Brake Pads - In the US

[TWebb]

Curious what USA racers are using for brake pads. I have alloy calipers.

Thanks

[rgh0]

I use Hawk Blue 9012 pads from the US for my fronts . Relatively cheap and kind on the disks once hot and can handle track temperatures without any fade. High and consistent coefficient with good initial bite and modulation and low pedal pressure. Not really suited for long distance endurance racing but OK for the short races I participate in.

You should not use to any great degree on the road as they chew up the disks quickly when cold

cheers
Rohan

[StressCraxx]

There are a lot of compounds available.
I have used Porterfield R4S for the street and R4E endurance pads for racing. They are relatively easy on rotors. You will find that some on this forum think the R4 compound is crap.

Porterfield Brakes will also make up pads to your specs, including Performance Friction, EBC, Hawk, Raybestos,
Ferodo, KFP, and others. Their service has been excellent.

Frankly, brake pads are somewhat personal preference, up to a point. The initial bite, pedal pressure and release characteristics should be understood by the driver. I find that the release behavior is important for trail braking and getting the car to rotate as desired. YMMV. Contact various pad manufacturers, their brake engineers are usually very helpful. Essex Racing are the AP and Ferodo dealers for the US.

The tracks you frequent are also important. Laguna Seca is well known for eating brakes. Willow Springs and Road America, not so much.

[TWebb]

Thanks for the reply. I have used both of the pads you have mentioned on other race cars. Had good experience with Porterfield. Used the R4 almost exclusively with my race mini. Used Hawk with my Formula Ford.

[brettengelaz]

I've used Carbotec brakes for years, either the AX6 compound for autocross/hillclimbs and the XP8 for track use.
Both are very rotor friendly and the XP8 has great modulation.

Brett.