Hi there
So today the sample set and worlds first 2PC full floating iron rotors manufactured by Wortec for Jaguar F-Type V8 were test fitted to my car today, installation went smoothly at Topcat Racing as to be expected as Wortec purchased Jaguar original disc to ensure all dimensions, relevant holes, chamfers, PCD, etc. were all spot on.
Some seriously nice race stuff at Topcats, Marcos LS7 and LS9 converstions, TVR LS7 conversions, more TVR's and lots of Caterhams and other race cars, shall post some pictures up in coming days, been a long day, so pretty knackered.
As they are the sample set, these are not my chosen design as these are the suncut thermal slotted disc which offer maximum weight savings of just over 21kg for the set which matches ceramic weight savings, so very impressive on that front.
As Topcats is on an ex military base, that means lots of private land, so once fitted we were able to proceed to immediate bedding in and testing procedure which was around ten runs to 100mph and braking at 60-70% capacity down to 20mph turning the disc shiny/blue.
We then built speeds upto 120-130mph and did a few braking runs at 70, 80, 90 and then 100% pedal travel down to 10mph until the brakes were smoking. Once we reached this we did a none braking run and then went for an all out 130 and hard braking run to judge braking ability. All I can say is we now have a lot more braking power, better pedal feel and better pedal modulation, so yes the car stops better and inspires more confidence in doing so, something I am very happy about.
So back to the unit, old stuff in the car, so yep nearly 50kg of stock brake disc in the boot and the long gentle drive to my mates detailing unit for a good wash and top up of sealant.
Performance and handling shall have to wait, I was not going to attempt hard cornering with 50kg in the boot, otherwise there may have been a new concept of floating rotors.
What I can comment on is ride quality, even with the boot load, its really noticeable in a positive way, almost like dialling in more rebound but with none of the negatives, the suspension recovers faster over bumps and holes in the road resulting in a better ride and of course also means better contact patch.
Oh and I must admit they do look absolutely awesome too.
I originally went with plain edge and just drilled design because my worry was the suncut would make them look smaller but in reality they look much bigger than the stock items simply because they no longer have the black inner circle, or as many call the stock units "dustbin lids" and as such I am considering keeping this set as I do like the design, it looks cool, saves weight and really improves cooling ability. Wortec engineer Paul said to touch the rotors when we pulled up, I thought he was joking, until he put his hand on them for a couple of seconds and said yes they are hot but are not excessively hot which is credit to the suncut, thermal grooves and internal vane design essentially improves cooling ability hugely, though my intention is not track work they are of course very much suited to both road and track work. Gone with EBC Yellows for pads, simply as choice is limited but they are an OK all rounder and from my drive home are better than stock pads in every way, so the combination woks superbly well. Also worth noting is the EBC pads match the original pads identical, also come with backing plates and I can report they are totally silent/squeak free so far. The only additional noise is under harder braking and its not really additional noise just different sound due to the grooved design and only noticeable when braking hard, so far no embarrassing choo choo like train stopping at low speeds which is good news.
The weakness the car I felt had, is now gone, the brakes now have more power, more fade resistant and inspire a lot more confidence.
Big thank you to Wortec, Topcats Racing for making this happen, the service was second to none, even more impressive no money has passed hands yet as Wortec want me to put around 500-1000 miles on the disc, then if I am happy they will buy me a new set of EBC yellows and fit my chosen design rotors with new pads at their cost or I can keep these ones. Fantastic service and so far a great quality product!
The car should now be around 1650kg so heading in the right direction and with 600HP on tap, she absolutely flies, now lets see if all this weight reduction helps shed a tenth or two off the quarter mile, I doubt it will, particular as track temperatures this weekend shall be another 10c hotter, but one can be hopeful of an 11.2s run.
