As a beginner at the track, I needed an oil cooler long before brake pads, but I have the nismo pads and brake a lot less vigorously than I could--I leave a little on the table in case I screw up. While braking late takes more confidence than I've developed, using the go pedal is easy, so I would overheat my oil at 1-2 laps before I bought the cooler.

But I do have to ask, does the oem fluid give clear signals before boiling? If not I may want to upgrade the fluid for peace of mind.

All you'll need to know, for the most part:

Z Meets Wall: We Investigate Why the NISMO Z's Brakes Failed at Lightning Lap - Feature - Car and Driver

And, that all depends on how aggressive you are I believe - they MAY show warning signs, but they will come very quickly. An oil cooler will let you continue a session longer. Your LIFE could depend on your brakes not failing. Not worth gambling.

Well put! For my first track day I only had RBF600 fluid and Carbotech pads, but no oil cooler yet. Having to take it easy on the main straight to let the engine cool down a bit was anoying, but beeing able to fully rely on the brakes in the twisty part made up for it. Would not have wanted it the other way around, i.e. Woriyng about the brakes, every time you approach a turn... Now I have an oil cooler, I'm taking turns faster and using the brakes harder, resulting in fuel starvation and melted dust boots on the calipers. So, brake cooling kit is ordered and I'm eagerly awayting the fuel starvation fix a couple people here are working on.

Long story short: 1. Fluid and pads are the first, must have upgrades for track work. 2. Track days are addictive and will empty your wallet quicker then a mistress...

I see you're in Chicago, so I can only assume you've been to Autobahn? I went there 2 years ago w/ the Integra Type-R group. Fun track - a little flat, though.

My first trackday (with the Z) was Road America in '10. Last year I indeed did Autobahn, full course and Road America again. I really liked Autobahn, lots of different types of turns. RA is a blast as well, fast... Going to Gingerman this month.

Yeah, Autobahn full was a fun track, even though its a bit flat. LOTS of nice run-off there though, to instill a bit more confidence...

You still on stock rotors? I assume not. I'm fairly sure its time for me to swap out to new ones. Going to go w/ the Raybestos rotors that 'Vette guys track a lot - cant beat $50 a pop...

Yep, still the stock rotors! But I'll be needing new ones later this season. Im planning on doing a couple more track days this year then last and a season with the local Autox club of course. $50 a pop for rotors? Sounds like a good deal, I'll have to look I to that!

Sorry, just looked it up. A LITTLE more than that, but still cheap. Go to Rockauto.com, and search your car, and check rotors. The fronts (Raybestos 980664) are $73.79 each, and rears (Raybestos 980663) are $54.79. I guess they wear a bit quicker, so you may as well use aggressive pads and buy rotors more since a set of Carbotech's are about $100 than these rotors! lol

cryo treat them, you will get more life out of them

I remember that one, we had a blast!

Nope. Just goes away.

Huh ? Can you elaborate on that any ?

Here's a quick link.
Brake Tech - Cryogenics 101

Thanks SPOHN.

What will they think of next ? Laser surgery on the headlights to remove imperfections and increase aerodynamics ? :tup:

...I have not taken my numbers off the car yet. I think I am going to leave them on there. Normal ? Or am I fairly weird. :tup: