad Bedell" <bbedell@austin.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

You know, I noticed yesterday that AutoZone is starting to carry "Brembo"
rotors on the shelf...



Brad
Check out my home page:  http://home.austin.rr.com/overboost/
E-Mail: bbedell@austin.rr.com ICQ#  3612682

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
[mailto:owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st]On Behalf Of Merritt
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 3:51 PM
To: Ken Middaugh; team3S@stealth-3000gt.st
Subject: Re: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

>When I bought my Porterfield rotors last December, I asked them what
blanks they
>use.  Their reply was that they use Brembo.

Oh my. I did not know that. No wonder my rotors work so well.
>
>My KVR crossdrilled 1-piece rotors cracked.  They lasted nine months of
street
>driving with one or two hard 110mph-60mph stops per week and 36 minutes of
>driving school.  Before the school, most holes had lots of stress cracks.
After
>the school, one outermost hole cracked all the way through one side and
all the
>way to the outside edge.

Oh my, again! I always thought KVRs were super.

>> Just buy Porterfields and stop worrying!
>I second that!

It's nice to be right once in a while. But then again, even a blind
squirrel finds a chestnut once in a while.

Rich/Old Poop


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 22:40:02 -0500
From: "Brad Bedell" <bbedell@austin.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Putting Engine back together, need help

You're okay.  Those sensors are for the 93+ cars.

Your car has the two sensors combined on the round sensor next to the
throttle body.


Brad
Check out my home page:  http://home.austin.rr.com/overboost/
E-Mail: bbedell@austin.rr.com ICQ#  3612682

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
[mailto:owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st]On Behalf Of Chris Maxwell
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 5:45 PM
To: team3s@mail.stealth-3000gt.st
Subject: Team3S: Putting Engine back together, need help

Hey guys.  I have a 92 Stealth TT and I'm putting a new engine (4 bolt main)
into the car and I'm a little confused.  I just put the timing belt on and
adjusted it and put the lower cover on.  The manual then says to connect the
crankshaft and camshaft position sensors.  I don't remember seeing these
sensors when I took the engine out and I then noticed in the manual that it
says that this relates to the 93 and up cars.  So am I to understand that
these sensors are not required for my car and therefore were never present?
I searched through all the parts on the ground and didn't see anything that
looked like these sensors, or any wires in the engine that would hook up to
these sensors.  So I'm pretty sure that they were never on my car but I
wanted to stop and check first with you guys before I put anything else back
on the car.

Thanks again,
Chris
92 R/T TT (out of commission for 3 months, but the nightmare is almost
over...knock on wood)


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 23:38:58 -0400
From: "Michael" <mdorsey@mindspring.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Need instructions for gutting pre-cats / ATR Downpipe

I recently put the ATR DP on my 98 VR4 with a test pipe.  I can definately
tell a difference.  Peak HP seems about the same, but the curve is much
higher.  I don't have cold hard facts like a dyno test, but I find myself
having to feather the throttle in corners I used to run WOT.  I can also
notice a little loss of low end torque, but nothing to worry about.  My
other mods are DSBC at 1.00 bar, K&N FIPK, and Borla Exhaust.  I also have
NOT gutted the pre-cats, just replaced the main cat with a test pipe.

Michael


- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
[mailto:owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st]On Behalf Of Eddie
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 18:32
To: 'Team3S List'
Subject: Team3S: Need instructions for gutting pre-cats / ATR Downpipe


Does anyone have these instructions handy?

Does anyone use the ATR downpipe? - Will I notice a large improvement with
this (and gutted cats) - over our stock downpipe? - or should I save my
money and only gut the pre-cats?

Thanks.
Eddie


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 22:50:12 -0500
From: "Brad Bedell" <bbedell@austin.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

Dave,

I know there were other posts on this, but Trust us, we listen when Rich
speaks about what works and doesn't.

I personally have watched him (Rich)  try almost everything to make the
stock brakes work better on his car.  You might answer many questions when
you read some of  his very detailed posts in the archives.

As for cracking,  Every set of Cross-drilled rotors I've used have cracked.
I have only seen one break in two pieces though.


I have had KVR rotors on my car and have had no problems (I did 10
160+-40mph stops in a row testing my kit, no sign of cracking after about
15k miles either).  Early on, on a set of rotors I sold with my "Big Red"
kit a KVR rotor split on a customer. KVR replaced it and I've never heard of
KVR being a problem again.  Needless to say, this is why I don't sell rotors
anymore.

