Wondering how your brake kit measures up compared to Father Honda's plan for you?
Front and rear brake bias comparison table for most BIG BRAKE KITS for the NSX.

front caliper	rear caliper	Front Piston(s) diameter (mm)		Rear Piston(s) Diameter (mm)		Rotor Diameter (mm)		Center of Force Factor	Braking Factor (piston area * force radius)		Brake bias (f/r)	Bias valve % correction factor needed
		1st	2nd	1st	2nd	Front	Rear		Front	Rear
Aluminum Caliper Front, with 91-96 OEM Rear Caliper and 330mm Rear Rotor
AP 5200	OEM "KVR"	38.10	41.30	42.50		330.00	330.00	25.15	6,044,518	1,728,995	77.76%
Brembo GT	RB OEM +2	36.00	40.00	42.50		328.00	330.00	25.15	5,507,897	1,728,995	76.11%
Brembo Indy	RB OEM +2	36.00	40.00	42.50		328.00	330.00	25.15	5,507,897	1,728,995	76.11%
Stoptech	RB OEM +2	34.00	38.00	42.50		330.00	330.00	25.15	4,977,591	1,728,995	74.22%
Dali/RB Al 4pot caliper	RB OEM +2	36.00	38.00	42.50		332.00	330.00	25.15	5,280,029	1,728,995	75.33%
Aluminum Caliper Front, with 91-96 OEM Rear Caliper and 303mm Rear Rotor
Dali/RB Al 4pot caliper	RB OEM +1 (303mm rr)	36.00	38.00	42.50		324.00	303.00	25.15	5,142,372	1,575,861	76.54%
Aluminum Caliper Front, with 97-05 OEM Rear Caliper and 330mm Rear Rotor
AP 5200	OEM "KVR"	38.10	41.30	48.00		330.00	330.00	25.15	6,044,518	2,205,456	73.27%
Brembo GT	RB OEM +2	36.00	40.00	48.00		328.00	330.00	25.15	5,507,897	2,205,456	71.41%
Brembo Indy	RB OEM +2	36.00	40.00	48.00		328.00	330.00	25.15	5,507,897	2,205,456	71.41%
Stoptech	RB OEM +2	34.00	38.00	48.00		330.00	330.00	25.15	4,977,591	2,205,456	69.30%
Dali/RB Al 4pot caliper	RB OEM +2	36.00	38.00	48.00		332.00	330.00	25.15	5,280,029	2,205,456	70.54
Dali/RB Al 4pot caliper	RB OEM +2	36.00	38.00	48.00		324.00	330.00	25.15	5,142,372	2,205,456	69.98%
Aluminum Caliper Front, with 97-05 OEM Rear Caliper and 303mm Rear Rotor
Dali/RB Al 4pot caliper	RB OEM +1 (or stock 97+)	36.00	38.00	48.00		324.00	303.00	25.15	5,280,029	2,010,122	72.43%
Aluminum BBK Caliper Front & Rear: 91-05
Brembo GT	Brembo GT	36.00	40.00	36.00	40.00	328.00	328.00	25.15	5,507,897	5,507,897	50.00%
Brembo Indy	Brembo Indy	36.00	40.00	36.00	40.00	328.00	328.00	25.15	5,507,897	5,507,897	50.00%
Stoptech	Stoptech	34.00	38.00	28.00	28.00	330.00	330.00	25.15	5,276,246	3,001,870	63.74%
Dali/RB Al 4pot caliper	Dali/RB Al 4pot caliper	36.00	38.00	36.00	38.00	332.00	330.00	25.15	5,280,029	5,245,615	50.16%
Dali/RB Al 4pot caliper	Dali/RB Al 2pot caliper	36.00	38.00	42.00		324.00	330.00	25.15	5,142,372	3,377,104	60.36%
OEM Caliper Front, OEM Caliper Rear 91-05
RB OEM +2	RB OEM +2 1991-1996	36.00	40.00	42.50		324.00	330.00	25.15	2,717,575	1,728,995	61.12%
RB OEM +2	RB OEM +2 1997-2005	34.00	40.00	48.00		324.00	330.00	25.15	2,586,200	2,205,456	53.97%
OEM 91-96	OEM 91-96	36.00	40.00	42.50		282.00	282.00	25.15	2,335,650	1,456,757	61.59%
OEM 97+	OEM 97+	34.00	40.00	48.00		298.00	303.00	25.15	2,361,200	2,010,122	54.02%
JDM 2002 Type-R	JDM 2002 Type-R	36.00	40.00	48.00		298.00	303.00	25.15	2,481,145	2,010,122	55.24%

Note: caliper piston data compiled from respective manufacturers. The brake bias calculations are for comparisons of potential braking force and not actual direct on the road performance of the brakes kits because that varies with tire width and composition, brake cooling or the lack of it, car weight and weight distribution and choice of pad materials etc.

