Hi all,

I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has upgraded their pads and/or rotors. I was originally going to move to EBC Greenstuff pads, but am not sure if they will really hold up for a track event. The Redstuff pads have been reviewed as not lasting much longer than one driver's school. I've heard Mintex pads are great but spew dust like crazy and also squeel.

I'd ideally like to stay with the stock rotors so as to stay in my autox class, but would make a switch if the performance gains were really worth it.

Ultimately, I care most about brake feel, fade resistance, and durability. Dust and noise are definitely secondary.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

TIA,
Peter

 

Randy at Mini Motorsport has the best set-up with Ferodo's and Power Slot Rotors, check them out here

 

Do you have any info on how they hold up. I really don't want to buy a set of pads only to have them last through one driver's school (if that).

I changed out the brake fluid for ATE Super Blue and it gave a pretty noticeable improvement in pedal feel.

 

Peter, The brake fluid should not affect pedal feel. You probably had a little air in the lines that the fluid change took out.
I've not used the EBC pads before, but i understand they are more for street use. I know I have chewed up a set of Mintex Red's on the track in a day and I think they are comparable to the EBC's. But, pad use is really dependant on the driver and the track you're on. Some drivers are very hard on pads, others not. Some tracks give the brakes a lot of time to cool down, others don't.

 

Call a specalist in brakes. Try Randy at Brake Warehouse 1-800 814-0702. Or go HERE.

 

Peter,

I would suggest a compromise, you need to get 2 sets of pads.

If you want to do some track days you'll need a track pad. An autocross/street pad just won't hold up to te temps that you'll see on the track.

With 2 sets of pads you'll never have to worry about a compromise between destrying them on the track or not having good COLD (very important on the street) stoping power.

I would suggest going to Carbotech as they make some very nice pads for both autocross and track.
They have many different
compounds that stop well and seem to be very rotor friendly (as friendly as a track pad can be).

The teammco.com car will soon be fited with the Carbotech Bobcat pads for the street, and if you call them I'm sure they can reccomend a very good track pad solution.

For some insight on the teammco.com brake choice you can check out the brake preperation article.

Hope that helps,

Mason

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm very happy I didn't just go with the EBC solution... I think I would have had a very unhappy day. I'll probably end up keeping the OEM pads for normal use and switching to track pads for fun days. I was hoping to go with Performance Friction for next week, but availability will be about 3 days too late for my needs. :smile:


_________________

Peter K. Brass • Motoring Advisor • New Country MINI • Hartford, CT

 

Well, I went ahead and ordered a set of Ferodo pads from Essex Parts in GA. Very nice and helpful people down there (and they had what I needed available in time for next week).

Once I work through these, I'll probably try either the CarboTech's or the Performance Friction pads.

I'll post a quick review in teh brake section after the driver's school.

Thanks again.

 

Well, I went ahead and ordered a set of Ferodo pads from Essex Parts in GA. Very nice and helpful people down there (and they had what I needed available in time for next week).

Once I work through these, I'll probably try either the CarboTech's or the Performance Friction pads.

I'll post a quick review in teh brake section after the driver's school.

Thanks again.

 

pbrass,

If you're sticking with the stock single piston calipers you should 100% look into brake ducting to cool your brakes. It will significantly increase the life of your pads and rotors and is an inexpensive, no-brainer, must do modification for track days. I have 2 hoses cooling each of my front calipers; a 4cm hose and a 9cm hose.

 

Sounds like a pretty good idea... I'd love to see some pictures if you have them available.

The Ferodos are on now. I haven't yet gotten to play with them too much, but will know by Friday how they're doing.

-Peter