Brad
Check out my home page:  http://home.austin.rr.com/overboost/
E-Mail: bbedell@austin.rr.com ICQ#  3612682

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
[mailto:owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st]On Behalf Of WALTER D. BEST
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 3:43 PM
To: Brian Geisel; Merritt
Cc: Eddie; 'Team3S List'
Subject: Re: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

I have to agree with Brain, I have had the Power Stop cross drill rotors for
over two years and drove a Friday at track, (Summit Point Raceway) and I
have no sign of cracking.  Planning on running them again this year.

I did go through a set of pads, but they were the cheap pads, performance
friction or something like that.  I now have Porterfield R4S's and I am
planning on replacing the current set before I go to the track, with a new
set of R4S's (on the fronts only).  I'll still take the current set in case
the new set retires early.

Of the folks condemning the drilled rotors how many of you have had a set
that did crack, just wondering?
As an SCCA Nationally Licensed Tech Inspector and I haven't seen a GT-1 or
Trans AM car that didn't have crossed drilled rotors and they don't seem to
have problems.

Could it be if folks are having problems, it's due to not having sufficient
ducting?  I don't have the stock wheels maybe that helps.

Dave Best
 3Si #62
http://ifrag.ncsa.uiuc.edu/best/





- ----- Original Message -----
From: Merritt <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
To: Brian Geisel <brian.geisel@compaq.com>
Cc: Eddie <stealth3@superservers.net>; 'Team3S List'
<team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 2:36 PM
Subject: Re: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?


>
> >I'm curious about your comments about slotted and drilled rotors...  I
> >can't personally speak for slotted, but as for cross drilled, mine
> definitely hold up
> >much better just under hard street driving.  My stock rotors just
couldn't
> >handle the heat or gas buildup I guess and got pretty sloppy after some
> >serious braking. As for break-down of the rotors, Matt (from dynamic
> racing) ran his from
> >180-0mph three times in a row to be sure the rotors didn't crack.  The
> >stillen cross drilled he had were red hot after that, but didn't crack.
>
> I'm not sure how long it takes to crack drilled rotors. I've seen plenty
of
> cracks on other cars (5.0 Mustangs, mostly), and heard stories here on the
> net. Maybe it's the heavier cars that crack them the most. I know that
> Porterfield advises  against it. Maybe it has something to do with the
> stresses we put on the rotors under hard braking and 1G turns on road
> courses.
>
> As for your stock brakes not handling the heat or gas buildup....I think
if
> you took a driving course and learned how to brake properly, you would not
> have a problem with warped rotors. The worst thing you can do to brakes is
> stop gradually, as in s-l-o-w-l-y increasing brake pressure as you
approach
> a stop sign, so as not to upset your passengers. This puts more heat into
> the brakes than a quick stop does.
>
> Our cars have superb brakes stock -- but they just can't stop from high
> speeds too many times before the brakes get hot.
>
> >
> >After reading several posts about these rotors that were so much better
> >than cross-drilled I figured I'd hit their site.  I was a little confused
> about
> >not cross-drilling at that point.  Here's a clip from their site:
> >"Cross drilling of Rotors is designed for use on high Performance
> >vehicles. They are also extremely effective for practical street
> >applications. Cross Drilling assists cooling of rotor and also lets gas
> >build-up between pad and Rotor escape. Using these Rotors may
> >actually enhance braking in wet conditions. "
>
> Pure marketing BS. What this has to do with wet braking escapes me.
>
> Besides, we already have vented rotors, which accomplishes the same thing.
> >
> >It sounds like they're totaly suggesting cross drilling for hard driving.
> >I'm aware that it eats pads moreso than flat rotors, but if stopping
> >is what you're going for, cross drilled sure seems like the way to go.
>
> Not for me.
>
> >Am I missing something on their site that I should be reading?
>
> No, because there's nothing bad on the site. They certainly will not
> mention anything about how the rotors crack so easily that few last long
> enough to be turned. I turn my Porterfields after EVERY event (Just a
> cleanup turn, to scrape off all the pad residue and gouges the pad made in
> the rotor surface), which shows how long they last. I've turned my stock
> rotors about three times and the Porterfields twice, and they still look
> good.
>
> I stick to my guns: If you want a better rotor, the best solution is a
> Porterfield cryogenically treated stock rotor. The next best is another
> stock rotor.>
>
> Rich/old poop/94 VR4
>
> ***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 22:44:15 -0500
From: Merritt <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Team3S: Brake Advice

I am happy to see so many folks going open tracking. Our cars are amazing
out there, and the equal of everything on the track except AWD Porsche
Turbos and Vipers. Have fun, and clean house!

