As tracks go, none is more merciless than the Green Hell, Nordschleife. Known for its difficult corners, intimidating crests and varying road surfaces, Nordschleife is easily one of the most challenging tracks in the world. Its treacherous design is so demanding that it has been the testing ground for many OE protypes for decades – would be high performance vehicles are literally made or broken on this track. When we heard our friend, Hilmi T. was running his AP Racing by STILLEN Radi-CAL big brake kit (purchased through our friends at Sonic Tuning) on his E90 BMW M3 at Nordschleife, we were excited to see how the Radi-CAL brake kit would perform for him.
See For Yourself
As you can see from the video above, the AP Racing by STILLEN Radi-CAL brake kit, handled the track with ease. Notice the G-forces the Radi-CAL brakes are able to withstand (example: Look at the lower left corner during minutes 2:46-4:00 or the turn at approximately the 6 minute mark). What the video isn’t able to show you is that this was only the 10th lap of 45 laps Hilmi enjoyed at the Green Hell. With better, semi-slick tires, he is hoping to celebrate an exceptional lap time of 7 minutes 25 seconds!
Nordschleife Specs
- Vehicle: E90 BMW M3
- Number of laps: 45
- Front Brake Kit: AP Racing Radi-CAL by STILLEN APR71100JR Brake Kit
- Number of Pistons: 6 Piston
- Caliper Color: Red
- Rotor Size: 370x36mm
- Rotor Style: 2-Piece Rotors
- Rotor Pattern: J-Hook
- Rear Brake Kit: AP Racing Radi-CAL by STILLEN APR71600JR Brake Kit
- Number of Pistons: 4 Piston
- Caliper Color: Red
- Rotor Size: 380x28mm
- Rotor Style: 2-Piece Rotors
- Rotor Pattern: J-Hook
Benefits of the AP Racing by STILLEN Radi-CAL Brake Kit
Notoriously hard on brakes, the Nordschleife track really gave the AP Racing by STILLEN Radi-CAL brake kit an opportunity to show of the quality of its design. In a comparison between the OE components and the larger AP Radi-Cal components, the Radi-CAL brake kit features a larger diameter and thicker rotor, forged aluminum caliper, wider caliper and larger pad surface area. These benefits really became apparent as the brakes reached their peak rotor surface temperature at a maximum speed of 248 kph/155 mph and 1.2G braking forces. Under these conditions, the AP Racing Radi-CAL kit ran by 15+% cooler than the OE kit. By decreasing temperatures, the AP Racing by STILLEN Radi-CAL kit increases pad and rotor life. Hilmi actually ran his 45 laps on the original Ferodo DSHP+ street/light track material that are supplied in the kit! Additionally, this helps keeps caliper temperatures well below 200-220C, which is the temperature level where servicing/resealing racing calipers becomes necessary. Lastly, the decrease in temperature also helps protect seals and keep brake fluid temperature far from its boiling point. The Green Hell was clearly no problem for the AP Racing by STILLEN brake kit!
Where To Pick Up Your Kit
If you’re ready to upgrade to the AP Racing by STILLEN Radi-CAL big brake kit for your performance car, give us a call at 800-576-2120. We will be happy to help you pick out a kit or for our international customers, we can help recommend a qualified shop for you to purchase through. For more information on this Nordschleife tried-and-true brake kit, please visit www.apradical.com.
