I'm going to a track day soon and I'd like to upgrade my pads before I go. Can anyone recommend what kind of upgrade I can do relatively quickly and cheaply that will let me get the most out of my track day?

Something like good pads that won't fade after a few laps. Pads that will fit a stock 2008 G37S

Thanks

 

How much noise can you live with?

Do you have the means to properly bed aggressive pads? (these kinds of pads cannot be bedded on the street safely)

 

I have a lot that I can use to bed the brakes - but I'd rather find a set that I can use safely both on and off the street since I don't go to the track that often. Would a set like that require significant bedding?

 

They need to get up to full operating temp, and then have a chance to cool down. Unless you can safely get to triple digit speeds in that lot, you'll need to do the initial bedding at the track when you go. After that, you can street drive on them.

How fast are you at the track? A hybrid pad is like an all-season tire. By definition it is a compromise. If you don't mind a little DIY, get a set of dedicated race pads and rotors.

Another alternative would be to use street and race pads that are compatible with each other, and just swap pads only; it's pretty easy to do that. Just swap in the race pads a few days before the event.

 

I'm a first-timer at the track so I probably won't be going too fast. My lot isn't big enough to get up to triple digits safely.

Yeah, the second option is what I'd be looking to do - just swapping the pads. What kind should I get?

Maybe a new set of stock will be fine? I'm really concerned about brake fade though... hitting a wall would not be a good first experience.

 

The stock pads IIRC are good for about 700 degrees, and the "r-pads" are good for 900 or 950 (If anyone can confirm or correct me, I'd appreciate it).

If its your first time, stock pads, or aggressive street pads will probably be fine depending on the track. Do you have a layout I can look at?

Project Mu HC+ is a hybrid pad that is good to 1500 degrees. It is streetable, but it has some noise. The CR is a more aggressive pad than the HC+.

Carbotech makes some pad combos which may better suit your needs. Their Bobcat compound is a OE replacement good to 900 degrees, and AX6 is good to 1150. I'd recommend you start with AX6 all around for street use and your first track day. Once you're comfortable going faster, Try XP10 front and XP8 rear. Once you start fading those, go to XP12 front and XP10 rear. You can swap the pads out back to AX6 for street driving, as the compounds are compatible without needing to be rebedded.

Remember that if you fade the pad, they start wearing SUPER fast. On the other hand, too aggressive of a pad is a waste of money, and will wear your rotors faster. Just get what you need.


Project Mu pads from last to most aggressive that come in Akebono sizes: NS, B-force, HC+, CR

Carbotech pads from least to most aggressive: Bobcat, AX6, XP8, XP10, XP12, XP16

 

I'm going to go with the AX6's for now. Thanks a lot for your help!

 

I have the project mu ns pads and love them! I wouldn't use them on the track though! I got the NS over the Bforce b/c the coefficient of friction is higher. I need to my brakes to grab when the rotors are cold!

 

might as well do SS brake lines while you're down there & swap in a high performance brake fluid....no brainers if you're headed to the track.