BREMBO GT|TY3 2-PIECE DISC UPGRADE FOR THE PORSCHE CAYMAN GT4 (981)

BREMBO GT|TY3 2-PIECE DISC UPGRADE FOR THE PORSCHE CAYMAN GT4 (981):

GMG Racing Porsche 981 Cayman GT4

GMG Racing Porsche 981 Cayman GT4. Photo: GMG Racing

OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR AND STRAIGHT TO THE TRACK: The brand new Cayman GT4 (981) is Porsche’s lightweight platform specifically focused for the racetrack and track day enthusiasts.

THE PORSCHE 911 (991) DNA: Since most of the front end, upright, and suspension components on the Porsche Cayman GT4 are from the Porsche 991 GT3 (911), the Brembo OE (Original Equipment) brakes equipped on the Porsche Cayman GT4 are some of the most sophisticated designed for an OE application.

The Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 shares all the same front suspension and chassis components as a 991 GT3. Photo: GMG Racing

The Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 shares the same front end components as a 991 GT3. Photo: GMG Racing

GMG Racing 981 Cayman GT4 Front end

GMG Racing 981 Cayman GT4 Front end, upright and brake system.

CAYMAN GT4 VS. 911 GT3: The Porsche Cayman GT4 Brembo OE brakes utilize 6-piston aluminum fixed monobloc calipers front and 4-piston aluminum fixed monobloc calipers in the rear. The Cayman GT4 uses heavy duty 380 x 34 mm ventilated front & 380 x 30 mm rear brake discs similar to what is equipped on a Porsche 991 GT3. The Porsche Cayman GT4 brakes also uses a wide annulus (radial depth) front and rear pad for maximum swept area, heat dissipation, and pad life. The OE pads are also 18 mm thick front and rear which is comparable to most high performance aftermarket calipers.

Brembo OE brake system equipped on the Cayman GT4

Brembo OE brake system equipped on the Porsche Cayman GT4

HOW THEY DIFFER FROM EACH OTHER: While the Porsche Cayman GT4 and 991 GT3 are similar on paper in many ways, there are some of major technical differences between the Porsche 991 GT3 and Cayman 981 GT4.

Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 vs Porsche 991 GT3. Photo: GMG Racing

Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 vs Porsche 991 GT3. Photo: GMG Racing

These technical differences significantly affect overall brake balance setup and performance.

  • The Porsche Cayman’s suspension setup (especially the rear), geometry, and dynamic weight distribution is fundamentally different resulting in an overall chassis balance that is more sensitive to braking inputs than a GT3.
Cayman GT4 suspension geometry.

The Porsche Cayman GT4’s suspension geometry.

The Cayman GT4 is more sensitive to driver inputs, especially pitch under braking. Photo: GMG Racing

The Cayman GT4 is more sensitive to driver inputs, especially pitch under braking. Photo: GMG Racing

The Cayman’s inherent tendency to pitch more under braking increases front axle brake demand, but inherently results in unsettling the rear axle under braking. However, this can be tuned with managing the operating temperature of the brake disc and also by using different friction compounds that are optimized for the specific brake temperature windows.

Brembo Performance Type 5 endurance discs used to maximize disc life on the track.

Brembo Performance TY5 endurance discs used to maximize disc life on the track.

Cayman GT4 Rear pad options help tune braking characteristics

Porsche Cayman GT4 Rear pad compound options help the driver tune braking characteristics

BREMBO DISC OPTIONS: The front Brembo 380 x 34 / 72 Vane racing disc used for the GT4 application are available in multiple configurations (standard or heavy duty and TY3 Sprint or TY5 Endurance) to help the user setup the brakes to suit their demands.

