Recommended Brake Pads
Well lets see.....I went through 5 sets of front pads on my rotors this summer..3 sets of HP+ and 2 sets of Hawk Blacks.......rotors have no heat checks...and almost no wear.....as you can tell they probably aren't stock.......but I don't find the HP+ that hard on the rotors....
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Originally Posted by swoope
this is you friends car??? and with all that going on i am impressed on how good the rotors look..
beers
beers
Originally Posted by tmak26b
it's on my track car, different car, but enough to see what i am trying to show. The Carbotech and Cobalt Friction are somewhat friendly to the rotors despite what I used it on, excellent pads for what they are. They are just noisy, I prefer them much more than the HP+. I need to pull the car into the garage so i can take pictures of it.
your gf has and rx8. you have a z. you have a friend that has an 8 that you track, but at 9/10ths...
you answered the track ?s right i have no reason not to trust you. but you came so out of the blue...
and what car is this.... it is an rx8... you have a track rx8.
i think i am lost now.
never did lime rock. but braking on the mouse head going into the loop at the glen is odd the first day.
beers
Last time i looked the 8 had calipers mounted behind the hub assembly in the front.....and not a strut type suspension.....there are also no backing plates.....what car is this on??
Indeed, that's the front of a Z. And a 2003-2005 non-Track model to be specific. It's not just the rotors that suck, it's the entire braking system! Those cars have criminally undersized brakes from the factory, that have the added benefit of feeling absolutely terrible when you are on track. Yes, I know this from experience 
. In fact, we're working on our own Z brake kit right now after experiencing both fitment and operational failures with two other BBKs on the market for that car. I'll only say we didn't try Stoptech and should have gone there first, but live and learn.
Noted that someone asked about the friction coefficent and temp range of the OEM pads. Unfortunately I don't know the answer to that question, but typical OEM pads are good for around 600 degrees or so. The RX-8 OEM pads seem better than average, so perhaps 700? Just guessing at that. Keeping in mind the RX-8 brakes are quite large for the weight and speed potential of the car, so they tend to stay cooler than most under similar conditions. On the friction coefficent, I won't even guess. They seem to bite fairly well, really, but certainly aren't as aggressive as a race pad.
Also, something to know about friction coefficients is that there's no standard way of measuring it. This is why many companies are reluctant to publish the information. Carbotech used to, but doesn't any longer because between companies you're not comparing apples to apples. The numbers I quoted for them are accurate and were taken off their site before they removed the numbers, but only use them to compare between Carbotech pads. In general, Carbotech bads 'bite' fairly aggressively once they have a bit of heat in them, and more importantly have very good modulation and release characteristics. To summarize, they inspire confidence and provide excellent pedal feel.
. In fact, we're working on our own Z brake kit right now after experiencing both fitment and operational failures with two other BBKs on the market for that car. I'll only say we didn't try Stoptech and should have gone there first, but live and learn. Noted that someone asked about the friction coefficent and temp range of the OEM pads. Unfortunately I don't know the answer to that question, but typical OEM pads are good for around 600 degrees or so. The RX-8 OEM pads seem better than average, so perhaps 700? Just guessing at that. Keeping in mind the RX-8 brakes are quite large for the weight and speed potential of the car, so they tend to stay cooler than most under similar conditions. On the friction coefficent, I won't even guess. They seem to bite fairly well, really, but certainly aren't as aggressive as a race pad.
Also, something to know about friction coefficients is that there's no standard way of measuring it. This is why many companies are reluctant to publish the information. Carbotech used to, but doesn't any longer because between companies you're not comparing apples to apples. The numbers I quoted for them are accurate and were taken off their site before they removed the numbers, but only use them to compare between Carbotech pads. In general, Carbotech bads 'bite' fairly aggressively once they have a bit of heat in them, and more importantly have very good modulation and release characteristics. To summarize, they inspire confidence and provide excellent pedal feel
.
thanks,
and i have a pm for you..
beers
and i have a pm for you..
beers
Originally Posted by DPE
Indeed, that's the front of a Z. And a 2003-2005 non-Track model to be specific. It's not just the rotors that suck, it's the entire braking system! Those cars have criminally undersized brakes from the factory, that have the added benefit of feeling absolutely terrible when you are on track. Yes, I know this from experience . In fact, we're working on our own Z brake kit right now after experiencing both fitment and operational failures with two other BBKs on the market for that car. I'll only say we didn't try Stoptech and should have gone there first, but live and learn.
Noted that someone asked about the friction coefficent and temp range of the OEM pads. Unfortunately I don't know the answer to that question, but typical OEM pads are good for around 600 degrees or so. The RX-8 OEM pads seem better than average, so perhaps 700? Just guessing at that. Keeping in mind the RX-8 brakes are quite large for the weight and speed potential of the car, so they tend to stay cooler than most under similar conditions. On the friction coefficent, I won't even guess. They seem to bite fairly well, really, but certainly aren't as aggressive as a race pad.
