So I've arranged for a local (Australian) company to put together an AP Racing front brake package for my Ralliart. It will be utilising the excellent CP5200 calipers and a 343mm 2 piece rotor. To fit this to the RA, a local automotive engineering company will be making CAD designed and CNC machined aluminium, black anodized brackets to fit. I've been to their workshop and these guys make parts brackets and other automotive parts of exceptional quality.

The current plan is to create the bracket to fit OEM wheels as well as most after-market options. In order to do this, the custom hats will push the wheels out 5mm further than stock resulting in a total front track width of an extra 10mm.

Now to my understanding, increasing front track can often be a positive thing by reducing understeer for example, which our cars are prone to. However, as I (and many others) have after market wheels, the additional 5mm per wheel is not necessary to fit these brakes so I am trying to weigh up my thoughts on going for a wider track width or not.

The engineering company is open to making a bracket that will maintain a stock front track width if a minimum of 10 orders can be achieved. Just to be clear, I will not be selling these, I've just got the ball rolling and am merely gauging other people's interest in an AP Racing front brake package as a viable option for their car.

So I ask you this, if you were to seriously consider such a thing, what bracket option would you be interested in? The original track width for aftermarket wheels only, or a 10mm increased track width that can fit OEM and aftermarket wheels?

 

This is an excellent project! AP Racing is a great company. These calipers come stock on a few TVRs.

Can you please PM me the name of the company. I have been looking for someone who makes custom hats.

 

I think the original fit would be the best route since the majority of people who would consider this are already running aftermarket wheels and you don't want to dissuade them from purchasing this kit if the extra 5mm will be beyond their current fitment capabilities.

If someone were wanting to use OEM wheels, they could very easily purchase a set of spacers to accommodate the new brake system and the 5mm width would not drastically affect their overall wheel fitment since there is already an abundance of room under the arches when stock wheels are installed. It seems only a minor additional convenience cost compared to the relatively high expense of a bbk.

Conversely, I suppose those with aftermarket wheels installed could buy spacers for the rear to balance out the track width, but that is where fitment concerns may come in to play since the rear quarter panels are the main limiting factor in most fitments and might require additional pulling on cars that have rear quarters that are already rolled and pushing the limits of fitment already

 

Also, you want to increase track width, as this inherently lowers the vehicle's center of gravity. You will find that most circuit racers routinely adopt this practice for looks as well as functionality.

 

Thanks for your support guys. Chi-town, I had the same thought process, those spending coin on an AP Racing brake kit would most likely have after market wheels already.

In my case, those wheels are 18x9, +38 and they do poke out ever so slightly in the front running a neutral camber. So I'm thinking the extra 5mm per side may rub on hard cornering unless I roll the fronts as I've done the rears. I'll also be running some neg camber upon fitting the brake package and we'll see how we go.

NFS, thanks for your interest mate. I'll send you a PM real soon. I may have to touch base with the company first so stay tuned.

 

Excellent. Sub'd.

 

hey mate, is this similar to the AP bbk that TMR developed for the ralliart? they've got one with the same specs (343mm 2 piece rotor etc)

 

Agree, anyone who would be buy this would be mad to still be on the stock 7" wheels; use stock parameters and allow aftermarket wheels/spacer adjust outward as needed.

 

Link? Price?

 

Wow that kits $4530.02 just for front brakes!!!

OP how much is the kit ur proposing.

 

nevermind......I'd sooner Fred Flintstone this beitch.

 

LOL, guys I am not at liberty to confirm price just yet as that is the responsibility of the shop putting it all together. When the brackets are made I will be getting this info off them but it won't be the suggested price mentioned above. We won't be waiting long for this information. It's going ahead without delay.

It's worth noting though that the only custom made parts of the package is the hats and brackets which means you could source the calipers and rotors locally

 

good work and im sure this will turn out brilliantly!

 

Any other takers want to cast their vote?
I'm making a call on this today as to the first production run.

1. OEM & Aftermarket fitment but 10mm wider track;
Or
2. Aftermarket only fitment at stock track width. OEM wheels would require spacers.

Thanks all.

 

One thing to consider, those who would buy this do have aftermarket rims, and typically as large as they can squeeze reasonably (8.5-9"). So while a stock 7" can and should add a 10mm spacer with great ease (as if someone with stock wheels would ever even need something like this), the logical potential market can not put in "reducers". Personally speaking, with a 18x9 rim I don't have 10mm of room to fit something like this, regardless of who voted in your survey above.