Brembo 380 x 34 Type 5 Endurance "heavy duty" front discs

Brembo 380 x 34 TY5 Endurance “heavy duty” front discs

  • The Porsche’s Cayman GT4 is a true mid-engine platform with the engine sitting in front of the rear axle closer to the center of the chassis unlike the 991 GT3 which is a rear-engine platform with the engine sitting over the rear axle.
The Porsche Cayman GT4 is a mid-engine platform with the engine closer to the center of the chassis. Photo: GMG Racing

The Porsche Cayman GT4 is a mid-engine platform with the engine closer to the center of the chassis. Photo: GMG Racing

MID-ENGINE VS. REAR-ENGINE: A mid-engine platform will generally demand less out of the rear brakes compared to a rear-engine platform with all the weight sitting on the rear axle. The Cayman’s mid-engine design also inherently results in the rear axle getting unsettled easier under braking inputs.

Cayman GT4 rear can get unsettled under braking. Photo: GMG Racing

Porsche Cayman GT4 rear end can get unsettled under braking. Photo: GMG Racing

STABLE DISC TEMPERATURES: The rear Brembo 380 x 30 TY3 racing disc, used for the GT4 application is offered in a 48 vane configuration. This 48 vane disc configuration stores more heat in the disc, which allows for more stable rear brake temperatures, resulting in improved disc life for the intended use.

Brembo 380 x 30 48 Vane Type 3 racing disc

Rear Brembo Performance 380 x 30 48 Vane TY3 racing disc

  • The Porsche Cayman GT4 generally weighs 200 lbs less than a 991 GT3 (Cayman GT4 Curb Weight – 2955 lbs, 991 GT3 Curb Weight – 3150 lbs).

Overall weight and weight balance directly influence a vehicle’s brake demand. The Cayman GT4 with less overall weight (especially over the rear axle) will also demand significantly less out of the rear brakes compared to a 991 GT3.

  • The Porsche Cayman GT4’s bumper design and aerodynamics are different and more adjustable than a 991 GT3. The Cayman GT4 features an adjustable front diffuser and rear wing to increase downforce and grip versus the non-adjustable parts on the 991 GT3.
Cayman GT4 Rear wing and diffuser

The Porsche Cayman GT4 has an adjustable Rear wing to add rear downforce.

Bumper design has a significant influence on airflow to the brake system which results in different braking demands on the front and rear axles. Increased downforce and grip also affects brake balance and demand depending on the exact chassis setup.

Porsche Cayman GT4 front bumper with adjustable flaps integrated in the bumper

Porsche Cayman GT4 front bumper with adjustable flaps integrated in the bumper to increase brake cooling and downforce. Photo: GMG Racing

IN CONCLUSION: There are certain limitations with the OE components on any high performance application as they are designed specifically for the car manufacturers to their requirements of comfort, wear rates in various road environments, cost and serviceability.

As the braking system’s primary function is to dissipate heat, Brembo uses purpose-designed discs in order to increase the fade resistance and thermal capacity of the system. These discs are directionally ventilated for enhanced cooling and slotted for better performance and continuously refreshing the pad surface. Brembo Performance 2-piece discs are made up of a proprietary advanced cast-iron alloy which offers an exceptional coefficient of friction and resistance to thermal shock and fatigue.

Cayman GT4 OEM disc versus Brembo Type 3 disc assembly

Porsche Cayman GT4 Brembo OEM disc versus Brembo Performance TY3 disc assembly

The same Brembo Racing discs trusted every weekend in professional motorsports are also utilized in the Brembo Performance Program (GT, GT-R & Race Systems).

GMG Racing team using Brembo Type V endurance discs. Photo: GMG Racing

GMG Racing team using Brembo TY5 endurance discs at Thermal Raceway. Photo: GMG Racing

Brembo Type V 2-piece disc assemblies with rotor temperature paint

Brembo Performance TY5 2-piece disc assemblies with rotor temperature paint for track use

GMG's Cayman GT4 Brembo OE brakes being swapped out for Brembo Performance 2-piece disc upgrades.