Also, something to know about friction coefficients is that there's no standard way of measuring it. This is why many companies are reluctant to publish the information. Carbotech used to, but doesn't any longer because between companies you're not comparing apples to apples. The numbers I quoted for them are accurate and were taken off their site before they removed the numbers, but only use them to compare between Carbotech pads. In general, Carbotech bads 'bite' fairly aggressively once they have a bit of heat in them, and more importantly have very good modulation and release characteristics. To summarize, they inspire confidence and provide excellent pedal feel.
. In fact, we're working on our own Z brake kit right now after experiencing both fitment and operational failures with two other BBKs on the market for that car. I'll only say we didn't try Stoptech and should have gone there first, but live and learn. Noted that someone asked about the friction coefficent and temp range of the OEM pads. Unfortunately I don't know the answer to that question, but typical OEM pads are good for around 600 degrees or so. The RX-8 OEM pads seem better than average, so perhaps 700? Just guessing at that. Keeping in mind the RX-8 brakes are quite large for the weight and speed potential of the car, so they tend to stay cooler than most under similar conditions. On the friction coefficent, I won't even guess. They seem to bite fairly well, really, but certainly aren't as aggressive as a race pad.
Also, something to know about friction coefficients is that there's no standard way of measuring it. This is why many companies are reluctant to publish the information. Carbotech used to, but doesn't any longer because between companies you're not comparing apples to apples. The numbers I quoted for them are accurate and were taken off their site before they removed the numbers, but only use them to compare between Carbotech pads. In general, Carbotech bads 'bite' fairly aggressively once they have a bit of heat in them, and more importantly have very good modulation and release characteristics. To summarize, they inspire confidence and provide excellent pedal feel
.
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I own both a RX-8 and a 350Z (my track + DD), the RX-8 is left for the fiance to use. My RX-8 experience came from my friend's car and a few student's car, that's why i am not a track rookie in the 8.
Going back to brakes, the wear rate between both cars are different, but you can see the wear on the rotor. All things consider, the front rotors really arent that bad. The rears were fine until I put the HP+ on. I will snap a photo when the car is in the garage.
Lime Rock is just plain scary at this day and age, the track surface is worse than Seal's face. I don't think any tracks are like it with the exception of Sebring. Maybe Mosport with bumps. Glen is different, it's more like VIR except less run off area.
Going back to brakes, the wear rate between both cars are different, but you can see the wear on the rotor. All things consider, the front rotors really arent that bad. The rears were fine until I put the HP+ on. I will snap a photo when the car is in the garage.
Lime Rock is just plain scary at this day and age, the track surface is worse than Seal's face. I don't think any tracks are like it with the exception of Sebring. Maybe Mosport with bumps. Glen is different, it's more like VIR except less run off area.
Originally Posted by swoope
i really am not trying to bust your chops, i am more of a dick when i do that.... i am just very confused, and i do my homework....
your gf has and rx8. you have a z. you have a friend that has an 8 that you track, but at 9/10ths...
you answered the track ?s right i have no reason not to trust you. but you came so out of the blue...
and what car is this.... it is an rx8... you have a track rx8.
i think i am lost now.
never did lime rock. but braking on the mouse head going into the loop at the glen is odd the first day.
beers
your gf has and rx8. you have a z. you have a friend that has an 8 that you track, but at 9/10ths...
you answered the track ?s right i have no reason not to trust you. but you came so out of the blue...
and what car is this.... it is an rx8... you have a track rx8.
i think i am lost now.
never did lime rock. but braking on the mouse head going into the loop at the glen is odd the first day.
beers
Last edited by tmak26b; Nov 30, 2006 at 06:11 AM.
Originally Posted by Jer
Yeah. Rust on the hub.
Sorry, I'll shut up now.
Jer
Sorry, I'll shut up now.
Jer
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The brakes are absolutely terrible and are subject to high heat abuse. If you have to keep the car stock, performance pads is the only way to keep your brakes in one piece. I can do about two to three hotlaps before I lose my pedal. One cool down is what I need to bring them back under control. The other sad part is that they last 250-350 miles in the front, 200-250 in the rear. Left over parts suck!
Many people might not believe this, but the car can still hold its own under braking (when they are cool). The Brembo just help prolong the life of the brakes and they do work a little better. It really isn't a big deal as long as you dont mind changing pads every 2 to 3 events. In the last time trial at Pocono in September, two of the cars in the top 4 were non-brembo equipped Z.
Back to RX-8 brakes, I had no major problem with the brakes even after the 20 minute session. With the stock pads, I did have to pace myself from time to time to prevent them from overheating. We got about 600-700 miles on them before we killed off the stock brake pads (car had about 8000 miles on it)
Many people might not believe this, but the car can still hold its own under braking (when they are cool). The Brembo just help prolong the life of the brakes and they do work a little better. It really isn't a big deal as long as you dont mind changing pads every 2 to 3 events. In the last time trial at Pocono in September, two of the cars in the top 4 were non-brembo equipped Z.
