How fast will I kill the stock brake pads at a track day.

[88crx]

Car has 60,000km's = 37,000miles and I'm still on the stock pads.... brake fluid was just flushed maybe 2-3000 km's ago.

Just wondering if I have any hope in lasting through a 4 hour track event.... or will my pads be gone?

Nothing compeditive and most people do 5-6 laps on then cool down for 20 minutes or so.

[cow]

Familiar with the expression, "playing with fire?"

Bad bad idea.

Track days are not something to half ass, both for your own safety & that of the other drivers around you.

[cow]

Car & Driver magazine had an informative article about brake fade in the most recent issue. Stop by a news stand & glance through the text.

I apologize if I'm coming off as harsh-- it's not my intent-- but for your sake & the sake of your gorgeous car, I really don't want you tracking on stock pads.

To further the safety point, I'd seriously consider new rotors prior to being on a track as well as a reflush of the brake fluid using high operating temperature fluid & changing the pads.

[sLiCk]

Check to see how much pad you have left. At 60000km, if the pads haven't been changed before I would say it's pretty low. Stock pads are manageable at the track especially since it's your first time but you'll need at least 50% pad. To answer your original question. Yes the stock pads will fade and cook very fast especially when you pick up speed as you progess through the day so be aware of when your brakes start to lose bite. Fresh high temperature brake fluid is absolutely mandatory. Happy tracking :)

[epcivicboy08]

Car has 60,000km's = 37,000miles and I'm still on the stock pads.... brake fluid was just flushed maybe 2-3000 km's ago.

Just wondering if I have any hope in lasting through a 4 hour track event.... or will my pads be gone?

Nothing compeditive and most people do 5-6 laps on then cool down for 20 minutes or so.

good question....something i've been thinking about myself as well.
my car has 52,000 miles and i'm thinking about doing some track time in the near future and since i'll be a total noob, i'm sure i'll be riding those brakes quite a lot

would all of you guys with experience on the track recommend the following for noobs?:

1. better performing brake pads
2. brake fluid flush...refill with high temp fluid
3. new rotors

???

[MugsyTheGr8]

depends. are we talking open track day with passing? i went to my first one with gransport front pads and stock rears and i was fine. suspension was also stock with just a performance alignment and i was also on all season tires. alot of it will depend on the type of track.

[v1c10us]

if its your first track day, I wouldn't worry about it.
You're probably going to be driving like a girl
I know I was pretty timid for the first few tries, although we dont have open track, its one at a time =\
In my opinion the key to driving safely and having fun in those sorts of situations is to drive in your cars parameters and not to make the car drive in yours, if you notice the brakes dont do what you're wanting, dont try and make them because thats when things can become dangerous, and then its not fun anymore.

[talonXracer]

Your pads will be toast after one hot lap.

[liquid cooled]

I didnt feel comfortable with the stock brake system after some spirited driving one night where the brake fade became very very apparent. As such im not hitting the track until my brakes are upgraded, its not fair to everybody on the track, their safety is in your hands as well.

[Princess]

Interesting questions and interesting answers. Brakes are so important... if you can't stop you could hit the car in front of you. $$ lol Good luck.

[20CiviC02Si]

I have to agree with cow on this one. It's a BAD idea to go to the track on stock brake pads and regular brake fluid. First of all you will experience brake fade within 2 laps and there is also the risk of your pads starting on fire.

First time at the track or not, it's a horrible idea to try running stock pads on a race track. At least get some Hawk HP+ and some new rotors for the front as well as some high temp brake fluid.

[20CiviC02Si]

I am a racing fanatic, if i can get out to the track or auto-x i'm there. I was using some Wilwood RBF 570 with Hawk HP+ Pads all around and powerslot rotors. I was experiencing major brake fade after 5 hot laps.

We're not telling you to go drain your wallet, but at least step up the pads and brake fluid.

Since i am planning on running more track events, i have stepped up to a Wilwood big brake kit to keep the temperatures down and prevent fading. That's all they are good for. People think they are used to make the car stop faster. The only thing that makes your car stop faster is your tires and brake pads! Keep that in mind.

Also since it's your first event, be sure that when you come off the track and park in the paddock. Leave your e-brake off and just park the car in gear. This will prevent your rear pads from catching fire.

[pynikal]

were can this hi-temp fluid that you guys speak of be purchased??

and also is it ok to run on a DD?

[ShadySi]

1. better performing brake pads
2. brake fluid flush...refill with high temp fluid
3. new rotors

???

Profit!!

I'd be afraid to go to the track on stock pads ad rotors.. i know my rotors are done form a season of auto-x.. so I'd think a track day would warrant a new set of pads and rotos at least.

[HondaFreak]

Stock OEM DOT 3 fluid will boil at the track= been there done that.
Stock OEM rotors and pads do not have enough heat resistance to hold up under track conditions.
DOT 4 fluid is your friend. Slotted rotors and high friction compound pads are your friend. Hawk Blue's are great for stopping and destroying rotors at the track. But that won't last long and you'll get tired of buying new rotors 2-3 times a year so you'll just end up here....

Good luck, Christian