Hmmm.. where to begin? Well, I'm glad to see some open minded discussions about the brakes. That what these forums are all about.
Racing- some tracks and some sanctioning bodies don't allow Ti rotors to be used. Hence why you won't hear a lot about them on race cars... if they are using them, they probably don't want people to know. Also, as many of you have discussed, there are brakes made for racing and brakes for street cars. The ZMI system is made for street cars that spend some time on the track such as club events. Just like brake pads different compounds for different uses. While Im sure there are some people that want the same brakes as an F1 car, we all know it's overkill and even they were available they'd be outrageous. My point, just because the ZMIs aren't used by McLaren or Williams doesn't mean they won't work on your car.
Ti rotors- Other brake manufacturers don't have the coating technology we do. This coating allows us to use regular pad compounds that are used on cast iron because the coating co-ef of friction is similar to that of cast iron. True uncoated ti does need special pads as well as carbon.
Pricing- Yep, they are pricey, no doubt... again, as people here discussed the cost of the ceramic such as are porsche system are really expensive and they will wear out and have to be replaced... yet, people still continue to buy them. Just like carbon rotors, the cost is in the ti rotor.. a lot of time, a lot enegy as compared to cast iron. Yes, compared to cast iron, it's expensive, compared to carbon, not so much. Kind of like how we're all sitting around and talking about NSX's not RSX's.
Lastly, while I'm sure it might help, giving product away for testing doesn't sit well with me... there are people out there such as AJKS who have used their hard earned money to purchase these brakes and they work just fine.. I don't think its fair to those customers if I give product to people just reiterate the fact that they do work. I hope people can understand my view.
These are meant to enhance your cars performance. That's why I'm here and that's what I want to do. As we continue to move forward, hopefully we can create more products to meet the different needs of various customers. I definitely want to create the best product that I can and I hope with your support and constructive opinions, I will be able to do that.
Mike @ ZMI Brake Systems
How many miles do you have on them and are you getting any discoloration on the front rotors? I am wondering if these would be a good match on the rear for my front Brembos? I just can't imagine the expense of replacing the rotor if they wear quickly. Most titaniums are not very good for abrasion resistance and I wonder how their treatment process holds up over time. Titanium oxide is very hard and could resist many brake pad compounds, how many different compounds do they offer?