A wee bit of advice about braking from one who's been there. This applies
to those who are running stock brakes (i.e., you have not yet upgraded to
Porsche Turbo Big Reds).

Stock brakes will not work at all. If you run stock rotors and stock pads,
you will COOK them. After just a few laps, they will go up in smoke and
fade completely.  You can run stock rotors, but you MUST install racing
pads: I prefer Porterfield R4 pads (not R4S street pads), but others may
have their favorites.

Before you go to your first event, install new pads all the way around
(race pads in front, new stock pads in the rear),  drain and replace the
fluid with Ford High Performance brake fluid (available at your friendly
Ford dealer for a pittance -- like $3 a pint), and bleed all the brake
lines. There is a proper sequence for this (RF, LR, LF, RR or something
like that). Check a shop manual. Put anti-sieze grease on the lug nuts,
because you will generate such high temperatures at the track, the lug nuts
will sieze. (I've broken off three wheel studs because of this).

Install cooling ducts for the front rotors. Install a scoop under the front
valence and run a 2.5 in. flexible rubber hose to inside the front wheel. I
just tie-wrap the hose to the lower control arm and stick it inside the
wheel as far in as it will go. You absolutely MUST get some cooling air up
in there.  It's not necessary to run the duct directly to the calipers,
just in the vicinity. Be careful that the hose doesn't interfere with the
boot over the halfshafts, or you might cut the boot. You can adapt a wide
variety of cheap scoops from gadgets found at Menards -- I've used laundry
dryer ducts, plumbing apparatus and gutter downpipes. The scoop mounts over
or inside the 4 x 8 in. rectangular openings on both sides of the air dam
(crawl under there -- you'll see it) and the hose routes from there to the
wheel openings.

Remove the dust shields/backing plates from the front rotors. This will
allow cooling air to get in there.You may also want to remove the inner
front fender well (behind the intercoolers) to allow better air flow.

Bed the pads and season the rotors. Read the instructions that come with
the pads, because they differ. Seasoning the rotor means impregnating it
with whatever materials are in the pad, such as carbon kevlar. Bedding in
the pads means heat-cycling them one time. You accomplish both by first
driving the car around normally for a day or two to season the rotor, then
taking the car out  for a little drive in the countryside. Execute some
hard stops from 80 to 20 about four or five times. If you do it at night,
you oughta see the rotors glowing red (mine caught fire once). Then, just
amble on home slowly and safely, avoid using the brakes, put it in your
garage, and don't drive it for 24 hours. The brakes will be ready to rumble
the next day, dude.

On track: Ask your instructor to teach you how to brake properly. Tell him
your car EATS brakes. Tell him you want to learn proper brake management,
so the pads will last the entire weekend. My idea of brake management is to
never apply the brakes over 100 mph. Instead, I would coast down to 100,
then apply the brakes. This doesn't get you the fastest possible lap time,
but it saves the brakes. (It also pisses off the 911 or M3 you just passed,
because they want to go much deeper before braking, but them's the breaks).

Remember this: Your car is capable of hitting 130+ on a track, but you have
to stop it from that speed. If you bang on the brakes at such a speed, it
will just wear the pads all that much faster. Also, if you are running
slotted or drilled rotors, and they happen to break at the hub at 130+, the
loose rotor can slice off your caliper. When running slotted or drilled
rotors, always know where the runoff areas are, because you may need them
if (sorry, WHEN) the rotor breaks. Been there, done that.

Proper braking requires a hard, steady application of the brakes. You don't
BANG them on, and you don't slowly increase pressure like you do on the
street. You get on the brakes hard and quickly get off. Your instructor
will show you.

In the absence of an instructor, try this: As you approach a turn, lift the
throttle, count 1-2,  firmly apply the brakes as hard as you can until you
feel the ABS (but don't BANG them), lift off the brakes, and turn into the
corner. This is not the fastest method, but it is effective and leads to
longer brake life because you are on the brakes for the shortest amount of
time.

