>I was looking at my brakes today and I wonder what benefit I am deriving
>by leaving my rotor backing plates on. Obviously they help keep things
>cleaner, but they must really screw up air flow around the rotors.
>Removing the backing plates would seem to be a pretty cost efficient
>(free-except for my time) improvement to help keep my brakes cooler on
>the track.
>
>As a related topic, would not just extending the brake duct ports back
>about 6" - 8" help cooling at speed. I'm not talking about a fancy
>$2,000 carbon fiber set up, just a simple hose directed at the (backing
>plate - less?) rotor?. The air flow from the stock ports doesn't seems
>to be effectively directed.
>
>Opinions, experience or conjecture would be appreciated.
>
>Jeff Wagner
>97 M3/4
>Windy City Chapter

Don't cut off those backing plates! Instead, cut a horizontal line about 1.5 inches in from the front center of the plate, around where the first ripples start. Bend the upper half of the plate all the way back to the strut. Bend the lower half of the plate back to the tie rod, but stop just before you touch it. (Cutting the plate lets you bend the upper half back farther than the lower half.) Voila! You now have free air scoops for the brakes.

Bob Stommel
Hoosier Chapter
Indianapolis
95 M3 LTW
Boston Green 95 M3 (for sale at http://www.bmwforsale.com)