Setting Brake bias with guages

[Todd Hoven]

I was wondering how many racers set the front to rear brake bias with pressure guages? If so what do you shoot for? If you talk to Strange and Mark Williams, they recomend 70% to the rear wheels due to more tire width. This seems to be pretty heavy on the rear brakes. In this age of the
"Dial to Dump" I think that setting up like this, can make the car prone to locking up the rear brakes and destablizing the car resulting in a possible spin out. If you have to much front bias the car will never stop and you will burn up front pads and rotors

Everybody seems to have a different opinion on this. I was set to asemble my system one way and started researching a little further on it and now I decided to go a different direction with pressure guages. What do you think is best bias to set up for?

I know this was just brought up recently, But im not sure this was asked? Thanks...

[Jeff Lee]

Bought two gauges and I set mine up with as MW suggested for my 4wdb's. I can't remember the percentages, been a long while. Back then I was 124-125 MPH, put it in neutral and shut the engine off so no compression braking. It got the job done but I sure like the 11" front & rear rotors on my 2400# SVT Focus better!

[Tom Goldman]

Todd, start with about 60/40 front bias.
I started Tex's Mustang there,and it works well, and is around the same weight as your Firebird.
Keep in mind front tire size and pressure will greatly effect the balance that works best.
I also use different hardness pad compounds front and rear.
Both Wilwood and Hawk have many compounds available that will fit almost anyones caliper.
I typically use Polymatrix B pads on the front and C or E pads on the rear on most cars.
The B pads stop well,but are less agressive on the initial hit ,so they dont lock up as easily.

[Todd Hoven]

Thanks Tom, good info.

Originally Posted by Tom Goldman

Todd, start with about 60/40 front bias.
I started Tex's Mustang there,and it works well, and is around the same weight as your Firebird.
Keep in mind front tire size and pressure will greatly effect the balance that works best.
I also use different hardness pad compounds front and rear.
Both Wilwood and Hawk have many compounds available that will fit almost anyones caliper.
I typically use Polymatrix B pads on the front and C or E pads on the rear on most cars.
The B pads stop well,but are less agressive on the initial hit ,so they dont lock up as easily.

[Jeff Lee]

Originally Posted by Tom Goldman

Todd, start with about 60/40 front bias.
I started Tex's Mustang there,and it works well, and is around the same weight as your Firebird.
Keep in mind front tire size and pressure will greatly effect the balance that works best.
I also use different hardness pad compounds front and rear.
Both Wilwood and Hawk have many compounds available that will fit almost anyones caliper.
I typically use Polymatrix B pads on the front and C or E pads on the rear on most cars.
The B pads stop well,but are less agressive on the initial hit ,so they dont lock up as easily.

What are the characteristics of the C or E pads?

Todd...you are talking 4 wdb's, right?

[Todd Hoven]

No, I should have added that. I'm running rear drums

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

What are the characteristics of the C or E pads?

Todd...you are talking 4 wdb's, right?

[Tom Goldman]

Here is a link for Wilwoods comparison chart.
Speed and weight have to be taken into account ,but I've tried many of the compounds listed on my cars,before setteling on the ones I mentioned.

http://www.wilwood.com/BrakePads/BrakePadsApp.aspx

[Tom Goldman]

Todd, you have to bias heavier to the front with a disc /drum setup.
The problem with drums is getting enough holding power on the line vs. not locking up at the stripe.....since drum brakes self energize , they dont respond as quickley as discs do, both when applying and releasing.....especially releasing.