In the world of custom automotive design, every millimeter matters. Crafting the perfect wheel fitment or developing a bespoke component requires a combination of creativity, deep technical knowledge, and precise execution. My name is Matt Wong, and after years of experience in the machining industry, I took the plunge to create my own space—a workshop where I could control every aspect of the process, from initial concept design to final machining.
As a machinist and designer, I’m passionate about helping customers bring their ideas to life, whether that’s optimizing a car’s wheel fitment or engineering a unique part. When you can design, prototype, and machine everything in one place, the entire process becomes more streamlined and customized to the customer’s needs.
Every custom automotive project begins with a conversation. I work closely with customers to understand their goals, their vehicle, and the technical specifications we need to consider. Some come in wanting better performance, others are more concerned with aesthetics. One of the most critical components to get right is the brake system and wheel fitment—especially when dealing with high-performance setups. It’s not just about what looks good; safety and functionality are equally important. Precision in custom automotive design can also lead to significant cost savings by reducing maintenance expenses and overall ownership costs.
When it comes to custom-fit wheels, optimizing the lip and clearance around the brakes is crucial. The challenge, however, is ensuring that the wheels will fit perfectly around the brakes, even when dealing with larger brake kits. In most cases, this involves manually measuring the car’s current setup. This means getting down to the nitty-gritty, using calipers and rulers to measure the brake caliper dimensions, rotor placement, and even how far the brakes extend from the hub.
However, manual measurements can introduce the risk of errors. Small inaccuracies could lead to wheels that don’t fit perfectly, or worse, could cause issues during high-speed driving or braking. This is where working with partners like R1 Concepts becomes a game-changer.
One of the main reasons I love working with R1 Concepts is the detailed technical data they provide. For example, when working with their Big Brake Kits (BBK), R1 Concepts sends us precise 2D slices of their brake calipers, complete with dimensions. This allows me to input those exact measurements into my design software, ensuring an accurate fit from the very beginning.
With this level of detail, I can design custom wheel profiles with confidence. I know exactly how far the brake caliper extends from the mounting surface, how much clearance I’ll need around the rotor, and how to mold the custom profile around it. The result is a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.
This collaboration has transformed the way I approach custom builds. In many cases, I’m working on vehicles that I’ve never seen before, relying entirely on the provided dimensions and my software to create a solution. But with the precise data from R1 Concepts, I can be sure that the design will fit seamlessly. No guesswork, no last-minute adjustments—just a precise fit that meets the customer’s expectations.
A brake system consists of several key components that work together to provide safe and reliable stopping power. These components include brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid, and master cylinders. Each component plays a critical role in the braking process, and selecting the right components for your vehicle is essential for optimal performance.
Brake pads are a critical component of the brake system, providing the friction needed to slow or stop the vehicle. High-performance brake pads are designed to offer improved stopping power and durability, ensuring that your vehicle can handle the demands of high-speed driving or intense braking situations.
Rotors are the metal discs that the brake pads clamp onto to slow or stop the vehicle. High-performance rotors are engineered to provide better heat dissipation and durability, reducing the risk of brake fade during prolonged use.
Calipers house the brake pads and apply pressure to the rotors to slow or stop the vehicle. High-performance calipers are designed to deliver enhanced stopping power and durability, making them a crucial component for any high-performance brake system.
Brake fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits pressure from the master cylinder to the calipers to apply the brakes. High-performance brake fluid is formulated to provide improved heat resistance and durability, ensuring consistent braking performance under extreme conditions.
Master cylinders convert non-hydraulic pressure from the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. High-performance master cylinders are designed to offer superior stopping power and durability, making them an essential part of any high-performance brake system.
Brakes are more than just a critical safety feature—they play an essential role in the overall performance and look of a vehicle. For performance drivers, whether they’re tearing up the streets or hitting the track, having a brake system that provides reliable stopping power under extreme conditions is non-negotiable. This is why I often recommend R1 Concepts’ Big Brake Kits, which offer a blend of style, performance, and safety.
For custom automotive builds, especially those focused on performance, it’s not uncommon to see bigger brake systems installed. Larger rotors and calipers provide better heat dissipation, reducing the chances of brake fade during intense driving sessions. However, these larger components also demand more space inside the wheel, which is where precise fitment becomes critical.
When a car comes into the shop for a custom wheel or brake setup, one of the first things I check is how much space is available. Optimizing lip size, brake clearance, and wheel diameter all come into play, and these factors can make or break the overall design. But thanks to the detailed specifications I receive from R1 Concepts, I can confidently create custom designs that maximize both performance and visual appeal.
