I need new brake pads for my 348. I use it mainy for track day events, and driving to the track and back. What is the best pad choice for a track day 348 ( still got to be street safe)?
I run Porterfield R4. I'm not a very good driver, so maybe I don't really know 'best'. I will say however, I've never crashed and my brakes have never faded or gone soft on me. Kimi on the other hand...
The Porterfields are probably the most popular pad upgrade for the 348. And www.Ricambiamerica.com is the best place to buy them if you want excellent service! You could also consider the Axxis pads (Deluxe plus), although they aren't as strong as the Porterfields. They make very little dust which is why I chose them a few years ago. They also sell a higher temp pad (ultimate) that isprobably better suited for track use. You should definitely change your brake fluid out to a high temp (Motul or similar) so your stock fluid doesn't boil over. Martin (Cavallino motors) said he boiled the brake fluid in about two laps with the regular brake fluid in a 348 weveral years ago. BT
Plus 1 - been very happy with them. Did use EBC red stuff and see they have an upgrade yellow now. http://www.ebcbrakesdirect.com/car/info.asp thought they were good but bit harsh on discs and wore unevenly and quickly. ferodo seem better so far. good from cold for sure and great when warm.
Hi All, Sorry to revive an old thread but I just wanted to rave about my new brake pads... When I bought my 348, it came with Brembo pads and frankly I thought they were fine for road use... but then I went to the track a few weeks ago and they wore down quite quickly. On Sunday, I went to the track again, this time however, I had installed Axxis ULT Performance Ceramic pads (http://www.buybrakes.com/axxis/apps-Ferrari.html) and OMG what a difference. Stopping power has dramatically increased, no squeaking and I would say a similar amount of brake dust as the Brembos... no brake fade at all. The Brembos didn't fade either but they sure didn't bite as well as the Axxis. Just my opinion in case anyone is shopping for pads... can't go wrong with these! DF
I have Porterfield R4-S (not quite as hard as the R4's) for the double duty. No fade, and slightly less brake dust too. http://www.porterfield-brakes.com/
Hey Andrew, That's the thing about these pads... the initial brake feel stayed pretty much the same all day... I thought for sure they would fade to similar feel as the Brembos after 3,5 or 10 laps but it just didn't happen... I've only owned the 348 for 2 years so I only have the Brembos to compare against but at 65$US, they are cheap and if you don't like 'em, put them on the rear calipers (as they use the same pads) and buy some Porterfields for the fronts at twice the price. DF
Thanks, I would like to try them on the hillclimbs, but don't think they are available yet here in uk. Ill keep looking but may get back to you for help!
Hawk HPS, or HP plus are good pads. Don't know if they make it for 348 so check their website. Mintex motorsports pads are quite good. EBC pads are decent but be ready for more frequent rotor resurfacing. Ferrodos(sorry if I spelt it wrong) are pricey here but they have the broadest temperature range. Don't know about longetivity, but they wont kill your rotors.
As to this point, I am getting 5 track weekends on a set of pads and 30 track weekends on a set of rotors with the Ferrodo pads on street tires.