When you complete a session, cool the brakes off with a cooldown lap or by
driving around the paddock area for a few minutes. When you park, DO NOT
APPLY THE BRAKES. This will put white-hot pads up against a red-hot rotor,
where they will attempt to melt into each other. Instead, coast up to your
parking slot, or turn off the key whilst in gear to stop it. Hang around
the car for about five minutes, and then roll it forward a half turn of the
wheel. This will put the pads over a different spot on the rotor. It is
important to do this, because otherwise you may warp a rotor from the
intense temperatures (see below). If you are running a stock system the
wheels will be so hot you will not be able to go near them for about 15
minutes.

Check your pad depth periodically -- like before every other session on
Saturday, and before every session on Sunday.  You will be amazed how fast
the pad depth goes down.   Take a flashlight with you so you can see the
inside pads. For some strange reason, the inner pads go first, and they are
the ones that are the toughest to see. While you are checking the pad
depth, look to see if the pads are turning white. If you have Porterfields,
it means you are reaching temperatures of 1400F, and the pads are being
eaten away very, very fast. I went through a set of R4 pads in ONE DAY at
Road America, and had to change them in the parking lot of the hotel by
flashlight. Turns out one of my brake ducts had ripped off.

When you get home after an event, remove the front rotors and take them to
your friendly brake shop for a cleanup turn. My shop charges $5 each for
this. The cleanup turn takes off all the gouges left by the pads, and all
the pad material that's been embedded. Bring the rotors home, and
re-install the stock street pads. If there is anything left of the race
pads, put them in a box as spares for the next event.

Prior to your next event, install a new set of race pads on the fronts. You
may never need to replace the rears -- they do hardly any work, and wear
very little. Bleed the front calipers. The fluid that comes out will be
nasty looking, because you cooked it the last time out.

Learn to do your own brake work -- it will save you a fortune, and you'll
be into your brakes trackside for much of the event anyway, so better learn
now. Fortunately, it's easy -- very dirty, but easy.

Remember that your car is faster than just about anything out there. Brakes
are our weakest point, but you can make the pads last an entire weekend by
just exercising good brake management. Good luck.

Rich/old poop/94 VR4









***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 22:53:26 -0500
From: Merritt <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Where to buy brake rotors / pads?

>
>I know there were other posts on this, but Trust us, we listen when Rich
speaks about what works and doesn't. I personally have watched him (Rich)
try almost everything to make the stock brakes work better on his car.  You
might answer many questions when you read some of  his very detailed posts
in the archives.
>
Gee thanks, Brad. (blush). I didn't know anybody was listening.

Rich/old poop/94 VR4/all embarrased now

***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2000 01:30:26 -0400
From: "Schilberg, Darren" <DSchilberg@freemarkets.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: OT: window tinting

For clarification - is this for the side windows only, sides and rear window
only, rear only, etc.  I know the law won't allow a certain % on the
windshield but it would be nice to know if you are wanting all-around
tinting or just the rear.

- --Darren
dschilberg@pobox.com <mailto:dschilberg@pobox.com>

'95 VR-4

- -----Original Message-----
From: Dave Monarchi [mailto:monarchd@refuge.Colorado.EDU]
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 19:52
To: team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
Subject: Team3S: OT: window tinting


Sorry for the off topic post..  I'm looking a good window tint shop that
will do 20-25% metallized (sp?) tint..  I live in Boulder Colorado, and
all the shops I've been to here won't do "over" 35% tint since that's
the legal limit..  I'm thinking about taking a road trip to visit family
in Tucson Arizona, and was wondering if the law is less strict down there
since it's so much hotter..  any info would be greatly appreciated..

btw, no flames please..  I don't need any lecture about legality or
aesthetic quality..  it's what I want..

thanks!

oh yeah, please reply privately!


Dave
=======================
= 95 Black 3000GT VR4 =
= 87 Mica Red GTI G60 =
= There is no spoon.. =
=======================


***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 22:26:43 -0700
From: "Jose Soriano" <amahoser@linkline.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Need instructions for gutting pre-cats / ATR Downpipe

Check out my website under Tips. I have a few notes on nmy experiences
gutting the precats.


Jose Soriano
visit my Stealth site at www.3si.org/amahoser


Subject: Team3S: Need instructions for gutting pre-cats / ATR Downpipe


> Does anyone have these instructions handy?
>
> Does anyone use the ATR downpipe? - Will I notice a large improvement with
> this (and gutted cats) - over our stock downpipe? - or should I save my
> money and only gut the pre-cats?
>
> Thanks.
> Eddie



***Info:  www.stealth-3000gt.st/Team3S-Rules.htm***

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End of team3s V1 #169
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