Big Brake Kits (BBK)
A pedal box is a part that fixes the pedals in position and gives the driver more control over the type of driving they want to do. There are typically three levels or ratios of responsiveness on the assembly which typically covers any driving types or styles. The assembly will greatly improve responsiveness and reduce the delay between pushing the pedal and the engine responding. The torque does remain the same but it certainly makes the driver feel that they are accelerating faster. Overall, the extra control makes driving a lot more fun and makes the driver feel that they have much more control and they therefore feel safer too.
What are Balance Bars?
A balance bar is a component which is attached to the pedal box. When you are racing and you need to brake hard, particularly under poor weather conditions, it is preferable to have the front wheels to stop a little slower than the back as it can cause your vehicle to spin. To avoid this, the balance bar lets you control the balance of braking force. It is essential that your calipers are calibrated perfectly so that you can control the brake as much as possible. The balance bar absorbs the force of the push on the pedal and redistributes it to the rear and master cylinders. You can then easily direct braking force to your desired cylinder which gives you greater control of how the vehicle slows down by adjusting the position of the bar. This can be used alongside a brake bias adjuster which allows you to change the position on the bar and therefore the brake force distribution easily and while you are driving.
There are floor mount, underslung and top mount assemblies, designed to suit your particular vehicle. The floor mounted assemblies feature the 3 different ratios of responsiveness which allow for either sharp or progressive clutch control and braking force. The pedals generally include roller ball bearings on the pedal pivots which makes for a much smoother experience. The underslung and top mounted assemblies are used where modification is not desirable. They mount the master cylinders to the back of the box. This provides the usual range at a high quality but can be used where it is necessary to mount like this.
There are several types of bars available in different materials including steel and alloy. They can be bought with a steel cross tube which allows it to be welded into position onto the pedal assembly. There is also space on the bar to allow for a remote cable adjuster to be welded on which will allow drivers to adjust the braking balance on the fly, giving more control and greater safety with every brake.
Pedal boxes help a vehicle to achieve a better balance and give the driver more control. It allows for more gradients of control which lets the driver brake lightly as well as giving great autonomy under heavy breaking, especially in poor weather conditions. Ultimately, a pedal assembly can improve lap timings as well as driver safety.
The balance bar gives the driver the ability to decide how the vehicle comes to a stop. This can be used to avoid undesirable outcomes such as spinning or turning. By adjusting the position of the bar, the driver can direct force to the rear cylinders ensuring that there is a greater braking force at the back than the front which allows the vehicle to stop without spinning.
Adjusting brake bias is usually done via the balance bar itself, but some PedalBoxes integrate control over this feature. If your system has an adjustable balance bar and a compatible PedalBox, you’ll typically use buttons or a display on the PedalBox controller.
The adjustment works by changing the proportion of hydraulic pressure sent to the rear brakes. Moving the adjuster towards the rear increases rear bias (more braking at the back), while moving it forward increases front bias.
It's vital to make small adjustments and test carefully on a safe, controlled surface. Incorrect settings can lead to instability – so start conservatively and gradually find what works best for you and your vehicle.
A PedalBox doesn’t *add* power – it changes how quickly your engine responds to throttle input. Think of it like shortening the travel on the gas pedal.
With a stock setup, there's often a delay between pressing the pedal and feeling acceleration. A PedalBox bypasses some of that factory programming, making the throttle more sensitive. This results in quicker response times, especially at lower speeds or when overtaking.
It won’t turn a slow car into a fast one, but it can make your existing power feel more immediate and engaging. It's about improving responsiveness, not horsepower.
A balance bar (or brake bias adjuster) controls how much braking force goes to the front versus rear wheels. It’s crucial for performance driving, especially in racing and track days.
Here's why: during hard braking, weight transfers forward. Too much front brake bias can lock the front wheels, leading to understeer (where the car doesn’t turn). A balance bar lets you shift more braking power to the rear, helping maintain rotation and prevent spin.
Adjusting it allows fine-tuning based on track conditions, tire grip, and your driving style. It's a safety feature that gives *you* control over how the car slows down.
Generally, yes – but it depends on your local laws. A PedalBox itself isn't usually illegal, as it doesn’t modify the engine or emissions. It simply alters the sensitivity of the throttle.
However, some regions have regulations regarding electronic control units (ECUs) and aftermarket modifications. Installing a PedalBox *could* void your warranty or require inspection for roadworthiness. Always check your local vehicle codes before installing one.
Most PedalBoxes offer multiple settings, including an "eco" mode that returns the throttle response to stock levels. This is useful if you need to comply with regulations or want to avoid unwanted attention.
