Field Report: Why Don't Pro Race Cars Use Brake Boosters?

Tuned In

Why don't race cars use brake boosters and does your master cylinder size really matter all that much compared to your brake caliper sizing?
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In this video, we talk to Kirk from Tilton Engineering about the importance of creating a perfectly balanced braking system for your motorsport vehicle. He discusses the differences between tandem master cylinders and dual master cylinders, the importance of pedal ratio, and how to size your master cylinders and calipers correctly.
Key takeaways:
- Dual master cylinders are typically used in motorsport vehicles because they provide better brake balance and tunability.
- The size of your master cylinders should be based on the piston sizes in your calipers, rotor diameter, tire diameter, vehicle weight, weight distribution, and pedal ratio.
- A manual brake system will give you more driver feedback and a firmer pedal feel than a boosted system.
- The typical pedal ratio for an OEM vehicle with a brake booster is 4:1.
- The typical pedal ratio for a motorsport vehicle with a dual master cylinder is 5:1 to 6.5:1.
- The balance bar on a dual master cylinder allows you to make fine adjustments to your brake bias on the track.