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E46 M3 (2001-2006) Engine: S54 - Max Hp: 333 hp at 7,900 rpm / 262 lb/ft at 4,900 rpm
Total Produced: 45,000+ - Years Produced: 2001 to 2006.

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Old Tue, Apr-03-2007, 12:38:53 AM   #1
///Malicious
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Default Alcon BBK discussion

As many of you already know, I have been researching the Alcon BBK for quite some time now. It really was (well, still is) between the Alcon and the Performance Friction rotors/pads. I understand that price-wise, the two are worlds apart. Whatever the case, if I decide to go the BBK route, I must be 110% certain that it will clear OEM 18's without spacers.

I heard over and over from several members that the Alcon BBK does indeed clear the 18" OEM wheels. However, I need to know if this is for sure. In the looks department, I personally find this kit superior to any other, with the exception of maybe that monstrous Brembo kit that goes for almost $15k.



From what I have gathered, the Alcon BBK is also a great performer.

Moreover, I hear people talk about caliper clearance. Although a given BBK may clear a set of wheels, people have warning me against a tight fit. Can that possibly cause problems? What exactly is considered too tight? 1, 2, 3, or 5+ mm from the spokes? Or is it simply on if-it-fits-then-it's-good basis?

Man, I wish there was a group buy on this kit or something alike.
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Old Tue, Apr-03-2007, 01:35:21 AM   #2
nolocontendere
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I have the blueprint on my computer at home that shows the clearances, so someone can print it out and confirm that it would clear OEM 18s.

I will upload it when I get a chance.

Why don't you try to set up a group buy? Check with stassis direct and also check with avalon motorsport.
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Perf. Mods: Schrick 280/272 cams; Custom Epic alpha-n tune;BW Carbon headlight blanks w/vent to BW Carbon Plenum; AA Ceramic Headers; JB Ultralight flywheel/clutch; 5-spd trans swap; BW Race Cat-Back Race Exhaust; 3.91 custom race diff w/cooler; BW oil cooler; BHS pulleys; Denso Iridiums; Solid Engine/trans mounts; BW race shifter; Odyssey PC680T battery; CDV del.
Race/Suspension/Brake Mods: Aim MXL Pista w/smartycam; BW Race Wing; Front race splitter; CSL D/S CF bootlid; CSL Diffuser; ACS CF Lip; CF Roof; Welded Race Cage; F/R subframe reinforcements; SPAL fan; A/C and EGR delete; Sparco Evo 2 Plus seat; Schroth profi II-6 harness; Alcon 365mm 6-pot/343mm 4-pot F/R BBK; Moton ClubSport, 850F/400R; Vorshlag Camber Plates; GC racing sways (firm/medium), camber arms, spherical RTABs, delrin FCABs; Cobalt Friction XR1/XR2 race pads F/R; Turner pedals
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Old Tue, Apr-03-2007, 01:55:56 AM   #3
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Is there a reason people consider these the best out there? I have not been able to find any info on their design or Alcon's racing history. I see that they are big in NASCAR. What makes these the best out there? Over what attributes do you compare BBKs?
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Old Tue, Apr-03-2007, 02:38:11 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nolocontendere View Post
I have the blueprint on my computer at home that shows the clearances, so someone can print it out and confirm that it would clear OEM 18s.

I will upload it when I get a chance.

Why don't you try to set up a group buy? Check with stassis direct and also check with avalon motorsport.
Thanks. Please do so if you get a chance.
Good point. After all, if enough interest is shown, anyone can setup a group buy. I will definitely consult with stasis and avalon.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jacy View Post
Is there a reason people consider these the best out there? I have not been able to find any info on their design or Alcon's racing history. I see that they are big in NASCAR. What makes these the best out there? Over what attributes do you compare BBKs?
Alcons have actually been around for quite some time now. They didn't have the best opinions up until recently. From what I heard, they fixed many issues that were a concern in the past. I didn't even know Alcon were big in Nascar, but I have seen them plenty in all sorts of touring competitions, most notably on Audis. It appears that Alcon really are regarded as one of the best BBKs out there.

To answer your question on what attributes are BBKs compared on - I think that all BBKs are more or less the same (assuming equal price range and size) in terms of braking performance. Realistically speaking, I think this actually has more to do with the pads. On the other hand, it appears that the general consensus on BBKs is typically centered on quality. I have not had first hand experience with Alcon, or any BBK for that matter, but judging by the amount of positive feedback of recent posts on several automotive forums, their built quality is phenomenal.

