Weight is a secondary issue. However, most rodders should be concerned with the weight of the calipers, as it can increase unsprung weight dramatically, and therefore diminish handling and directional control. Large brake rotors also can affect performance because of their rotating mass, which actually can slow a car down under acceleration, much like increasing the size of a propeller, causing more drag in the water. However, there is a happy medium, and Wilwood has found it. Wilwood's new line of brakes is the perfect blend of concepts borrowed from its racing division and the needs of a ready market that's beginning to realize that brakes are as important to a car's appeal as any another type of performance part or eye candy.
Big brakes have people stopping in their tracks, both figuratively and literally.
For those of you who already have Wilwood brakes on your car, Thermlock caliper pistons are also available separately as a replacement for original pistons. Just as in their current applications, this addition will decrease the transfer of heat from the caliper to the related components, which in turn resists brake fluid boiling, unusual materials growth and failure, which allows greater fade resistance and improved component longevity. When you look around at notable builders such as Kugel Komponents, Heidt's Hot Rod Shop, California Street Rods, Boyds and others, and notice they are using Wilwood technology on their cars, maybe there's something to be learned. Wilwood's knowledge of this market is unsurpassed, and it continues to make headway through new products that will keep Wilwood at the forefront of product development. When you're looking to upgrade the brakes on your car, there are several things to consider, since what is good for one car isn't necessarily good for another.