GMG’s Cayman GT4 Brembo OE brakes being swapped out for Brembo Performance 2-piece disc and Race Technologies pad upgrades


BENEFITS OF BREMBO 2-PIECE DISC UPGRADES:

  • OEM INTEGRATION: Brembo 2-piece disc upgrades are designed to work seamlessly with the OE calipers and systems (manufactured by Brembo for Porsche). This guarantees the utmost in safety and seamless fitment.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: Disc assemblies include an outer iron disc with aluminum bell/hat and provide decreased corner weights to improve vehicle dynamics including handling, acceleration, and braking.
  • TYPE III SLOT PATTERN: Extensively used in professional motorsports, the Type III slot pattern offers a high initial response with excellent release characteristics.
  • HIGH THERMAL CAPACITY: Greatly improved thermal capacity and heat management over OE discs and other aftermarket discs in the market. This also improves braking performance and allows for greater longevity of the components.
  • FRICTION MATERIALS: Everything we learn by supporting top professional racing teams throughout the world goes into selecting the best brake pad options for all levels of street, track and racing use.

PACKAGES INCLUDE:

  1. Outer Brembo TY3 discs (qty 2)
  2. 6061 T6 aluminum (machined from billet), hard anodized bell/hat
  3. Complete Brembo disc hardware (D-type bobbin) w/ anti-rattle springs. (Full Floating Option Available Upon Request).

BREMBO CAYMAN GT4 (981) 2-PIECE DISC OPTIONS:

FRONT BREMBO 2-PIECE DISC OPTIONS: 981 CAYMAN GT4 OE IRON EQUIPPED

MSRP COMPLETE AXLE SET: $1,895.00

981 Cayman GT4 Front disc specifications:

–          380 x 34 disc – Standard
–          TY3 slot type
–          20 mm air-gap (wide air-gap for overall brake disc weight reduction)
–          72 vane ventilation
–          21 lbs – disc ring
–          23 lbs – complete 2-piece disc assembly

981 Cayman GT4 Front “High Thermal” disc specifications:

–          380 x 34 disc – High Thermal
–          TY3 or TY5 “Endurance” slot type available.
–          17 mm air-gap (narrow air-gap for the brake disc to have extra thermal capacity and durability under higher brake demand conditions)
–          72 vane ventilation
–          23 lbs – disc ring
–          24.5 lbs – complete 2-piece disc assembly
–          Compatible with 911 Turbo (991) Models

REAR BREMBO 2-PIECE DISC OPTIONS: 981 CAYMAN GT4 OE IRON EQUIPPED

MSRP COMPLETE AXLE SET: $1,895.00

981 Cayman GT4 Rear “High Thermal” disc specifications:

–          380 x 30 disc – High Thermal
–          TY3 slot type
–          16 mm air-gap
–          48 vane ventilation
–          20 lbs – disc ring.
–          22 lbs – complete 2-piece disc assembly
–          Compatible with factory braking brake (e-brake)

PORSCHE CAYMAN GT4 (981) OEM DISC WEIGHTS – FOR REFERENCE:

– Front, 380 x 34: Approximately 24 lbs
– Rear, 380 x 30: Approximately 22.5 lbs

Brembo (General News) Brembo Performance Brembo Racing

How it all started. The start of the Brembo Performance program

In the mid 1990’s, company founder, Jaime Trimble was deeply involved in the Porsche community; buying, selling, and building Porsche 911’s and 930’s.

His passion led him to start a business offering a line of performance upgrades for Porsche. As part of the company’s product line, he began producing “Big Brake Kits” by retrofitting Porsche OE Brembo calipers and discs to early model Porsches. These early brake kits proved to be very successful in the market due to the way they were designed and packaged for ease of installation. However, Jaime recognized that retrofitting OE components from one vehicle to another had its disadvantages and limitations so he began looking for better solutions.

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The working partnership between Race Technologies and Brembo resulted in the “Big Brake System” which was engineered by Brembo to be application specific.

