I'm looking to take my car ('90 n/a convertible) to the track, and have heard that I need to upgrade my brake pads. I was wondering what to look for- how to choose the right heat rating- if there are specific ratings for different types of performance pads? (like tires have different speed ratings, maybe pads have different head ratings?) I appreciate any info or opinions!

 

Yo yo.

Personally I just use a good ceramic pad. I never really have gotten to push anything enough to really have to warrant race pads.

When I had my track type RX7, I had used the Hawk HPS to much success (quiet, not dusty, affordable).

86-92 Racing Brake Pads

Hawk Brake Pads

 

well as we only have 2 tracks left, actually 3 if you count the skid pad at DCTC that gets used for auto X, then I would agree with Jager. There may be more, but those are the ones I am aware of around here. Highly recommend getting speed bleeds. And, I need to brush up on this, but someone mentioned Dot5 being required for road coarse at BIR.

 

Each person/car/track may vary which pad is needed. If you haven't done any track days before I would suggest some of the entry level track pads like the EBC yellowstuff or Hawk HP+. The HPS Jager mentioned is a good pad but I wouldn't personally use it for anything above autocross as it can get outside it's usable temp range at tracks with any kind long straights with hard braking zones. Even though they say the HP+ and yellowstuff are streetable, I would suggest only using them to drive to and from the track and then immediately swapping some street pads back on. They tend to eat rotors when the pads are not up to temp. On that subject, it is usually suggested to put new brake rotors on when you put on new race pads. I would suggest either brembo blanks like they sell on tirerack.com or I just bought a set of frozen rotors for the front of my '86 GXL and have had good luck with them. Let us know what you decide and how it works for you as this topic comes up a lot with people looking to get in to track days.

Also you should consider changing to some good high temp brake fluid as well. I personally use ATE Type 200 since it isn't too expensive and has worked fine in my FC. But if you really want top of the line Wilwood and Castrol sell some higher end fluids. 2 litres will be enough to flush your whole system and have extra to last you through a number of bleeding sessions. You should bleed your brakes before each event and during the event if you feel your pedal go soft.

Do you have the 4-piston Turbo/GXL brake calipers and vented rotors up front? I would highly recommend them if you don't.

Good luck and have a great time! Pretty hard to beat the adrenaline rush of pushing your limits at a track day. Enjoy it and let us know how things go, you will soon have the bug and be trying to max/min your modifications for the best feel/performance at the track

 

Is Brainerd one of the tracks you are referring? I've been there and it's a pretty fun course. Plus sometimes they run it clockwise one day and counterclockwise the next so it's like racing 2 tracks in 1.

Sorry just realized what BIR stands for.... Carry on!

 

Speed bleeds are amazing, very well worth it.

 

Dot 5? Did you mean dot5.1? iirc, dot 5 is silicone based stuff for antiques and isn't compatible with the brakes on the fc.

 

yes. sorry. But I would double check the rule on that for BIR. The person I got that info from cuts corners on many thing so the knowledge is questionable.

EDIT: Appears Dot4 high temp is alright through a quick google search.