I have a HPDE day coming up in August and would like to improve the braking performance a bit. Especially since it could be rather hot.

I don't go to the track very often. So would it be good enough to change just the front pads to Hawk HPS and leave the stock pads on the rear. Would that cause the brakes to become unbalanced?

I do plan on putting in perfomance fluid.

Thanks

 

If it was me I'd do both, but that being said I think you would be fine. Changing the fluid is very smart. Have a good look at all your brake components F & R before you take to the track.

I'm sure someone smarter than I will post with the definitive answers.

 

I'll agree with the "both would be better, just fronts will work" theory.

I need another track event on my new pads (not Hawk HPS) to form a more informed opinion... but so far I think the Hawk HPS pads are a good deal for a daily driver / light track pad. As long as you re-bed them every once in a while to get rid of pad deposits that build up during daily driving. I went through 2 complete sets (front and rear - 2 times) of Hawk HPS and they worked great for me, other than those pad desposits.

 

Why not run the car hard in the event then replace both after the event? Or are the brakes so worn that they need to be replaced anyway??

 

Last year I noticed that the brakes were fading and I would like a little better braking this year. Especially since it will likely be hotter weather.

 

Then do all four so you don't have the thought in the back of your head "why didn't I..."

 

my setup is a little different. i have the TCE 13" bbk up front w/ TCE's oversized rotors (and stock calipers) in the rear. i used to use HP-20's in the front w/ stock pads in the rear. the HP-20's are a fairly aggressive dual-purpose pad. i found no problems w/ brake bias. i did, however go through 2 sets of oem rear pads in 13k miles. i went through a set of BP-20's every track weekend (four while using up two rear sets). i since swicted to poly h pads in the front and porterfield R4 in the rear. when the R4's are finished, i will go w/ a less aggressive rear pad. bottom line is that i think fronts only is fine and will give you better brake bias on the track.

 

I have a Wilwood 11.75 BBK on front with stock brakes and pads on the rear. Performance on the track is great. The MINI is very front biased on the brakes. There is not much need to change anything in the rear.

 

cube: we'll be checking out your brakes in a week or so at Road Atlanta! (sorry for the thread h/j)

 

No need to change the rear pads; just make sure there's enough meat on them. I'd put HP+ front pads in instead of HPS, as they'll handle the heat better. Put some decent fluid (Motul, ATE, etc) in and you'll be good to go.