[MR2] buying a second Gen

[Andy Champ]

J Treadwell wrote:
> I have a stupid question. I worry with adding water to extreme heat 
> you'll get metal warping. I'm guessing you're talking about events 
> where you've got brakes (hehe, pun) in between laps. But in a longer 
> race, where you're mostly getting pit stops, couldn't this be a risk?
>
> --John
>
ISTR the truck racing guys have water sprays on the brakes during the 
race.  But then they are a _lot_ heavier than us.

As someone who doesn't track, and is paying UK gas prices (currently a 
little over 6USD per US gallon) I tend to think economy when I'm 
driving.  Which means don't be afraid of the throttle, keep the revs 
reasonable, and get the power off early.  No, earlier than that.  Which 
means the worst brake problem I have is that they get squeaky - 
especially the rears.  The odd hard stop is necessary to keep the noise 
down!

Those of you who live in mountainous areas may like to think about the 
effect of a long descent on your brakes.  Some years ago I had a 
business trip which required me to drive from where I am (SE England) to 
the opposite corner of Wales.  It's about 250 miles, and I had to be 
there when their office was closing down so I could set up some 
equipment and leave it running for a few days.  So I left when I got up, 
drove through the Welsh mountains, set up the gear, then took the 
motorway (sorry freeway!) home.  A little later I noticed a vibration 
under braking so I handed it over, and was told the front discs (US: 
rotors) were warped.  WTH, company car, not my problem.

I went up a couple of weeks later and picked up the gear.  Same time, 
same route.

Same problem.

I didn't mention the mountain route when I got the discs changed again, 
and GM picked up some of the tab.  This was an ordinary car, but with a 
sport pack with "upgraded brakes".  And the worst descent (I just 
checked) was about 1300ft over 5 miles, which isn't an awfully big hill 
by Rockies standards.  Next time I used the engine a lot more on the 
downhills!

Happy new year everyone.

Andy