DISCUSSION:

This brake bias and balance comparison chart suggests several things to me (YOMV):

IF you start from the position that the OEM F/R balance is "optimal" for the car:

1) Front only kits on any year NSX are bad news (Stoptech was right)
2) Front BBKs when paired with the 330mm upsize rear rotors are better that just a front BBK but...
3) The Dali/RB and Stoptech kits aren't half bad as aluminum caliper kits go.
4) The RB upsize kits ROCK.
5) A "generic" BBK with a F/R of ~58 would potentially work as "optimally" as a one size fits all NSXes kit could do on all year cars if:
* the center of gravity is the same as stock.
* the tires are no more or less sticky than stock.
* the total downforce is the same as stock.
* the suspension "balance" is the same as stock.
* the net weight and distribution of that weight is the same as stock.

For the sake of discussion and disclosure, I have the Brembo GT kit referenced above mounted front and rear on one of our track cars. With a set of rear proportioning valves set to full reduction, it brings the F/R bias ratio to 57-8%, and I like it. Please note: The car also has been lowered 2", has a Comptech Pro Suspension on it and a front splitter and a rear wing. 235F/275R tires.

I also have a Dali/RB mini BBK NOT referenced above with the 1997+ size rotors front and rear on one of my street cars. The car has been lowered 1.5", has a TEIN RA suspension. The F/R ratio on that kit is 66.26%, and it works very well at the track and on the street. 235F/275R tires.
JMO of course.

GENERAL BRAKE UPGRADE FAQS:

Q: What are the benefits of opposed-piston fixed calipers over "floating" calipers? (the NSX OEM calipers are floating)

A: A fixed caliper is secured rigidly to the axle assembly and has at least two opposing pistons that force the pads against the disc. A sliding or floating caliper has pistons on only one side of the disc. Therefore, when the caliper acts, it must slide or float in order to bring the pad on the opposite side in contact with the disc. Nearly all original equipment calipers are of the floating type. In a system with fixed calipers, not only is the mounting much more rigid, but the stiffness of the caliper itself is greatly increased. This manifests itself in enhanced braking performance, pedal feel, and more even pad wear.

Q: Why use larger discs?

A: Braking generates heat, and the more heat the disc can absorb and dissipate, the greater the fade resistance of the system. Additionally, the use of a larger diameter disc results in a larger effective radius, which increases brake torque. (see below)

Q: What is brake torque?

A: Brake torque is essentially the power of the braking system. The brake caliper acts on the disc at a certain distance from the hub center, known as the effective radius. The force exerted by the caliper, multiplied by the effective radius of the system equals the brake torque. Increasing either the force applied by the caliper, or the effective radius results in increased brake torque. Increasing BOTH with a larger rotor and an opposed-piston caliper = the biggest increase.

Q: How does reducing weight of the braking system benefit the vehicle?

The mass of any vehicle requires energy to accelerate or decelerate. Reducing the vehicle mass improves acceleration, and requires less energy to be dissipated during deceleration. Rotating mass requires additional energy in order to increase or decrease its speed of rotation. Therefore, decreasing the mass of the caliper is valuable due to its contribution to total vehicle mass, and decreasing the mass of the disc has an even greater benefit due to the fact that it must rotate as well. Additionally, the mass of the brake system is also unsprung mass. Reducing the unsprung mass has the additional benefit of improved suspension performance, resulting in enhanced ride and handling.

Q: What are the benefits of 2 piece rotors over 1 piece rotors? (the NSX OEM rotors are 1 piece)

A: Cast iron has optimum thermal properties — low deformability and good heat conductivity — as well as having process-related advantages, such as superior castability and machineability. It also has practical advantages, like good damping properties. Aluminum on the other hand is advantageously lightweight, being 2½ times less dense than cast iron, with the result that a 2 piece disc can be made between 15% and 20% lighter than its integral counterpart, depending on the application.

This represents an important achievement, since car makers consider a 1 kg reduction in overall weight of the vehicle to be a real success, and even more so when “non-suspended” weight is removed, given the notably positive influence on comfort and driving precision.

Unlike an integral disc, a 2 piece disc brake disc presents a symmetrical braking surface, favoring a more uniform temperature distribution when the brakes are applied; this means considerably less residual deformation after the brake is released (up to –70% compared to a 1 piece assembly). In addition, a 2 piece disc allows the brake ring it’s natural material properties to expand uniformly under heating.

