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Track event brake suggestions

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by ggetz, Jan 17, 2008.

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  1. ggetz

    ggetz Karting

    Dec 20, 2007
    150
    #1 ggetz, Jan 17, 2008
    Hello to all! I'm not getting any action over on the 612/599 forum with my request for brake pad advice for a track event, so thought that this group of 12-cylinder enthusiasts might have some guidance for me. I'd appreciate any and all thoughts on the following:

    I'm going to be tracking my 612 (iron rotors, not CCM) for the first time, and wanted advice on brake pad selection. My experience with other cars has been with Porterfield R4s, but I'm thinking that perhaps advances over the years in brake design and pad materials by Ferrari might let me run with the stock pads. I should note that both my wife and I will be using the car over a two day BMW Club school -- she's in the novice group, so she shouldn't put too much wear on the pads, but probably worth mentioning. So:

    1. Are the stock pads going to be usable on the track, or will I go through them by the second 20-minute lapping session? (Or worse, get a long pedal by the second corner?)
    2. If you feel that I should swap over to track pads, what are your recommendations? Key criteria for me are fade resistance, durability, and kindness to the rotors (yes, I know that these may be to some extent mutually exclusive). Put another way, I don't want to spend my Saturday evening jacking up the car and changing the pads prior to the second day of the event.

    Also, I'm assuming that a pad change follows the usual quick protocol: tap out retaining pins, remove spring clip, slide out pads, retract pistons, slide in new pads, replace clip and pins -- and pump the pedal a few times before you need to use the brakes! Still correct?

    All suggestions gratefully received.

    Thanks,

    Gary
     
  2. gatorgreg

    gatorgreg Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 13, 2004
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    Greg Griffin
    #2 gatorgreg, Jan 18, 2008
     
  3. Ronbo

    Ronbo Formula Junior

    Aug 2, 2005
    413
    Morris County, NJ
    Full Name:
    Ron
    #3 Ronbo, Jan 19, 2008
    Check with Girodisc, which is a sponsor here and which provided Ferodo brake pads for my 456GT. By the way, don't be so sure that because your wife is in Novice she won't be hard on the brakes. Once she gets that car flying down a straight and sees the turn in point coming up, she may stand on those brakes with all she's got. Ask me how I know.

    BTW, one track event in the Ferrari got me hooked. Two events convinced me to buy a track car (Porsche 944). This year: NASA racing plus all the DE I can afford. It really is an addiction.

    Best of luck to you both.
     
  4. DM18

    DM18 F1 Rookie

    Apr 29, 2005
    4,725
    Hong Kong
    #4 DM18, Jan 20, 2008
    So true. I ended up in Formula Renault - 8,000kms per year in my Formula Renault is BY FAR the most enjoyable part of my motoring budget
     
  5. ggetz

    ggetz Karting

    Dec 20, 2007
    150
    #5 ggetz, Jan 21, 2008
    Appreciate the tips -- I'll chase 'em down, and have already resolved to buy that trick caliper piston retractor on the Girodisc site.

    I've done a fair number of track events, primarily with my now-departed 1991 M5, and also schools and a few race weekends with Russell Racing. I agree that once you've driven a purpose-built race car (in my case a single-seater to boot), all road cars are pigs! That said, it's been a while since I've been out and I always learn something from the BMW club instructors (hope that's not heresy here!).

    Best,

    Gary
     

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