In 1998, Jaime met with Brembo North America to discuss how they could cooperate on developing a new line of aftermarket performance brake upgrades.  These upgrades would be the first of their kind and engineered as “systems” utilizing purpose designed components to integrate seamlessly to a vehicle. This initial endeavor eventually became part of a global effort lead by Brembo Italy that established an official Brembo High Performance Program. As a result Jaime formed a new company, Race Technologies, that signed on as the first High Performance Master Distributor and later became the exclusive U.S. Commercial Partner in 2004.

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Race Technologies Costa Mesa location which was located next door to Brembo North America

In 2008, Brembo moved their headquarters from California to Plymouth, MI to support the OE’s and their U.S. operations. Race Technologies then assumed the primary responsibility of the California facility and became the sole U.S. Importer for Brembo High Performance. The new structure proved to be highly effective by directly aligning the sales and logistics efforts of Race Technologies with the manufacturing and production process in Brembo Italy.

Here’s a video of Jaime Trimble going over the Brembo Performance program on the GT Channel (November 15th, 2011).

In 2012, Brembo and Race Technologies began working together to support the rapidly growing needs of the Far East (Asia) market. As part of this effort, Race Technologies began working closely with and supplying the Official High Performance Importers, Dealers, and Distributors in the region. The results of the collaboration shortened product lead times, increased protection of Brembo’s brand integrity, and reduced the presence of grey market products.

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Race Technologies provides market development, supply chain management and technical product support. Through our strategic partnership with Brembo and Sabelt, we support an international network of Official Dealers and Distributors that serve the automotive performance and racing community.

In 2013, Race Technologies became the official importer for Brembo Racing and Sabelt (Brembo Group 2008-2015). As the world’s leading braking supplier in professional motorsports, Brembo recognized the growing overlap between amateur, club, and professional racing in the U.S. In an effort to better serve these market segments, Brembo directly aligned their High Performance and Racing programs. The new structure expanded service and support to all segments of the racing market.

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The Race Technologies facility in Moorseville, North Carolina which supports Brembo U.S. Racing Operations.

In late 2013 and early 2014, Race Technologies established two new facilities to support the future growth of the Brembo High Performance, Racing, and Sabelt programs. The first was a newly designed 30,000 sq. ft. facility located in Irvine, California to serve as a hub and U.S. headquarters. The second, located in Mooresville, North Carolina was to support all of the U.S Racing programs. Both facilities are shared by Race Technologies and Brembo staff including on-site engineers and program managers for each market segment.

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The newly designed 30,000 sq. ft. Race Technologies facility located in Irvine, California to serve as a hub and U.S. headquarters.

Today, Race Technologies is a team of dedicated professionals that represent the Brembo and Sabelt brands and proudly serve an international network of official dealers and distributors. With all of the success and growth of the company over the past 15 years, “What we do” has certainly changed, but one thing that has not is “Who we are”. We remain true to our enthusiast roots and recognize that our customers are why we are here and we must always strive to “Be The Solution”.

Contacting Race Technologies:

THE OFFICIAL DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR NETWORK THAT WE SUPPORT

Race Technologies provides market development, supply chain management, and technical product support. Through our strategic partnership with Brembo, we support an international network of Official Dealers and Distributors that serve the automotive performance and racing community.

BREMBO PERFORMANCE
The Americas
Asia-Pacific
Middle East

BREMBO RACING
North America
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RACE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC (HEADQUARTERS)
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA
Brembo Performance | Brembo Racing
17422 Murphy Avenue
Irvine, CA 92614
(No walk-ins. By appointment only)
T: (714) 438.1118
www.racetechnologies.com

RACE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Brembo Racing
118 Infield Ct # A,
Mooresville, NC 28117
(No walk-ins. By appointment only)
T: (704) 799-0079
www.racetechnologies.com

Brembo Performance