Mono-Block Brake Calipers NOT Always What They Are Hyped To Be?

I was reading an interesting tech article on the Stoptech website here concerning mono-block calipers vs. 2 piece... http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_monobloc.shtml

The article talks about commercially available monoblock calipers vs. 2 piece calipers. Mono block calipers are forged and milled from a solid block of alloy. 2 piece calipers are forged in 2 pieces and then bolted together using stainless steel bolts.

The author states that monoblock calipers are only as good as their design and the alloy they are forged from. Modern computers assure a strong design along with real world testing to confirm the results as these programs aren't perfect. So that's the easy part. What's interesting is that the alloy used to forge most of these commercially available calipers is not up to the task and results in a caliper with more flex than a 2 piece caliper bolted together with stainless steel bolts.

This reinforces information released by Endless recently validating their $14,500 Monoblock caliper upgrade for the GT-R. Endless states the GT-R Brembo mono-block brakes are descent brakes for 99% of users, but their resemblance to Brembo's mono-block race calipers is only by the Brembo name on the brake. It seems use of the higher end alloys necessary for the mono-blocks rigidity are cost prohibitive to the consumer. A set (4 calipers) of Endless mono-block race calipers for the GT-R costs $14,500 dollars. It is a fact that the mono-block calipers you buy for $3500 a pair are not cast from the stronger more expensive alloys required and it is likely weaker than a 2 piece caliper of proper design bolted together with stainless steel bolts and a bridge. So all is not how it may appear at first glance.

I guess Stoptechs customer demographics don't support development of a high end mono-block caliper. I'm sure the market for this type of caliper must be increadibly small. Respect to Endless for another amazing caliper design without compromise.

It's a very interesting article and a good read. Big thanks to Stoptech for educating the masses! Good Stuff. Another reason why I chose Stoptech!