Singletrack1

If it is your first track event, stock pads with race fluid will be fine. Once you start getting brake fade after a few events, then it is time for either some cobalt GT-sports or full race Spec VR's.

I have never had a student at his first event have any brake fade issues.

Bill Kim
Soon to be S2K owner.

coop

yes but why buy pads that operate in the 800 deg range if you pads are only getting to 600degs, or why put in cooling tubes if you aren't overheating your pads, for show?

Someone here or at Tire Rack told me one time that I need EBC Reds, we couldn't keep them hot enought, and they where worst than stock pads. Knowing what you need is just as important as having it.

coop

What it comes down to, this car is very capable of being taken to the track stock. Then find out what you need to do after that and make the adjustments.

twohoos

Because even if you're only seeing 600 on one set it doesn't mean you won't see 800 or 1000 when you switch to a different pad. I.e. if the stock pads crumble at 600 (not saying they do, just an example) then you won't see much more than that, because the fade will be so bad you'll come off track immediately (assuming you don't wreck!). But you still don't know what temperature you *might* need when you upgrade pads.

OTOH if nothing's overheating, then there's no fade, and therefore no need to change pads or to know the what the temps were.

In reality the pad manufacturer's qualitative descriptions ("street", "street/track", "full race" etc.) are generally sufficient. Plus there's a ton of real-world experience on this site as to how different brands perform, nearly all of it without the benefit of measured temperatures.

coop

you are correct, but how do you know if your stock pads will crumble at 600 and not 500, or that you brakes are close to fadeing or not, or that the pad you need for track "A" is a street/track or a full race pad and that that will work for track "C"?