Throughout my research, I have learned that some of the best rotors in the world are made in Britain by AP and Alcon. Also consider that "Alcon supplies brakes and clutch systems to the majority of the World Rally Championship [WRC] teams including Citroën and Subaru. In Formula One, Alcon supplies Toyota with various brake components and is a ‘Technical Partner’ for brakes with Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda."


Last edited by ///Malicious; Tue, Apr-03-2007 at 02:51:18 AM.
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Old Tue, Apr-03-2007, 03:05:52 AM   #5
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good thread... i find that the SBS pad that came with the kit is a little too dusty... but those pads performs really well though...

i am looking for something less aggressive and with less dust... still doing my research... but it would also be a good thing for you to look into when getting a set of BBK is the availability/selection of pads...
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Old Tue, Apr-03-2007, 03:11:42 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueSky View Post
good thread... i find that the SBS pad that came with the kit is a little too dusty... but those pads performs really well though...

i am looking for something less aggressive and with less dust... still doing my research... but it would also be a good thing for you to look into when getting a set of BBK is the availability/selection of pads...
Are you saying that the selection of pads for Alcon is limited?
Also, why do you want a less aggressive pad? Is it simply to eliminate the dust?
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Old Tue, Apr-03-2007, 04:04:35 AM   #7
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Download alcon.pdf

And here's the stoptech cutout for reference:

Download stoptech.pdf
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#008 CM/GTS4 2004 Carbon Black/Black M3 Coupe
Perf. Mods: Schrick 280/272 cams; Custom Epic alpha-n tune;BW Carbon headlight blanks w/vent to BW Carbon Plenum; AA Ceramic Headers; JB Ultralight flywheel/clutch; 5-spd trans swap; BW Race Cat-Back Race Exhaust; 3.91 custom race diff w/cooler; BW oil cooler; BHS pulleys; Denso Iridiums; Solid Engine/trans mounts; BW race shifter; Odyssey PC680T battery; CDV del.
Race/Suspension/Brake Mods: Aim MXL Pista w/smartycam; BW Race Wing; Front race splitter; CSL D/S CF bootlid; CSL Diffuser; ACS CF Lip; CF Roof; Welded Race Cage; F/R subframe reinforcements; SPAL fan; A/C and EGR delete; Sparco Evo 2 Plus seat; Schroth profi II-6 harness; Alcon 365mm 6-pot/343mm 4-pot F/R BBK; Moton ClubSport, 850F/400R; Vorshlag Camber Plates; GC racing sways (firm/medium), camber arms, spherical RTABs, delrin FCABs; Cobalt Friction XR1/XR2 race pads F/R; Turner pedals
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Old Tue, Apr-03-2007, 04:13:34 AM   #8
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Awesome info on this one, subscribing.

It seems quiet a few of the Brits I saw this weekend were running AP racing setups.

Yes, I have been told that the pad selection is an important issue as well. Also, have any of you seen or mounted a Porsche setup to the front?
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Old Tue, Apr-03-2007, 04:21:37 AM   #9
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what is the reason for "not wanting" spacers?
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Old Tue, Apr-03-2007, 06:24:53 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snook View Post
what is the reason for "not wanting" spacers?
I have simply decided against them. Numerous discussions on this forum about spacers and BBKs not clearing OEM wheels have led me to consider an alternate BBK - Alcon. There are risks (however small) in running spacers, especially when tracking the car. Note also that whereas most wheels (e.g. ZCP) require 10mm spacers in the front to clear a typical Brembo BBK, the OEM 18s require 15 mm or thereabout - please correct me if I'm wrong.

I figure that if I am to purchase a kit by Alcon which is on par with some of Brembo's kits at relatively the same price, why would I opt for a BBK that requires spacers vs. one that does not? Even if pad selection is limited with the Alcon, I still believe that Alcon is the way to go.
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Discussing Alcon BBK discussion in the E46 M3 (2001-2006) Forum - Engine: S54 - Max Hp: 333 hp at 7,900 rpm / 262 lb/ft at 4,900 rpm
Total Produced: 45,000+ - Years Produced: 2001 to 2006. at BMW M3 Forum.com (E30 M3 | E36 M3 | E46 M3 | E92 M3 | F80/X)