AP Racing - Brake Calipers (Formula Student)

AP Racing - Brake Calipers

AP Racing offer a range of brake calipers which are suited to Formula Student applications. Calipers which are commonly used in Formula Student include the CP4226 family, CP3696 and CP2505. Other calipers are available but these are those most commonly used in modern Formula Student applications. The selection of a brake caliper is usually based on a few criteria:

  • Required Performance - the stopping power you require (usually determined by desired performance, the weight of the vehicle and the speed it will be travelling)
  • Mounting - The size available to install and the weight of the caliper. For best weight distribution calipers should be mounted inboard (close to the centre line of the car), for better cooling calipers are often mounted outboard (inside the wheel rim)
  • Cost - This is always a factor in any decision

Other issues such as availability, longevity and usability could also play a role in making your decision. Below is a brief description of the range of calipers available including links to more detailed specifications on our website. However please do not purchase these through our website but call/email us for more information.

CP4226 Family
This is by far the most common range of calipers used in Formula Student today. The CP4226 is a two piston lightweight caliper which is most commonly found in motorcycle applications. This offers a low weight solution and the brake pads are very inexpensive. The bigger brother of this caliper is the CP4227 which is essentially two CP4226's together in the same body. This offers greater performance, but the weight is increased. Often teams will use the CP4226 on the lighter axle and the CP4227 on the heavier one.

CP3696
This is a slightly larger caliper and more commonly found in the racing car applications such as Formula Ford Zetec and other single seater championships. The CP3696 is an aluminium caliper which is larger and heavier then the CP4226 family but does offer greater performance and more options on brake pad compounds.

CP2505
The CP2505 caliper is most commonly found in Formula Ford 1600 racing. This once was a very popular caliper for Formula Student applications but poor availability meant it fell out of fashion over the past few years. These are now more readily available once again. The CP2505 is a steel caliper (it is the older version of the CP3696 caliper) but does offer the most comprehensive options on pads and compounds.

There are other caliper options available. However those above are the most commonly found on Formula Student vehicles. The limited wheel size is often a reducing factor in selecting a caliper for Formula Student applications and limits the range of options. If you have different requirements then please call or email Raceparts with details.