Weight is a critical factor in automotive design, as it can significantly impact a vehicle’s performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. Lighter weight vehicles can accelerate faster, brake more efficiently, and achieve better fuel economy. However, reducing weight can also compromise a vehicle’s structural integrity and safety.
Lighter weight materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber, can be used to reduce a vehicle’s weight while maintaining its structural integrity. These materials allow for the creation of components that are both strong and lightweight, enhancing overall vehicle performance.
Optimizing a vehicle’s design to reduce weight can also improve its aerodynamics and reduce wind resistance. This can lead to better fuel efficiency and higher top speeds, making weight reduction a key consideration in high-performance automotive design.
However, reducing weight too much can compromise a vehicle’s safety, as it may not be able to withstand the forces of a crash. Therefore, a balance must be struck between weight reduction and safety to achieve optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Advanced materials are being used to improve the performance and durability of brake components. These materials include advanced ceramics, carbon-carbon composites, and advanced steel alloys.
Advanced ceramics are being used to develop high-performance brake pads that provide improved stopping power and durability. These materials offer excellent heat resistance and wear properties, making them ideal for high-performance applications.
Carbon-carbon composites are being used to develop high-performance brake rotors that provide improved heat dissipation and durability. These materials are lightweight and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them perfect for high-performance braking systems.
Advanced steel alloys are being used to develop high-performance brake calipers that provide improved stopping power and durability. These materials offer a good balance of strength and weight, ensuring that the calipers can handle the demands of high-performance driving.
While these advanced materials can significantly improve the performance and durability of brake components, they can also be more expensive and difficult to manufacture. However, the benefits they offer in terms of performance and longevity often outweigh the additional costs.
Cooling systems are critical for brake components, as they help dissipate heat and prevent overheating. Overheating can cause brake components to fail, leading to reduced stopping power and increased risk of accidents.
Air-cooled brake systems use airflow to dissipate heat from brake components. These systems are relatively simple and effective, making them a popular choice for many vehicles.
Liquid-cooled brake systems use a liquid coolant to dissipate heat from brake components. These systems can provide more efficient cooling than air-cooled systems, making them ideal for high-performance applications.
Advanced cooling systems, such as those using advanced materials and designs, can provide improved heat dissipation and reduced risk of overheating. These systems are often used in high-performance vehicles where maintaining optimal brake performance is critical.
Cooling systems can be designed to work in conjunction with other brake components, such as brake pads and rotors, to provide optimal performance and durability. By ensuring that brake components remain cool, these systems help maintain consistent stopping power and extend the life of the brake components.
Wheel design and materials can significantly impact a vehicle’s performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. Wheels can be designed to provide improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, and increased strength.
Advanced materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber, can be used to reduce a wheel’s weight while maintaining its strength. These materials allow for the creation of wheels that are both lightweight and strong, enhancing overall vehicle performance.
Optimizing a wheel’s design to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics can also improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance. By reducing wind resistance and rotational mass, these wheels can help a vehicle achieve better fuel economy and higher top speeds.
However, reducing weight too much can compromise a wheel’s strength and safety. Therefore, a balance must be struck between weight reduction and safety to achieve optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
By carefully selecting the right materials and design, it’s possible to create wheels that enhance a vehicle’s performance while maintaining the necessary safety standards. This balance is crucial for achieving the best possible results in custom automotive design.
Custom automotive machining is as much about trust as it is about skill. My customers trust me to not only create something that looks good but also something that will perform under the most demanding conditions. When dealing with something as crucial as brakes, there is no room for error.
The data-driven approach that I use with R1 Concepts parts takes the guesswork out of the equation. Whether it’s a custom wheel design, brake setup, or another component, I know the exact measurements and specifications I’m working with. This gives both me and my customers peace of mind. They can be confident that the parts will fit as intended and perform flawlessly when it matters most.
One of the best feelings is when a customer picks up their car and sees the final result—knowing that everything from the wheels to the brakes is dialed in perfectly. That’s the kind of satisfaction that keeps me passionate about what I do, and it’s why I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in custom automotive design.
The collaboration between my shop and R1 Concepts is just the beginning. As I continue to explore new ways to innovate within the automotive industry, I look forward to working with more advanced parts and systems from R1 Concepts. Their commitment to providing detailed technical data, high-quality components, and seamless integration makes them an ideal partner for any custom project.
Stay tuned for the next installment in this series, where I’ll dive even deeper into the project and explore the role of precision engineering in creating high-performance, aesthetically stunning vehicles.
Catch up on the previous posts in this series:
