This included some of the first billet calipers, which had the benefit of greater strength over their cast equivalent, and they produce a better finish when machined. They also provide a better pedal feel because they have a fixed-mount caliper as opposed to a floating caliper, which also demands greater space requirements. This design immediately found a following within the ranks of those building street rods and street machines, as their owners realized the benefits of these changes. In fact, this approach basically started the aftermarket ball rolling, and it has continued to gain momentum with new improvements coming to the market on a regular basis. By design, Wilwood's big brakes for street applications differ from its racing calipers in terms of their weight.
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.