Best track brake pad that will fit the GP

[jimp]

I've heard that there are limited track brake pads that will actually fit this car.
Besides a good track brake pad & installing a brake duct cooling kit, any other recommendations?

Thanks
Jim

[Luys]

For track Carbotech.

[howsoonisnow1985]

I have Hawk HP Plus pads on mine there was still some fade at HPDE towards end of session. I will try the Carbotech AX type pads after I burn through the Hawks. I hear alot of good things about Carbotech pads. Also, Hi-Temp brake fluid such as ATE Super Blue. Stainless Steel brake line too, although I do not plan on getting these. If you do get SS lines you need R56 ones.

[BlimeyCabrio]

I don't recommend CarboTech AX6 pads for HPDE... they're great for autocross and aggressive street, but the XP8 and XP10 compounds handle the heat of prolonged track sessions much better than the AX6 compound. I know several folks running the XP10/XP8 combination with great results.

[howsoonisnow1985]

Originally Posted by BlimeyCabrio

I don't recommend CarboTech AX6 pads for HPDE... they're great for autocross and aggressive street, but the XP8 and XP10 compounds handle the heat of prolonged track sessions much better than the AX6 compound. I know several folks running the XP10/XP8 combination with great results.

Hey Blimey so is that XP10/XP8 combo with harder compound on fronts (10) and the softer on rears (8)?

I think we met over at VIR back in Nov, that was my last one and my brakes were always fading after that long straight and mad smoking after session.

[jimp]

If I have a brake duct cooling kit, track brake pads & track brake fluid will my brakes fade?

What's considered the next step up? I have 17 inch SSR comp wheels, so I'm never sure if a big brake kit will fit, etc. I'm also confused about what brake components the GP comes with? So it's hard to know when looking on-line/shopping what's considered an upgrade compared to what comes stock on the GP.

Thanks

Jim

[Bilbo-Baggins]

jimp, as long as you are not running r-comp tires you should be just fine with with some upgraded pads(such as the CarboTech XP10/XP8 combo) and ATE blue or Motul RF6500 fluids. No need for cooling ducts.

Save the cost of the ducts and buy more track time. Just be sure the brakes are properly bleed and the pads properly broken in. You can find many threads about proper brake-in procedures. It is key for pad life and grip.

[BlimeyCabrio]

Originally Posted by howsoonisnow1985

Hey Blimey so is that XP10/XP8 combo with harder compound on fronts (10) and the softer on rears (8)?

I think we met over at VIR back in Nov, that was my last one and my brakes were always fading after that long straight and mad smoking after session.

I don't know about harder/softer - but higher heat / more aggressive compound on the front, and slightly lower heat / less aggressive compound on the rear - for blissful bountiful balanced braking based on brake bias.

From the Carbotech site:

Carbotech XP8™ (1108™)

A high torque brake compound with a wide operating temperature range (200°F-1350°F+). Carbotech XP8™ is the first of our racing compounds. Outstanding initial bite at race temperatures, high coefficient of friction, excellent modulation and release characteristics. Extremely high fade resistance, very rotor friendly with 100% non-corrosive dust. Excellent as a front brake pad for lighter ITA, ITB, ITC, SRF, H4, H5, and other cars that weigh less than 2,400lbs. Perfect for novice, intermediate and advanced track day (HPDE) use with any tire, and can still be driven safely to and from the track. There are several vehicles that use XP8™ on the street, autocross, and at track day (HPDE) events. Carbotech does NOT recommended XP8™ as a daily driven street pad due to elevated levels of dust and noise. XP8™ is also a great rear brake pad for almost any race car (Spec Miata-T1/T2/CMC). XP8™ is a great compound on the front & rear of most open wheel and sports racers.
Carbotech™ XP10™ (1110™)

When Carbotech unleashed the XP10™ to the general public, and it was an instant success, gathering multiple regional, divisional, and national championships. The XP10™ is a very high initial bite friction material, with a coefficient of friction and rotor friendliness unmatched in the industry. Fade resistance is in excess of 1650°F. Due to the high level of friction and bite, this material is recommended for cars weighing around 2,000lbs or more, not including formula cars and cars with brake bias bars weighing less than 2,000lbs. This is the preferred compound for the front of Spec Miata racers, SSC,SSB, T3, SRF, ITS, ITE, H1,H2, H3, H4, 944 Cup, ST, GS, Factory Five Cobra’s and many more Grand-Am/ALMS/SCCA/NASA classes. XP10™ is also ideal for advanced/instructor level HPDE drivers. XP10™ still maintains the highly praised release and excellent modulation, rotor friendliness, and 100% non-corrosive dust that have made all Carbotech compounds so successful. XP10™ is not recommended as a daily-driven street pad due to possible elevated levels of dust and noise.

[AutoXCooper.com]

Hello Paul, you may have noticed I was MIA from NAM for most of this last week due a bedside stay with a friend at Hosp. Thanks for helping out and sharing the info about CT pads with our NAM Family.
Thanks a million and see ya at MOTD, Dustin

[BlimeyCabrio]

You're welcome. You had your priorities straight - no worries.

I just love Carbotech stuff... and am happy to share what I've learned.