Brake Fade a risk for first time tracker?

brucelidat

I am going to change my brake fluid and try the AMS pads 370guy recommended. If I end up getting more into it and going more often, I will think about getting the xp8s as track pads and change them out when I go.

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SiRay6

A lot of good information was shared...I'm going to give my opinion based on my reflection of what I remember about my first hpde and BW specifically.

If you are doing your first event, you may not need better pads because you may not choose to push yourself or the car that hard. But you may have some natural talent and by the end of the day you may improve significantly and shave off an incredible amount of time.

So without knowing you and your "skill" level, it is hard to recommend whether you change pads now or not. I read about the AMS pads, but since they are pretty cheap, I wouldn't expect them to be much more than aggressive street pads. But I would suggest you bring your stock pads to the track in case you need a back up.

Regarding brake pads, here is my humble opinion/experience:

- EBC yellowstuff...some racer in the Subaru circle highly recommended this for people who track...I tried it and thought it was terrible...mushy pedal, not very good bite, and did not feel it was better than HP+
- Axxis/PBR ultimates...cheap and much like HP+ not sure if they make it for the Z. More like an aggressive street pad better for auto x
- HP+ is the minimum I would ever consider for track use...I have broke/cracked a few of these as they wore down below half way point. More an auto x pad or for light track duty
- I have used Hawk blues (9012)for track and I thought it was a pretty good pad, these can be harsh on rotors so I change these out at the track.
- my friend who tracks his s2000 frequently really loves his Cobalt for street and track...not sure what model though...I can find out if you are interested..

I think Carbotech recommendations above look pretty good...I'm thinking of trying the 8's or 10's...good to switch out at the track to preserve them, but okay for street from what I've read (the 8's).

I would recommend you keep VDC on. BW (are you doing 13 cw or different config?) is a larger track so you may not be able to remember the track layout. VDC will make it harder to loose the rear end and let you focus on the lines/driving (this is your first track event,not a time attack...yet). I have been at events where people loose the rear end, try and save it, and then crash at the wall (#13 cw) on the last turn before the straight.

If you feel more comfortable and feel the car is pushing more often than not...then turn it off anytime you feel like it. No harm in leaving VDC on and turning it off later...it only takes a simple press of a button.

I highly recommend flushing brake fluid to something like Motul RBF600 or equivalent. For brake pads I think HP+ would be sufficient if you are around 2:15 +. This track does not require heavy braking and is mostly about momentum. In between hard braking zones, there is time to cool the pads off. Mainly you'll probably brake hardest at Sunset/Sunrise, maybe before lost hill, and before sweeper...I can't think of any other section where you really need to jam on the brakes.

On a short tight track like Autoclub speedway's infield...I boiled/faded my stock 08 Sti brakes in 2-3 laps...was not a fun event because I didn't plan ahead like what you are doing now.

I'm not sure if SS brake lines are needed,...I believe a stock s2000's fastest time around BW (again #13 cw) is something like 2:04 (is it Charles Ng?). Sure, it is nice to have SS brake lines...but fluid, pads and tires will do if you don't plan to track often (aside from seat time).

If you are below 2:10...you should definitely run dedicated track pads because it'll be worth it.

Brakes are a very important thing and you are on the right track planning ahead. But I also recommend taking it easy and getting instruction to learn the lines and remember to always go at your own pace.

Have fun and update us after the event...tons of pictures would be nice too


-Ray

ChrisSlicks

Here's my recommendation for pads, take it for what it is worth.

Stock pads: good for the street but you could destroy these on track in as little as 1 session - don't ruin a perfectly good set of street pads on the track - get track pads and keep these for the street!

Track pads: These are based on my personal experience.

Good - CL Brakes or Performance Friction - These things are almost impossible to fade, wear rate is pretty good too. Do not need to be bedded as this is a sintered compound, will destroy rotors on the street.

Not bad: Hawk DTC-70 - Takes more time to warm up and can get to a fade point towards the end of a session or sooner. Fairly predictable. Difficult to match for rear pad compound.

Poor: DS-3000/DS-2500 - Very difficult to achieve a good transfer layer, and layer gets warn away quickly if operating temperature is exceeded (along with extreme wear).

I can't comment much on the Carbotech's as I haven't driven them on this car, but they felt good on the spec Miata I drove for a session (XP10/XP8).

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