libertyforall1776

iTrader: (2)

So I just finished a blast of a weekend tracking at Road America in WI w/MFBA. Koni SAs/Strano sways were great, my new bolt-in Wolfe Roll Bar further stiffened things up too, still have to install my Fays2 Watts Link -- ran out of time before the event...
http://roadamerica.midwestdomestics.org White one is mine, black is my Dad's:


What *track only* pads are recommended for a '01-'02 4th Gen OEM brakes? Keeping in mind Road America is both highly technical AND fast. I had a recommendation of Hawk Blue 9012s by an instructor there, and another instructor and another more experienced participant who both drive F-Bodies recommends DTC-60 -- any other inputs?

Part # Description
HB249E.575 Disc Brake Pad; Blue 9012 w/0.575 Thickness;
HB250E.653 Disc Brake Pad; Blue 9012 w/0.653 Thickness;
HB249W.575 Disc Brake Pad; DTC-30 w/0.575 Thickness;
HB249G.575 Disc Brake Pad; DTC-60 w/0.575 Thickness;
HB250G.653 Disc Brake Pad; DTC-60 w/0.653 Thickness;
HB249U.575 Disc Brake Pad; DTC-70 w/0.575 Thickness;
HB250U.653 Disc Brake Pad; DTC-70 w/0.653 Thickness;
HB249N.575 Disc Brake Pad; HP Plus w/0.575 Thickness;
HB250N.653 Disc Brake Pad; HP Plus w/0.653 Thickness;
HB249F.575 Disc Brake Pad; HPS Performance Street w/0.575 Thickness;
HB250F.653 Disc Brake Pad; HPS Performance Street w/0.653 Thickness;
HB249S.575 Disc Brake Pad; HT-10 w/0.575 Thickness;
HB250S.653 Disc Brake Pad; HT-10 w/0.653 Thickness;
HB249V.575 Disc Brake Pad; HT-14 w/0.575 Thickness;
HB249Z.575 Disc Brake Pad; Performance Ceramic w/0.575 Thickness;
HB250Z.653 Disc Brake Pad; Performance Ceramic w/0.653 Thickness;
770749 Premium OES; Disc Brake Pads;
770750 Premium OES; Disc Brake Pads;

Midnight02

iTrader: (8)

What pads did you use for the recent event at Road America? What were your thoughts on how they performed.

I've been going with a combo of the DTC-30 on the front with HP+ pads on the rear and have been very pleased with the results. The DTC-30 is designed as a track pad however has proven to be quite streetable if you're driving to the track. They warm up quickly and provide a nice linear bite.

The high temp limit on the DTC-30 is 1200*F (intermediate range) so if you're really cooking them it might make sense to go with a higher temp compound.

I don't have any personal experience with the Blue 9012, however based on the product information on Hawk's website, it sounds like they would be a great fit.

libertyforall1776

iTrader: (2)

Not ideal but I ran ceramics and blank rotors (both Bosch as I recall), DOT 4 w/stainless steel brake lines on stock brakes and they did the job when I got on them but only then, but other pads should be better and require less effort with more friction stopping before I have to really get on them for sure. Riding with an instructor with better pads had way more bite at crazy turns like turn #5. I am leaning towards a set of dedicated track pads, and then run HPS on the street post-ceramics.

Ironically I did not notice significant fade, and did not seem to boil my brake fluid, but did notice my tires getting hot and seemed to become more slippery... The track was hot that day.

Another instructor and another more experienced participant who both drive F-Bodies recommends DTC-60 for that track, one of which has been running them for two years there...

z28bryan

iTrader: (7)

I have DTC-30s and can confirm they have great bite when cold for street driving. Once they warmed up a bit, I am able to just about suck my eyes out of my head.

I've never done a HPDE before though, so I can't comment on how well they perform on longer runs at higher speeds.

libertyforall1776

iTrader: (2)

^ Yea, you can easily get to 130 MPH on the RA straightaway between 14 & 1...

z28bryan

iTrader: (7)

I have this track memorized from playing Forza motorsport, lol.

libertyforall1776

iTrader: (2)

I wish they had that game for iOS... Been told that game has the track wider than it is in reality allowing two cars in a turn that's really not possible in real life.

Midnight02

iTrader: (8)

#1 and #5 at Road America should be hard braking from higher speeds.

My personal experience with the DTC-30's that would compare similarly to those conditions (not that I'm arguing the DTC-30's are the "best" solution, however from experience on other tracks I think they might be a viable option):

They handled braking from 140 mph on the back straight at Road Atlanta (high speed downhill braking zone going into 10a) on a hot 98* day in June without any fade.

The "straight" at Atlanta Motorsports Park heading into turn 1.....turn is similar to #5 at RA however the top speeds on the straight are typically more around 115 - 120 mph.

There are probably several great options. Based on the other recommendations you received, I'd be inclined to give the DTC-60's or the Blue's a shot and then go from there.

As an aside, the detail in Forza really is amazing. I put in plenty of prep work for Road Atlanta on the game. Certainly no substitute for seat time on the actual track however it's nice knowing the general flow, speed and elevation changes of the track before you actually get on the track. One day I would love to drive The Nurburgring and I think the game would be a great tool to get a better feel for the 150+ turns!

Heat Seeker WS6

iTrader: (1)

I run that track with DTC-60s