Q: since a couple of people have asked - what effect does pad size/shape/area make to our spreadsheet?

A: Nada.
As far as friction between two sliding surfaces, the amount of friction resistance is calculated by the force multiplied by the coefficient of friction. You will notice that "friction area" is not a factor.
Consider a cube shaped box with a certain weight, on a rug, that you will drag across the floor. Now, consider a box of the same weight that is much smaller. Which will be more difficult to drag? (Answer: same difficulty.)
That is not to say that there is no difference between pad sizes. Larger pads spread the heat over a larger area. Pads participate in cooling, to some effect. And, larger calipers (4, 6, 22 pot) calipers, just based on the size they are, use either larger pads or more pads, just so the pistons will have something to press against.
The shape of most pads is the size that fits in the caliper (or caliper mounting bracket). Most are some form or rectangle, but curved to match the diameter of the rotor. Some look a little more unusual than others, but its not to aid in the friction or braking force aspect of the system.
The biggest, hugest, honkenist calipers are large, with lots of pistons, and therefore use a large pad or set of pads. Larger means more cooling. But, it doesn't have anything to do with friction or braking torque.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

Generally speaking, BIGGER is better up to the limit of adhesion of the tires. However, bigger tends to also be HEAVIER and heavier is bad. So, what to do? if you want the best track performance (vs winning the NSXPO Gaudiest Car Trophy) you will want to get the smallest & lightest kit that does the job. Long tracks with high HP cars = a need for more braking capacity than when you pair up shorter tracks with cars with fewer mods. Think before you buy - you may save a lot of $..

Dali-RB +2 OE Caliper Brake Kits

Before you read all this, see it installed!

The Dali-RB OE caliper +2 NSX brake kit is an alternative value priced upgrade to our more expensive aluminum caliper big brake kits. By allowing you to use your 1991-2005 OEM NSX caliper with a "BIG BRAKE" 324mm X 28mm front rotor and a 330mm X 23mm rear 2 piece direction internal vane race rotor. The larger diameter rotors are fitted by using our special high strength ductile iron 1 piece "extended" caliper mounting brackets, and retaining the use of your original caliper gives you immediate and affordable braking power improvement.

Benefits of the +2 kit:

• Built to fit under 17" wheels.
• Direct bolt-on, easy to install. No additional hardware needed.
• Costs only a fraction of an aluminum caliper big brake kit.
• Low maintenance cost. Retains the use of OE size brake pads with the freedom of choice (stock or aftermarket) at a fraction of the price of expensive non-standard (FMSI) pads.
• Provides bigger brake torque, therefore shortening the stopping distance.
• Increase rotor mass and heat capacity - less chance of fading and warping.
• Visual Appealing. The big rotors gives that "muscle" look under larger wheels.
• RETAINS THE OEM PARKING BRAKE

All +2 brake kits include a Liter of Ate Blue and 4 SS brake lines.

Racing Brake has successfully developed several OE caliper BBK. Their kits are not built just to satisfy the look; they are track proven (by the track rats at Dali Racing or some of our designated secret shoppers) and can outperform even some aluminum caliper BBK on the market that can cost two or three times more. (not ours though!)

Just be aware that there are different types of OE caliper kits on the market - typically there are so called "move-out kits", such as this one from Border Racing in Japan or Powerslot in the US; they use an adapter piece to lengthen the OE bracket. Their kit comes with 2 larger rotors, 2 adapters and 8 bolts. The adapter is relatively easy to fabricate, however there are flaws with this type of set up as explained below.

Competitions' move-out kits

RacingBrake true OE caliper kit

Dali-RB OE +2 caliper kits are designed based on their sound engineering background and in depth knowledge of brake technology; from design, tooling & machining to testing and product release, every kit goes thorough the same process -- no shortcuts. (We even flog them at the track just to make sure)

Drilled and Slotted	Open Slot	Slot

The kit ships with the two-piece race spec rotor of your choice to fit your most demanding application requirement.

Our brackets are made of high strength ductile iron and are stronger and stiffer than any aluminum bracket to ensure safe, and lasting performance. See the material strength comparison chart:

		Tensile Strength	Hardness (BHN)	Elongation
Caliper Bracket Material	Description	(The higher the stronger)	(The higher the stiffer)	(The lower the less deflection)
Ductile Iron (SAE J434c D5506)	RB's OE caliper bracket	80,000	221	6%
Aluminum (7075-T6)	BBK's bracket (better grade)	73,000	150	11%
Aluminum (6061-T6)	BBK's bracket (lower grade)	39,300	95	12%

PLEASE SEE INSTALLATION NOTE:
Due to the production variation of OE calipers over the years (91-05) it may be necessary to slightly grind off the caliper edge to better clear the rotor. This can easily be done with a coarse sand paper wrapping around a drill bit or dremel tool.

