One must also keep in mind that there are significant differences in
the design requirements for brakes intended for heavy service such as
racing. Most significant is the compound of the friction pads in the
brakes. Most performance disc brake pad compounds don't actually
provide much braking power until they are heated up, in some cases,
much hotter than DOT3 brake fluid is capable of withstanding.
Obviously, because these pads run hotter during use, DOT4 or DOT5
fluids are required. These higher temperature fluids are mostly
incompatible with common braking system components, so the entire
system needs to be designed as a totally integrated system.
Because high performance friction pads don't provide much braking
power when cold, they are generally unsuitable for street use, where
they don't commonly attain temperatures needed work in their intended
operating temperature range. It's hard to find common ground between
a truly race-prep brake system and one that is also streetable. Many
friction component manufacturers offer levels of hot/cold performance
characteristics when selecting pads. Some run-what-you-brung racers
actually change the pads in their brakes before beginning
competition, then change back before driving home.
There are some interesting white papers at the old stoptech.com
website (now apparently consumed by Centric and integrated into their
website). One anecdote relates a story that the executives at Ford
were given the perk of the use of Mustang GT350 and GT500 cars back
in the 1960's. Many executives wives refused to drive them due to the
amount of pedal pressure required to stop the cars, as the brake
systems had been properly upgraded for speed, and braking power under
mild driving was seriously degraded.
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