im looking for some brake pads for my fd just for track use. i already have some hps that are going to be used for the street. i just want some opinions on some track pads (carbotech, n-tech, hp blues, etc. ) thanks

 

If you are using stock calipers, N-Tech all the way.

 

If they are out, a few of us use Porterfield R4 with good success. Plus they are local here in CA.

 

I've used the Porterfield R4's and liked them. Brian Goodwin of Miata fame (very well respected) says that they're his favorite race pad, and he regularly tracks forced induction Miatas.

 

I've had good luck with the Carbotech XP10, and prefer them over the Porterfield R4. I've never come close to fading them, ever. I have stock calipers and stock-size rotors, with ducting. They never faded even before I added the ducting.

 

The best thing I used over the last two years for track use was HT-10's. Everything else I was able to fade/melt/destroy in less than one track day. (I had too much tire/power for my brake setup) As an added bonus, they didn't squeak or dust badly in the small amount of street driving I did. They did get eaten up pretty quickly when they weren't up to temp though.

Coincidentally I have some for sale in the for sale section of the forums.

Other pads I tried were Carbotech XP10's, N-Tech Lapping Day, EBC's (green/red), Hawk Blues, and RS/RZ pads.

Also, Hawk finally made HT-10's for the rear available too, so you can use the same pad all around.

Either way, run titanium shims to stop the fluid from boiling and get a feel for pad fade so you know when you need to take it easy. If you start to get fade you can direct some air into the back of the front rotors preferrably with a 3" duct off the nose of the car somewhere.

If you still have problems then it's time to upgrade calipers/rotors.