OK - ENOUGH ALREADY - PUSH THE ORDER BUTTON BELOW!

	+2 Front & Rear kit: Drilled and Slotted $2,400.00 The Dali-RB OE caliper +2 NSX brake kits are value priced alternative upgrades to our more expensive aluminum caliper big brake kits. Combine your 1991-2005 OEM NSX caliper with a "BIG BRAKE" sized 324mm X 28mm front and a 330mm X 23mm rear 2 piece directional internal vane race rotor = you ROCK! Full kit requires 17" front & rear wheels, (DOH) Use this link for all 4 wheels.. Includes front and rear SS lines and a can of Ate! Maintains OEM F/R brake balance while increasing "stopping Power!"
	+2 Front & Rear kit: Slotted $2,275.00 The Dali-RB OE caliper +2 NSX brake kits are value priced alternative upgrades to our more expensive aluminum caliper big brake kits. Combine your 1991-2005 OEM NSX caliper with a "BIG BRAKE" sized 324mm X 28mm front and a 330mm X 23mm rear 2 piece directional internal vane race rotor = you ROCK! Full kit requires 17" front & rear wheels, (DOH) Use this link for all 4 wheels.. Includes front and rear SS lines and a can of Ate! Maintains OEM F/R brake balance while increasing "stopping Power!"
	+2 Front kit: Drilled and Slotted $1,216.00 The Dali-RB OE caliper +2 NSX brake kits are value priced alternative upgrades to our more expensive aluminum caliper big brake kits. Combine your 1991-2005 OEM NSX caliper with a "BIG BRAKE" sized 324mm X 28mm front and a 330mm X 23mm rear 2 piece directional internal vane race rotor = you ROCK! Full kit requires 17" front & rear wheels. (DOH) just the front kit. Includes front and rear SS lines and a can of Ate!
	+2 Front kit: Open Slot $1,279.00 The Dali-RB OE caliper +2 NSX brake kits are value priced alternative upgrades to our more expensive aluminum caliper big brake kits. Combine your 1991-2005 OEM NSX caliper with a "BIG BRAKE" sized 324mm X 28mm front and a 330mm X 23mm rear 2 piece directional internal vane race rotor = you ROCK! Full kit requires 17" front & rear wheels. (DOH) just the front kit. Includes front and rear SS lines and a can of Ate!
	+2 Front kit: Slotted $1,152.00 The Dali-RB OE caliper +2 NSX brake kits are value priced alternative upgrades to our more expensive aluminum caliper big brake kits. Combine your 1991-2005 OEM NSX caliper with a "BIG BRAKE" sized 324mm X 28mm front and a 330mm X 23mm rear 2 piece directional internal vane race rotor = you ROCK! Full kit requires 17" front & rear wheels, (DOH) just the front kit. Includes front and rear SS lines and a can of Ate!
	+2 Rear kit: Drilled and Slotted $1,200.00 The Dali-RB OE caliper +2 NSX brake kits are value priced alternative upgrades to our more expensive aluminum caliper big brake kits. Combine your 1991-2005 OEM NSX caliper with a "BIG BRAKE" sized 324mm X 28mm front and a 330mm X 23mm rear 2 piece directional internal vane race rotor = you ROCK! Full kit requires 17" front & rear wheels (DOH) Rear kit goes great with any typical aluminum caliper front BBK. JUST THE REAR KIT
	+2 Rear kit: Open Slot $1,258.00 The Dali-RB OE caliper +2 NSX brake kits are value priced alternative upgrades to our more expensive aluminum caliper big brake kits. Combine your 1991-2005 OEM NSX caliper with a "BIG BRAKE" sized 324mm X 28mm front and a 330mm X 23mm rear 2 piece directional internal vane race rotor = you ROCK! Full kit requires 17" front & rear wheels. (DOH) Rear kit goes great with any typical aluminum caliper front BBK. JUST THE REAR KIT
	+2 Rear kit: Slotted $1,137.00 The Dali-RB OE caliper +2 NSX brake kits are value priced alternative upgrades to our more expensive aluminum caliper big brake kits. Combine your 1991-2005 OEM NSX caliper with a "BIG BRAKE" sized 324mm X 28mm front and a 330mm X 23mm rear 2 piece directional internal vane race rotor = you ROCK! Full kit requires 17" front & rear wheels. (DOH) This Rear kit goes great with any typical aluminum caliper front BBK. JUST THE REAR KIT

• Brakes: ABS
• Brakes: Performance Street break-in procedure
• Why Dali Racing? Well, Why Not!?