After extensive development and track / race testing, Paragon Performance launched a new range of high performance 2-piece rotors. Developed with performance, quality, and longevity in mind, these 2-piece rotors offer superior braking performance and cooling efficiency optimized for a wide range of applications including club racing, time attack, autocross, HPDE, etc, while still maintaining street drivability. Latest technologies and finest materials were used to ensure the rotors to perform and last under extreme conditions.
Floating 2-piece Design
Under high temperature conditions, iron tend to expand and increase in diameter. In standard 1-piece rotors, every component is fixed and will easily distort under heat. With the use of floating hat & hardware, the floating 2-piece design allows expansion of the rotor assembly. This reduces deformation and cracking under extreme track conditions. The rotor is self-centered with the pads throughout the heat cycle and therefore allows consistent braking power and pedal feel.
Rotors that utilize the H-Bobbin, T-Bobbin, and S-Bobbin mounting systems are fully-floating, which allow the rotor to "float" in both radial and axial directions according to temperature variations.
H-Bobbin:
D-Bobbin:
T-Bobbin:
S-Bobbin:
Aerospace Grade Aluminum Hats
Each aluminum hat is specifically designed for the application and made in-house with the latest technology in CNC machining. Paragon aluminum hats are precisely machined from lightweight 6061-T6 aerospace grade aluminum for high strength and durability under extreme conditions, then anodized to increase resistance to wear and corrosion. Mil-spec hard anodizing (MIL-A-8625 Type III) will not discolor under extreme heat, while black anodizing is more prone to discoloring under heat (> 392F / 200C). Hard anodized surface is harder, thicker, and more wear and scratch resistant. Hard anodized surface will last longer than black anodized surface, and is highly recommended for track / race applications. Hard anodizing allows for a thicker hard coat which provides advanced corrosion resistance and low-maintenance durability. Hard anodized surface will hold up better when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, and is even more important if the vehicle is exposed under outdoor conditions frequently.
***Type III Hard anodizing of aluminum is considered as a functional surface coating process. While we always aim for color consistency, potential slight color variations may exist from batch to batch due to the nature and variables in the anodizing process.
The lightweight aluminum hats replace heavy cast iron center sections found in standard 1-piece rotors. Unnecessary material on the hats are taken out for additional weight reduction, while maintaining proper structural integrity and strength. This reduces unsprung and rotational mass, and improves overall acceleration, braking and handling of the vehicle.
Using lightweight aluminum in the mounting hat section of the rotor will not create any negative effects on thermal characteristics of the brake system. Instead, better cooling in the brake system and surrounding components can be achieved due to heat conductivity of aluminum. Wheel bearing operating temperature is lowered compared to standard 1-piece rotors. Many components surrounding the brake system are sensitive to heat. With lower temperature, these components can last longer and hence lower long-term maintenance cost.
CM-250 Special Alloy Rotor Rings
CM-250 is a special formulated high carbon alloy cast iron material exclusively available for Paragon Performance rotors. High carbon content allows the rotor to take a lot of heat and dissipate it quickly. Copper and exotic metals including molybdenum are added for improved strength, resistance to cracking, and thermal characteristics. After years of development and track testing, this material has been proven to perform under extreme track conditions. It allows for an optimized bite, longevity, high-temperature strength and heat-cycle durability. It is also heat treated to release stress in the rotor to avoid deformation and vibration, then turned by state-of-the-art CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) machining. CBN machining ensure better break-in with new brake pads by allowing an even brake pad transfer layer deposition.
Vibration is also reduced as the rotor lateral run-out is kept within 0.03mm. All rotor rings went through rigorous balancing procedures and variations are kept within 2 grams.
Slotted Friction Face
Paragon Performance 2-piece Rotors feature slotted design which improves brake consistency by constantly cleaning the contact surface and dissipate heat generated gases released when the pads come into contact with the rotors. Slotted rotors have a superior advantage over blank rotors in wet or raining conditions by preventing water films to form between the brake pad and rotor surface.
OEM Fitment & Functionality
Paragon Performance 2-piece Rotors are designed to replace OEM rotors directly. Direct bolt-on without any modifications and designed to work flawlessly with OEM ABS and brake system while maintaining factory brake bias. On some rear applications, for example BMW F80 M3, iron sleeves are integrated into the aluminum hats to allow the use of OEM e-brake while eliminating heavy iron drums.
Curved Directional Ventilation Vanes
Most of our 2-piece rotors feature 48 curved directional ventilation vanes, while some feature up to 72 vanes. The directional ventilation vanes create suction and turbulence, and guide cool air through the rotor to achieve greater thermal capacity and increased resistance to cracking under harsh track condition. Each rotor is left or right side specific and the ventilation vanes are optimized to spin in a particular direction to pump the maximum amount of cool air through the rotor. This design allows the rotor to run up to 30% cooler than O.E. rotors and increases cooling efficiency by up to 30% over standard 1-piece units. Brake fade and judder are minimized during extended sessions. This means the brake system can withstand heavier track usage and provide consistent braking performance laps after laps.
Use of brake ducts can further improve cooling on rotors with 2-piece design. Brake ducts force cool air into the center of the rotors, heated air can then exit the rotors through ventilation vanes.
Rotor with 72 directional ventilation vanes:
Floating Bobbins & Mounting System
Paragon Performance 2-piece Rotor utilizes floating rotor to hat mounting system to allow floating of the rotor assembly during heat cycles. The high quality stainless steel hardware are corrosion resistant which allows secure mounting, and smooth expansion and contraction throughout heat cycles. In some applications, anti wear clips (McLaren spring clips) are utilized to slightly pre-load the rotor assembly and minimize rattling noise. This ensures the rotor and aluminum hat are in alignment during heat cycles.
Lower long-term maintenance cost
Although, the initial cost of 2-piece rotors are higher than standard 1-piece units, the long-term maintenance cost is significantly lower. With 2-piece design, you will only need to replace the rotor rings when the rotors are worn out. The aluminum hats and bobbins can be reused in most cases. 2-piece rotors will last longer due to improved thermal and cooling capacity. Under heavy usage, 2-piece rotors are less prone to cracking and deformation. Standard 1 piece rotors may last 2-3 track days, while high performance 2-piece rotors will last significantly longer.
Replacement rotor ring kit with new hardware for all Paragon Performance 2-piece Rotors are available at competitive prices.
