Originally Posted by Whaazup17
Ok. I know that bigger rotors equals more contact with the brake pad so better stopping power which equals faster stopping and the better chance of locking your wheels.
Now my question is yes you upgrade the rotors but does that always mean you are going to get better stopping distance because of the fact that when you stop your brakes you lock up the tires and slide for 30 feet. Would wider tires (more contact patch help) or is there something i'm missing here?
-garrett
You're missing everything. Your braking distance is determined by available grip. If your brakes can lock your wheels (exceeding available grip), then there is virtually no change you can make to your brakes that is going to signifigantly affect your stopping distance. The only gains you'll see by modifying the brake system at that point are the result of better feel which makes the driver better able to modulate brake pressure and keep braking closer to the limit of grip (and to bring the brake system pressure to the limit of grip more rapidly).
Bigger tires won't necessarily mean more grip. You will end up with more contact patch, but with less pressure per square inch of contact patch. Better tire compounds or increased downforce are more reliable ways to increase grip.
Go buy this and read it:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...047660-6311158