Number 8 in our FAQ Series:
WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND PLUMBING IN -3 HARD LINE VS. BRAIDED?
A master cylinder has very limited resources for volume of fluid for supplying the system. When you plumb a car in braided line, the line can “flex” under pressure, growing in size. This increases the volume of fluid in the line and decreases the amount reaching the caliper. This creates a longer than necessary stroke. As the brake line grows, it slows the response time of the caliper to react with the rotor. A vehicle traveling at 65 miles per hour is traveling at about 100 feet per second. This obviously can easily contribute to an accident you could have easily avoided.
The line size is also critical. -3 line size is the most practical for virtually every application. The reason is simple. Line size critically influences speed of delivery of volume. Even though slight, in a closed system, -2 line restricts flow much like a freeway going from 4 lanes to 2 would slow traffic. -4 line increases the flexibility of the braided portion of the line which can cause a spongy, low pedal. Remember, it is little items like this that can make a major difference in the overall “feel” and response of your pedal.
|