Brake pad suggestions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 721
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From: albany,NY
Brake pad suggestions
Pretty sure I need to replace the brake pads on my '86 Coupe, I've had this first Porsche 4 months and am pretty sure I'm currently using stock pads. Car is basically a fair weather/weekend vehicle.
I'm hoping to do my first DE or track events this spring/summer and am wondering if I should install upograded pads.
I don't want to break the bank but I'd hate to compromise my track fun to save a few bucks on brake pads.
Any suggestions. Thanks in advance
I'm hoping to do my first DE or track events this spring/summer and am wondering if I should install upograded pads.
I don't want to break the bank but I'd hate to compromise my track fun to save a few bucks on brake pads.
Any suggestions. Thanks in advance
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 491
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From: Carmichael, CA
If you're just getting your feet wet in the whole track thing, stock pads with lots of meat will be fine for your first outting. More important than pads would be a complete flush of brake fluid with something like ATE SuperBlue, a close inspection of your other brake components, like your flex lines, and a repack of your wheel bearings. Any one of those will give you more grief on Track Day than not having super zoomy pads.
Technical Specialist
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Rennlist
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 5,864
Likes: 25
From: TX
Gerry,
Check articles on tech.rennlist.com regarding brakes and brake pads. There are a number of dual purpose pads you can use that will work fine on the street and give you better braking at the track, without breaking the bank. Past that, as Thom mentioned, make sure your brake fluid is freshly bled and that your brake hoses are in good shape. You should replace your rubber brake hoses every 8-10+ years. If you don't know when they were last replaced, I'd recommend replacing them, too.
Check articles on tech.rennlist.com regarding brakes and brake pads. There are a number of dual purpose pads you can use that will work fine on the street and give you better braking at the track, without breaking the bank. Past that, as Thom mentioned, make sure your brake fluid is freshly bled and that your brake hoses are in good shape. You should replace your rubber brake hoses every 8-10+ years. If you don't know when they were last replaced, I'd recommend replacing them, too.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
gerry100- I don't have much experience, but I use the Performance Friction Pads that came with my '86 Coupe that I purchased a few months ago. They are great street/track pads having great characteristics for each. They don't squeak too much and have good cold braking power. They also work great after they are nice and warm after a few laps on the track! The previous owner said that he had experimented with several pads and found that the Performance Friction pads offered the best of both worlds while still remaining relatively rotor friendly. You may want to give them a try since I don't believe they are supper aggressive, but do offer a nice step up from the stock pads. I would also follow the above advise on flushing the brake fluid and checking your lines.
Good luck and maybe I'll see (pass) ya on the track some day.
-T
Good luck and maybe I'll see (pass) ya on the track some day.
-T
Race Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 10
From: Virginia Beach, Va.
Gerry, check into the Mintex "C-Tech" pads, there are three levels, all are performance, ranging from what one might refer to as "weekend warrior" to "track-junkie".
I am a full fledged "trackaholic" and made the mistake of using the level one "C-Tech" pads on the track, they worked okay, just okay...my best guess is that they would work GREAT for you as combination street/track pads...as I use them for street driving...and change to the highly coveted (and valued $$$$) Pagid Orange for the track...but in a pinch, they work great for a track weekend.
I am a full fledged "trackaholic" and made the mistake of using the level one "C-Tech" pads on the track, they worked okay, just okay...my best guess is that they would work GREAT for you as combination street/track pads...as I use them for street driving...and change to the highly coveted (and valued $$$$) Pagid Orange for the track...but in a pinch, they work great for a track weekend.
