DID YOU KNOW?

[Tigerv8]

Did you know that most cars today have power assisted brakes? Yes, you probably did.

Did you know that the power assistance comes from a brake booster that is powered by a vaccuum created by the engine sucking in air? You may know that too.

But did you know that if you put a higher performance cam in the engine the vaccuum charge to the brake booster will actually be decreased? This means that each time you apply the brakes it will take a little longer to get full vaccuum back into the booster for the next application.

This will probably make little or no difference in normal driving but could be an issue if you are engaged in some high braking activities. So just be aware of the side effect of plonking a wild cam into your engine.

(This is from a guy who specialises in brake systems and teaches mechanics about them.)

Also, your vacuum is stronger when the engine is at idle than when it is revving, and it can supposedly hold over 200kg in weight. Which explains why you have to stand on the brake with both feet to stop the car when you power assistance is not there.

[BlackOne]

Nice post Tiger.

[Blown355]

I like the tech post tiger, it's one of those things often over looked when people undertake engine mods.

If anyone dose find themselves suffering from this issue, there are a number of mechanical/electric vacuum pumps available on the market to rectify this loss (Using the same principle as a diesel powered vehicle).

[Red_Ice]

thanks tiger

great info mate

[GMMAD]

this is only really a problem with big cams
you can get vacuum reserve tanks to fix this as well
http://www.cranecams.com/index.php?show=browseParts&lvl=3&prt=31

[Tigerv8]

Thanks, GMMAD.

What happens when you put a supercharger on and have forced induction? Same thing?

[GMMAD]

its not a problem with FI

[Tigerv8]

Funny, that.

I thought the vaccuum would be reduced with a blower. You seem to know your stuff. We have some mechanically knowledgeable people around here. What a blessing.

Now if we only had a doctor as well...........

[Vixen]

Now if we only had a doctor as well...........



*bites tongue* :flame:

[Tigerv8]

*bites tongue* :flame:

See? I told you we should have a doctor!

[Purple_Power]

I'm a first aider... not smart enough to be a doctor.

[Tigerv8]

Just as an aside, I just had my car serviced for its 100,000km service. I have used just over half the front pads and just under half the rears. And they are the original pads. Never changed pads since the car was bought with 6km on it.

[Blown355]

That's pretty good tiger, how have you gotten them to last so long???

I'm used to seeing them worn out by 50k, mine are usually gone by 18 months to 2 years. (I think that might have to do with how hard i brake but........ LOL)

[Purple_Power]

Yes, how do you get them to last so long? When Paul checked mine last year he said they had about 5,000km left on them. Shortly afterwards when the car was in the panel beaters, they showed me the pads, and they were virtually gone. That was all before the car had 60,000km on it.

[Tigerv8]

That's pretty good tiger, how have you gotten them to last so long???

I'm used to seeing them worn out by 50k, mine are usually gone by 18 months to 2 years. (I think that might have to do with how hard i brake but........ LOL)

Now, there's the trick. Don't use the brakes. Brakes are for emergencies to stop you hitting stuff. The accelerator is the thing to use to stay out of trouble. If you go fast enough, the wind resistance will slow you down a lot when you decelerate. You can also use the occasional slow pedestrian as long as they are not wearing things that will scratch the paintwork.

But seriously, though, I guess I just don't brake really hard and try to drive smoothly. I always drive too fast and should get more tickets than I do but I think the pads are very good. I don't even get any brake dust to speak of while our Vectra gets black wheels after a week. It's a mystery, btu I think having a manual has something to do with it. When I had an automatic, I got about 50-60,000km from a set of pads, which is about what I got from a set of tyres.

[Vixen]

Go the manuals! I agree Tiger.
My brake pads last longer than alot of my mates, and the only major difference is that they drive autos.
I've had my car 4 years this year and they're still going strong.

[Squid's VY]

What are brakes? Is that the big pedal next to my loud pedal? I dont push it much but When I do I really step on it. Pedestrians can work too I guess.

[Sly]

I thought we were supposed to use pedestrians.
It's all about the points we can rack up