My wife gave me a track day at Thunderhill for my birthday. I'm thinking about getting tires and brake pads because if I use her Conti run-flats I probably won't be happy at the track, and she probably won't be happy with their condition when I return.

I don't want to go overboard for a single track day, can I do just the front tires and brake pads? I don't drive her car much, and certainly not at the limit on the street, but it seems like the rear tires don't do much more than keep the trunk off the ground....

BTW it's a Cooper S turbo with 17" wheels and sport suspension.

 

Most anyone will say do not mix tires. Id say it would be even worse mixing RF and nonRFs.

Just take it as is. You're probably better off on the stock stuff vs mismatched stuff

 

For one track day it probably isn't worth changing tires/wheels. I would suggest upgrading to a race pad, at least up front. Won't cost that much, and it will prevent the stock pads from getting eaten up on the track, which they will very quickly. Have fun with your great birthday present.

 

I have had very good results with Ferodo 2500 pads . No race pad squeal but very good performance and not much dust. I beleive Helix among others carries them .

Randy
M7 Tuning

http://www.ferodoracing.com/it/car_racing/ds_2500.htm

 

If this is your first track day, its not an issue. You will be learning a lot but you won't be thrashing the rubber and pads for 2+ hours.... yet.

 

You will likely experience brake fade toward the end of your afternoon sessions if you are running on stock pads. Change 'em out and give your wife the present of still usable pads when she gets the car back.

 

Just finished up MINI racing school with Phil Wicks today. Yellow stuff pads are fine for tracking. Ran in the rain on street tires first half day and then went to racing slicks. Basically ate up a set of racing slicks. Good thing he has tire sponsers or it would not pencile for the cost of the school and car rental, his time and the most costly part tires. He brings several sets of pads
to the all track events. There is always people in need of pads to get back home.

 

If it was my track day, I would go with VV's suggestion and go with some mild track pads. It is always better with a little safety margin where you need it most.

My suggestion is perhaps Carbotech XP 8 or 10 for the front. I have tried quite a few including ferado, EBC and Hawks. I still like carbotechs better.

 

This isn't my first track day, but it's my first day at Thunderhill.

I'll do just the brake pads, then. I've replaced them myself on my old Civic with no special tools. Are the Mini's pads easily replaced?

 

Fronts are pretty straight forward. Two bolts, retract brake calipers and pit in the new pads. No special tools. Zip tie the sensors.

 

Just try it as is or just get front pads like XP8 or XP10 with high temp fluid. Then next time get tires (all 4 please)

 

One track day...I'd suggest a high temp fluid as well...you probably are required to change the fluid anyhow.

If you want to change the pads, I'd suggest the Carbotech XP8 or XP10s. I'll never put another Hawk on if I can help it.

 

I ran 2 days at Thunderhill with stock tires and brakes on a couple of cool days. I experienced no brake fade and even the Dunlop RF's held up great. They show some wear and the edges are a bit rounded but they did great.
Very predictable and consistent at the track. I got a flat in the rear last week on the rear and had it patched on the inside. Tire is ok for road travel but I would not put it on a track. I am getting a set of OZ light weight rims and I am going to try the Conti DW's for the track and maybe road. I like the light weight 4 lbs lighter than most of the others and great in the rain too. They will ride better than the the RF and if they are comparable on the track I will be happy. I expect them to be a bit better and hopefully a lot.

Brakes are about half worn and I will get new pads for Aprils Track Days. What brakes should I get. I will change the fluid too to high temp at the same time. I am hearing Yellow are noisy and dusty. Is red the ticket?

 

So did you do the track day?
What did you upgrade by the way?

 

Howsoon, I think he ran on stock RFs and stock pads. Just wanted to see if EBC reds can be used for track and street at the same time.

I would suggest that once you get more track time and your speed increases, you should run dedicated track pads.

 

According to EBC they do not recommend red stuff pads be used on the track. The more seat time one gets the more they ask of brakes & tires that = track pads.