<VV> Power Brakes for Corvair

[J R Read_HML]

I spent an entire day at Blackhawk Farms ( a road course) racing (autocross 
style).  There was the normal practice runs and then the actual timed runs. 
I don't recall the count on the runs - but probably 10 to 12 - maybe more. 
Practice runs are for a certain amount of time - like 10 minutes (other cars 
are also on track during practice) - so SEVERAL times around the course. 
Timed runs are - depending on who is running the event - sometimes from a 
standing start out of the grid area and other times from a "flying" start - 
meaning that you make a full circuit and then go as fast as you can (dare) 
down the front straight.  The start line is roughly in the middle (about 55% 
of the way down) of the front straight.

The brakes on the car (a '65 - LM 500 - single master) were fairly fresh - 
around 5 - 6,000 miles (not all on roads) - but PLENTY of material on the 
shoes.  Could be described as near NOS?

Anyway, as the day progressed, I got braver and braver at the turns.  There 
are markers up on road courses (similar to Burma Shave signs for those of us 
who remember) - like 4 - 3 - 2 - 1.  1 is (of course) closest to the turn. 
This is to help you know when to begin to brake.  I started out the day 
(practice runs)  braking at the 3, but by the end of the day (racing), I was 
braking at the 1 - but VERY HARD.  I never experienced brake fade even 
though I had the drums nearly glowing after race runs.

Inspection of the brakes at the end of the day revealed that I'd used up 
about 1/2 the material - but did not break anything in the entire system.  I 
really was looking mainly for cracks in the shoes after having gotten them 
so hot.

I know that this is anecdotal information and everyone is subject to their 
own situations, but I do feel that for normal street driving on a well 
maintained (stock Vair) brake system, there should be no worries.  WELL - a 
dual MC would be a darn good idea.

So, I guess I'm also trying to give a bit of a rebuttal to Ned regarding 
drum brakes and racing.  Keep in mind that I don't consider myself a 
"serious" racer, but DO like to have some fun along those lines a couple  - 
three times a year.

Later, JR

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <AeroNed at aol.com>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 10:09 PM
Subject: Re: <VV> Power Brakes for Corvair


>
> In a message dated 11/8/2006 10:02:08 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> ddpleau at msn.com writes:
>
> No  problem with Corvair brakes, unless you are really serious about
> racing
>
>
> Why do people keep saying Corvair drum brakes are not good for racing? Ask
> Ken Hand or Warren LeVeque, I'd bet they'd say the brakes are fine 
> provided the
> proper linings are used. I have kevlar in my autocross car and they are
> great,  but autocrossing doesn't heat the brakes very much.
>
> lclc (aka Larry Claypool) had a LM convertible at the Carlisle convention
> with power brakes. I didn't drive the car but rode with him on the rally 
> and the
> brakes were exercized extensively. He said the booster came from a Camaro
>
> Ned
>