re-built aluminum drums ?

[MIKEL]

As I posted in the other thread also look at diff type steels may be a lot better about cracking and therefore lasting longer? In additiond there may be better thermal propties to some other types of steels. The OEMs were built to be cheap not for max performance. There may some solid benifits to the relpacing the stock liners. Then there is the weight situation if a stronger material is thinner or lighter (some of the high nodulars steels/stainless?)agan more weight loss would be a better thing yes?? So if they cost 250ea but were say 1-2lbs lighter lasted twice as long and cooled better the cost does not look so bad. Seem to me somone has access to some engineers/brake spicalists who might have some ideas about types of materials to look into. Like Paul said if there is enought intrest the tooling cost would come down and if you happen to come up with a "hot" part I bet there will be a market for it. That all being said you better make sure the powers that be are ok with "refurbished" drums at all. no point in doing all this if they say no go.

[CPLUCKER]

I have no interest in what " powers that be" say .. I am re-building a part just like a brake caliper from autozone. it is the same fit or function. If we get to the point that some rulemakes have a problem with something like this, I am ging to pack up and go home !

Chris Plucker

[CPLUCKER]

Just had a mass spectrometer alloy analizer check the material on the OEM Nissan drums, it says they are SA-105 1018 carbon steel, this is good news because we can use steel pipe to make the friction surface rings !

[tim240z]

Just had a mass spectrometer alloy analizer check the material on the OEM Nissan drums, it says they are SA-105 1018 carbon steel, this is good news because we can use steel pipe to make the friction surface rings !

Thats a win right there! Unless we could ummm... improve the design

[CPLUCKER]

What would be an improvement ? I am making sure I don't use welded seam pipe I am unable to use Iron ( most rotors are actually Iron not steel) but what would be a good stable high temperature material that would outperform carbon steel?

Thanks Guys
Chris Plucker

[tim240z]

What would be an improvement ? I am making sure I don't use welded seam pipe I am unable to use Iron ( most rotors are actually Iron not steel) but what would be a good stable high temperature material that would outperform carbon steel?

Thanks Guys
Chris Plucker

Oh I have no idea... It was said as a joke as Im sure it wouldnt be legal...

[MIKEL]

Sorry I was the one that brought it up. I looked at the rules I dont think you can change the material, not that I see a tech insectors pulling brake drums and testing the linings at the regional level (maybe at the runoffs?). As far as an alternate lining material I would think asking some of the brake companies (willwood,AP, ect) what they use for there brakes might be a starting point? Though it may be a waste of time. Still if the cost is not to much refurbishing them still will be better than running the steel ones (lots wt+heat)thats why the 510 guys always tried to upgrade to the "Z" drums they are superior to the steel ones.
Has anyone looked into any of the JDM markets there is a lot RESTO companies making parts for the JAP cars in Japan. I have seen them talked about on the Nastalgic japanease car page? Just another thought for the OEM parts