In Detail – Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes
Yellow Porsche brake calipers are famously associated with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) – PCCB, which are often considered the pinnacle of brake technology, are a sign of no expense spared.
Being introduced as an optional extra on the 2001 996 Turbo model, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes continued to be a voluntary add-on on an array of Porsche models until May 2022.
(As of that date, PCCB is now solely reserved for Porsches that feature it from stock).
A question many people have when they first hear of the PCCB extra is why do people opt for them? And what are the benefits of PCCB over more-standard brakes?
To understand this, we first need to delve into the manufacturing process.
The Process
Taking 20 days to create, the complexity of the PCCB construction process begins with a blend of carbon fibre and plastic – this mixture, which goes into a mould, is pressed into the correct brake shape at 200 degrees Celcius.
Much like the old days of making cookies with your Grandma, the next step is putting the newly formed discs in the oven for baking – the only difference being that Porsche uses a unique cooker that reaches 1,000 degrees Celcius during cooking.
Baking takes two days altogether, during which the temperature in the oven steadily rises. After this time, “carbonisation” eventually occurs – this is the process whereby plastics transform into carbon.
Next, a ceramic silicone powder combines with the freshly cooked brakes; another complex addition to the process, the initial material takes a 24-hour treatment in a vacuum to bind with the rest of the disc.
Finally, an anti-oxidation layer is applied to the discs, helping to improve its longevity.
The Benefits
Knowing the details of the creation process, it’s probably easier to understand why PCCB come with such a hefty price tag.
However, a meticulous production process is just one element that goes into a good part – another major factor is the effect it has on performance.
Performance is the area that the PCCB excels and begins to show its money’s worth.
PCCB brakes are up to 50% lighter than their iron counterparts, majorly thanks to the manufacturing process.
This substantial weight decrease of almost 20 kilograms improves the car’s general ability, alongside areas such as handling, acceleration and even its overall fuel consumption – the impact of the PCCB is likened to a switch from heavy to light wheels.
Another area you can expect to improve when opting for PCCB on your Porsche is late braking – this will become smoother thanks to its ceramic layer that betters its handle on friction.
Finally, the strength and durability of PCCB is unparalleled – these brakes can withstand extreme heat and pressure, meaning less chance of warping or complication with the brake pads. Some even go as far as to say that they will last the life of your car.
Are PCCB suitable for heavy track use?
While specifically formulated to endure high temperatures, consistent track use will significantly impact the PCCB – the material of the PCCB may become prone to softening and can begin to liquefy and even glaze under the intense heat production of track days.
Although fixed via good-quality brake pads, the high cost of PCCB replacement is another reason you may want to avoid them when taking to the track.
Therefore, race drivers prefer using steel brake discs – these can handle extreme heat and are much more affordable to replace.
The Verdict
For day-to-day driving, PCCB brakes are incredible.
Improving almost every aspect of your drive, they are one of the best additions to any Porsche with a sporty driver.
However, with the incredible price tag and its lack of resilience on the track, it is not the option for everyone.
Below is our list of the best PCCB alternatives, best track day brakes and straight Carbon Ceramic for PCCB replacements.
Best Track Day Brakes
For track day use, we advise customers to consider Brembo for their brakes – below is a list of their products for a few different Porsche models.
You can find Brembo brakes for your specific model via the search bar on our home page.
Brembo GT Big brake kit – 996/997 Version
For the 996 C2/C4 1998-2004 / 996 C4S 2001-2004 / 996 TURBO 2001-2004 Cars / 997 C2/C4 2005-2011 / 997 C4S 2005-2011 / 997 TURBO 2006-2012.
This braking system originates from the Racing components, consisting of a ventilated, integral or composite disc, available drilled or slotted, 4, 6 and 8 piston aluminium calipers, a complete set of high-performance brake pads, metal braid tubes and high-quality small parts.
Kit contains:
2 x Brake disc size: 345×28
Brake disc type: 2-Piece SLOTTED
2 x Brake calipers type: C Pistons: 4
1 x Brake pad set
2 x Stainless steel Brake Hose
1 x Fitting brackets & bolts
You can shop it here.
Brembo Sport Brake Pads – 928 / 964 / 968 / 993 Version
For the Porsche 928 5.4 GTS 32V 91-95 Front / Porsche 964 3.3/3.6 Turbo/Turbo S Front / Porsche 968 3.0 Coupe Turbo S 93-95 Front / Porsche 993 3.6 Turbo/Turbo GT2 95-97 Front / Porsche 993 RS & RSR 95-97 Front.
Tested to the highest levels on the track with decelerations from 270kph (168mph) the HP2000 material is capable of operating in the most demanding conditions.
With excellent cold performance & bite, high resistance to fade, frictional stability throughout all operating conditions, reduced pad & disc wear and low dust levels, the all-new HP2000 friction material offer significant advantages over its rivals.
Designed to be a direct replacement for the Original Equipment (OE) pads the Brembo sport pad comes with the exact same specification as the OE pad including (where applicable): fitted wear leads, slots for separate wear leads and anti-rattle clips with the added benefit of anti-noise shims on every pad.
