I have a set of Mintex Redbox pads, brand new in the boxes that I haven't installed yet... mainly because I have been pleased with the performance of the stock pads on autocross days, and also because I now have black wheels which don't show brake dust at all... :smile:

But the question I have is anyone out there running Redbox pads and autocrossing or doing track days? I know the guys over at Promini aren't recommending the Redbox pads for autocrossing, but I was wondering if anyone has any first-hand experience?

 

My opinion is that the best autocross pads may very well be the stock MINI ones.

Most dedicated racing pads are designed to grip best at high temperatures, and are not as grippy when cold. This is a great benefit for extended periods of time on a road track, but can be a problem when autocrossing since they do not grip as well when cold.

The stock pads are designed to grip very well when cold.

I am racing in SCCA G-stock and my novice opinion is that the stock brakes are plenty big and strong for my needs.

I'd put my mod money elsewhere. . .

On a side note, I have heard that brake pads are a warranty item on the MINI's. Can anyone confirm this?

 

Heh... thanks for the advice. That's pretty much what I thought, anyway. The stock pads are quite sweet and that's been my experience while autocrossing, too.

Like I said, I don't mind the brake dust anymore with the black wheels - in fact, I'm always amazed how dirty the flat black wheels actually are when I wash the car.

So, I think I'll sell these Mintex Reds to someone local I know that doesn't do any autocrossing or track days - that has white wheels to boot!

 

I've had good experiences with the Mintex reds - both autocrossing (in my Audi) and on the street. I think they might offer a slight improvement in performance when autocrossing over the stock pads.

 

I have Mintex Redbox on my MCS which I use for street and autocross and it works fine, a little better stopping power (but I have crossdrilled rotors, ATE super blue brake fluid and SS brakelines as well).
Price is low at under $40 for each pair and brake dust is much less than stock.
No problems with autocross at all.

 

Perhaps I drive my car harder than those here, but I've had very limited sucess with the redbox pads. I put them on for the winter because they were cheap. Had some fun the other day, still on the red box. Within 3 very fast very hard 0laps around the block the bads were fading BADLY! So much so that I'm pushing to get my replacement pads ASAP. I'm going to be using Williams Performance Friction this year. http://www.wpfri.com

Cheers,

Paul