I think you are mostly right. When you can lock up your wheels then, yes the limiting factor is the contact patch (tire) on the pavement.
I had read about one person who had changed out his brakes and had about a 6 foot improvement versus stock. For a several thousand dollar modification it's not too good of an improvement for daily driving. While the total improvement was very slim, I believe what that person was looking for was on-track performance (reduction in brake fade), so the upgrade was right for his purposes.
Better brakes will definitely improve on the brake fade versus the stock and Brembos. One thing about better brakes is that they may apply pressure to the rotors better than the stock system enabling a more linear brake response (rather than the brakes going from slipping to sudden locking of the rotors).
The response from Q45Tech (from another forum) was that the stock systems on most vehicles are pretty close to the ultimate stopping potential for the cars for single stops (repeated stops such as under racing conditions are of course exempted from that response).
Now as far as your debate with your friend it would really depend upon what is put on. As with you I think increasing front tire width is a more effective way to increase stopping distances.
"you will rue this day....well go on start ru-ing" Stewie Griffin
|