Combine all of this with competitive pricing and UNECE R90 approval across the full range (making them street legal) and you get a true high-performance brake pad fit for the road.
Shop it here.
Best PCCB Alternatives
You can find PCCB alternatives for your specific model via the search bar on our home page.
FRONT Ceramic replacement brakes Package Porsche 997
If your car came with PCCB (ceramic) brake discs, and you want to replace them we kit as a solution. We have all of the parts required to remove your ceramic brake discs and pads and convert them to cast iron rotors.
No modifications are required, all parts are a direct fit. You might ask why someone would get rid of their ceramic brake disc This kit is an inexpensive way to replace or a great way to preserve your current PCCBs.
You can shop it here.
Brake Disc / Rotor Slotted 2-pc FRONT w/PCCB – 981 / 718 / 991 / 991.2 / 991 / 992
For the Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 with Ceramic brake (PCCB) / Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 with Ceramic brake (PCCB) / Porsche 991 with Ceramic brake (PCCB) / Porsche 991.2 with Ceramic brake (PCCB) / Porsche 991 turbo / turbo S with Ceramic brake (PCCB) / Porsche 992 Carrera S / 4S with Ceramic brake (PCCB) / Porsche 992 turbo without Ceramic brake (PCCB) – Use GT3 pad shape
The Girodisc brake rotor is a direct replacement for the OE discs and provides significant performance benefits. The rotors are compatible with any of the current pads typically used with these cars. Braking Performance: The rotor is a two-piece design developed in racing to produce a lightweight rotor that can compensate for the different expansion rates between the hat and rotor and eliminate the possibility of rotor warping.
The rotor and hat have a floating mount system, which utilizes 10 high-strength alloy steel drive pins, which allow for axial and radial float.
More heat sink without a weight penalty: The Girodisc disc set weights in a little lighter than the OE system but with an important advantage. The rotors have grown in diameter. This means that weight has been transferred from the centre hat where it does nothing to the outer diameter where it is actively absorbing and dispersing heat.
High-Quality Materials: The Girodisc system uses only the highest quality materials and components. The rotors are high carbon content iron for long wear and stable thermal performance. The top hat section is machined from billet aluminium with an attractive anodized finish. The rotor rings are bright zinc plated to help prevent unsightly corrosion.
You can shop it here.
PFC Racing Front and rear brake kit, with slotted 405mm front discs – 996 / 997 / 991 Turbo
For Porsche 996 / 997 / 991 Turbo including PCCB and some 4WD versions including Carrera 4 & 4S
PFC Racing Front and rear brake kit with Slotted track day/race 405 x 34mm front and 380 x 30mm rear disc assemblies.PFC high-performance brake kits include:
• Forged ZR95 6-piston front caliper (part no 95.405.290.365.11 / 95.405.290.365.12)
• Forged ZR96 4-piston rear caliper (part no 96.380.290.365.01 / 96.380.290.365.02)
• Front Direct Drive V3 discs on alloy hats (part no 405.069.63 / 405.069.64)
• Rear Direct Drive V3 discs on alloy hats (part no 380.067.63 / 380.067.64)
• Race-specification brake pads (FA 7995.11.22.44 / RA 7969.11.20.44)
• Hardware (part no 225.143.460.21 FA Bracket Kit / 130.288.120.21 RA Spacer Kit)
• Custom-engineered for race and track use
• Genuine race technology
PFC kits offer the best braking performance available, along with great looks!
You can shop it here.
Carbon Ceramic PCCB Replacements
You can find Surface Transforms Carbon Ceramic replacements for your specific model via the search bar on our home page.
Carbon Ceramic Replacement Brake Disc And Pad Set – Cayman / 991 Turbo / GT4 / 991 / 992
For the Porsche 991 Turbo and Turbo S – Centre lock and 5 stud / Porsche 991.2 Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 / Porsche 991.2 Carrera 2S and Carrera 4S / Porsche 991.2 Carrera GTS / Porsche 992 Carrera / Porsche 992 Carrera S
Porsche 981 Cayman GT4 / Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 / Porsche 718 Cayman Spyder
The Surface Transforms material is a next-generation Carbon Fibre Reinforced Ceramic (CFRC) which is produced by Surface Transforms’ proprietary processes, transforming Carbon-Carbon into our Carbon-Silicon Carbide (CSiC) ceramic.
Whilst the carbon-ceramic discs you find on production road cars conventionally use discontinuous (chopped) carbon fibre, ST interweaves continuous carbon fibre to form a 3D multi-directional matrix, producing a stronger and more durable product with 3x the heat conductivity of standard production components, this keeps the brake system temperature down and the brake performance consistent.
Surface Transforms has developed unique patented next-generation Carbon-Ceramic Technology that provides the ultimate braking performance for road and track.
Here are seven reasons why you need this technology on your vehicle:
• Weight savings of up to 70% compared to iron brakes (typically 20kg of unsprung weight)
• Improved handling and driveability
• Improved NVH (less noise, vibration and harshness)
• Improved performance (in both wet and dry conditions)
• Reduced brake wear – giving increased life
• Corrosion Free
• Outstanding performance, even from cold
You can shop it here.