OK to mix pads on a HPDE ?
 

I admit, I'm getting lazy here.

I'm getting ready for another high-speed driving event (HPDE) at Roebling Road Raceway, and have put on my front Carbotech XP8 pads.

Is it OK to keep the stock rear (OE) pads, or is this dangerous ?

I will be running Kumho 710's as well.

I'm fairly conservative in braking, so I generally don't try to go in DEEP into the corners, or down the front straight (upto 140 mph).

TIA,
:-) neil

My FC likes to lock up the rear well before the fronts if I'm running the same pads all around. Many of my instructors have recommended that I run less aggressive pads in the rear to alleviate the problem. If you are going to run OEM pads on the rear, I would inspect them after each session. If you notice that they are melting, then swap them for the race pads.

I've been running Hawk HP+ all around, and have really started to appreciate the lack of fade, and great bite. I'm running RA-1s, and find threshold braking pretty easy to modulate. I will not use stock pads on the track, tough, as I have melted a set during a longer autocross. HP+ pads dust a lot, though - the only down side I've seen so far.

If you are conservative with braking, you aren't using the 7 for all it is worth. I can make up car lengths by using the braking this car has. Certainly work up to it, and let your instructor know what you are going to do, first. Move your brake points a little at a time, until you are turning in just as you are releasing the brake. The 7 really needs to take full advantage of its brakes and handling to make up for the lack of power.

If you're going to be on race tires I'd go ahead and swap the rears too.

I have always run the same compound front and rear; never had a need to run something less aggressive in the back. In the case of the race tires I'd be more concerned with them possibly heat fading.

The quickest way to warm tires is to brake hard at the end of the straights. Give 'em a good ride ;)

Well, I went home for lunch, and changed out the rear OE brake pads to matching Carbotech XP8's in about 37-minutes.

Better safe than sorry . . .

:-) neil

Since I'm not racing and this isn't a stripped down track car, I want to leave some room for user error. It's also why I hang-back, because I've seen cars in front of me loose it.

I am at that awkward intermediate stage of HPDE's, that most driver's have plateued on their driving skills. My objective this time is to get not just seat time, but to pick up NEW skills and looks for some bad habits.

Typically, I brake at the 500-ft marker down the front straight, and am comfortable to start braking at 300-ft marker.

My instructor and other track dog friend, start braking at the 200-ft marker, and go into turn 1 fairly hot.

I once did that, but the "pucker" factor was too much for me.

:-) neil

M104-AMG,

It really depends on the pads. The N-Tech pads, that a lot of FD owners use, like a less aggressive pad in the rear. I use the N-Tech Lapping day pads on the front and the Bonez Stage I pads on the rear.