Back to RX-8 brakes, I had no major problem with the brakes even after the 20 minute session. With the stock pads, I did have to pace myself from time to time to prevent them from overheating. We got about 600-700 miles on them before we killed off the stock brake pads (car had about 8000 miles on it)
Originally Posted by DPE
Indeed, that's the front of a Z. And a 2003-2005 non-Track model to be specific. It's not just the rotors that suck, it's the entire braking system! Those cars have criminally undersized brakes from the factory, that have the added benefit of feeling absolutely terrible when you are on track. Yes, I know this from experience . In fact, we're working on our own Z brake kit right now after experiencing both fitment and operational failures with two other BBKs on the market for that car. I'll only say we didn't try Stoptech and should have gone there first, but live and learn.
Noted that someone asked about the friction coefficent and temp range of the OEM pads. Unfortunately I don't know the answer to that question, but typical OEM pads are good for around 600 degrees or so. The RX-8 OEM pads seem better than average, so perhaps 700? Just guessing at that. Keeping in mind the RX-8 brakes are quite large for the weight and speed potential of the car, so they tend to stay cooler than most under similar conditions. On the friction coefficent, I won't even guess. They seem to bite fairly well, really, but certainly aren't as aggressive as a race pad.
Also, something to know about friction coefficients is that there's no standard way of measuring it. This is why many companies are reluctant to publish the information. Carbotech used to, but doesn't any longer because between companies you're not comparing apples to apples. The numbers I quoted for them are accurate and were taken off their site before they removed the numbers, but only use them to compare between Carbotech pads. In general, Carbotech bads 'bite' fairly aggressively once they have a bit of heat in them, and more importantly have very good modulation and release characteristics. To summarize, they inspire confidence and provide excellent pedal feel.
. In fact, we're working on our own Z brake kit right now after experiencing both fitment and operational failures with two other BBKs on the market for that car. I'll only say we didn't try Stoptech and should have gone there first, but live and learn. Noted that someone asked about the friction coefficent and temp range of the OEM pads. Unfortunately I don't know the answer to that question, but typical OEM pads are good for around 600 degrees or so. The RX-8 OEM pads seem better than average, so perhaps 700? Just guessing at that. Keeping in mind the RX-8 brakes are quite large for the weight and speed potential of the car, so they tend to stay cooler than most under similar conditions. On the friction coefficent, I won't even guess. They seem to bite fairly well, really, but certainly aren't as aggressive as a race pad.
Also, something to know about friction coefficients is that there's no standard way of measuring it. This is why many companies are reluctant to publish the information. Carbotech used to, but doesn't any longer because between companies you're not comparing apples to apples. The numbers I quoted for them are accurate and were taken off their site before they removed the numbers, but only use them to compare between Carbotech pads. In general, Carbotech bads 'bite' fairly aggressively once they have a bit of heat in them, and more importantly have very good modulation and release characteristics. To summarize, they inspire confidence and provide excellent pedal feel
.
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Originally Posted by 4 years to Supercharge
Nah I see plenty of rust on the hub. Or is that discoloration from the heat? It does look like they have gotten hot, I mean HOT.
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From: Chicago
Originally Posted by tmak26b
It's proibably from New England winter, my constant change of tires/rims and my activity on the track. I rebuilt my front calipers before my track day at VIR, one of the rubber boot melted already. The joy of owning a cow with not enough brakes
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Originally Posted by BlueRenesis82
havent had any brake problems with 10+ track days at Road America
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From: Chicago
Originally Posted by tmak26b
the 8 or the Z? I am not familar with Road America, but I think they are slightly easier on the brakes due to the longer straights for cooling brakes down. My car showed a lot less wear at VIR than Lime Rock or even Pocono.
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From: NY NY
Great thread. Just ordered Bobcats for my front brakes. WIth so many TSB's that have to be done I was going to have the dealer install the brakes using my pads -I just hop ethey dont try and sell my on replacing the rotors just to make extra $$$ - any clues as to how I can tell if they are bullshi**ing me?
Last edited by emailists; Dec 27, 2006 at 11:57 AM.
Originally Posted by Rotori
Let me preface this post by stating that I do not brake hard or unevenly. It seems no matter what I do, I cannot keep my wheels clean. My wheels are black every other day from brake dust. Could y'all please recommend a set of pads that aren't terrible about producing dust? Cost does not matter.
[Anyone know anything about Project Mu?]
R.
[Anyone know anything about Project Mu?]
R.
http://www.hawkperformance.com/performance/ceramic.php
http://www.racingbrake.com/RX8_FRONT.../pd1009-13.htm
http://www.racingbrake.com/RX8_REAR_.../pd1008-13.htm