Good HPDE/Street setup

[DTFE30]

Been searching around and I have noticed everyone running a lot of different combinations. I am looking for a good set of pads and rotors for lik 3-4 track days this year and spirited street driving otherwise. I think I am leaning towards brembo blanks but not too sure on pads. some advice would be great!

[giantkeeper]

Been searching around and I have noticed everyone running a lot of different combinations. I am looking for a good set of pads and rotors for lik 3-4 track days this year and spirited street driving otherwise. I think I am leaning towards brembo blanks but not too sure on pads. some advice would be great!

Not Cool Carbons, I was a fan until I pulled them off after three HPDE 1&2 days and maybe 5000 street miles. They were falling apart and worn out.

Brembo blanks, perfect!

[Earendil]

Been searching around and I have noticed everyone running a lot of different combinations. I am looking for a good set of pads and rotors for lik 3-4 track days this year and spirited street driving otherwise. I think I am leaning towards brembo blanks but not too sure on pads. some advice would be great!

First things first:
What car? Weight or Engine changed from stock?
Any daily driving?
Budget?

I ask because brakes represent one of those solid cases of compromise, not unlike choosing a tire. Race pads are amazing when they get super hot, and continue to operate. They suck hard core when they are cold though. Street brakes are great when cold, but when they heat up they suck. Cheap street pads are meant to bring the car from 80mph to zero ONE time, and in one go. They are not mean to take the car from 120mph to 40mph repeatedly.

That said, my stock engine lightened 325i has no problem with Hawk Plus at Portland International Raceway and at my skill level. The pad also functions just fine on the street, though I drove it in the cold and wet and took a down sloped off ramp and started braking late...that was sorta scary until half way down the ramp the brakes heated up and grabbed tight. Many others hate the Hawk plus on their heavier, more powerful, or faster tracks.

The best solution is to get two sets of pads and rotors. Pads and rotors wear together forming unique grooves, so they are best mated together. This also allows you to have the best for street, and best for track. It does require more time, energy, and money on your part though.

[DTFE30]

Thanks for the advice guys! I ordered brembo blanks and Hawk hp plus pads. I already have super blue and stainless lines so this should be a pretty good setup till I get my skill level up. I am also planning on a DIY brake ducting setup I can put in for track days.

[markseven]

Thanks for the advice guys! I ordered brembo blanks and Hawk hp plus pads. I already have super blue and stainless lines so this should be a pretty good setup till I get my skill level up. I am also planning on a DIY brake ducting setup I can put in for track days.

I think you are going to want something better than HP Plus. HT 10s are good for early stages of HPDEs.

[Earendil]

I think you are going to want something better than HP Plus. HT 10s are good for early stages of HPDEs.

But HT10s aren't all that safe on the street, right? Unless he's going to get a second set of rotors and street pads, he'll be compromising his safety on public roads, yes?

[acolella76]

The cheap Chinese OPParts rotors from BMA are no more than $20 each and they're fucking phenomenal.

Also Hawk pads fucking SUCK! Really spongey. I tried the new StopTech Street Performance pad when I reupped on pads, and they are really really nice. Low dust and low noise on the street but when they are at full temperature they have really nice bite and a decent amount of modulation. What I think would be a good idea though is buy a second set of track pads like PFC 01 or 06. Pads can be swapped in 10 minutes... so it's not like it's a hassle to change them out at the track or anything.

Also, I would use OEM lines over stainless. OEM lines actually have a SS braid under the rubber, and SS are more prone to failures. I didn't even realize this until Jim had pointed it out in a previous thread, but there are a lot of reports of SS lines failing. If you already have them installed I wouldn't worry about taking them out but I don't see the need to spend the extra money on them.

[Danny]

Porterfield R4S, Brembo blanks, stainless lines, fresh brake fluid. Done.

[Xaq]

OEM lines actually have a SS braid under the rubber

No, they don't. Ever cut an oem line? you can do it with a knife, it's more of a nylon type of braid.

[jlevie]

PFC pads work a lit better than you'd think they would on the street, and of course they are awesome on the track. I've put quite a few street miles on my Spec E30 and never had any problems with the PFC 01 or 06 compounds.