A Brake Question for My Fellow Track Rats

[div2]

A little backround first...

I usually instruct at several BMW Car Club driving schools every year. During the instructor sessions I rarely brake or corner harder than 8/10, as I usually have a student with me. I've never needed to upgrade the brakes on my 3 Series, but I was wondering how well the stock MS3 pads will survive on the track. Should I swap in a more serious compound when I run the MS3? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[Haltech]

I havent had a chance to get mine on the track yet, but ive heard the stock pads got pretty trashed after a 2 day event. I wish porterfield would release some pads for us, but i havent seen anything yet. We do have the ability to go with stainless lines now, so that is definitely something worth wild to upgrade as you know.

[div2]

Thanks for the reply. The first track I'm running is Putnam Park in Indiana, and it's not real tough on brakes. I guess I'll run the stockers and just keep an eye on them. Who is selling the stainless lines? You can now get a stainless master to slave clutch hose for some BMWs. I wonder if it would be a helpful upgrade for our cars?

[Crossbow]

Do you know what speeds you'll be dealing with? For example, if you're at summit, you'll be dealing with much less top speeds, but have more braking overall...then if you were at VIR, where you'd be dealing with 130+ to 40 braking zones.

[div2]

Originally Posted by Crossbow Do you know what speeds you'll be dealing with? For example, if you're at summit, you'll be dealing with much less top speeds, but have more braking overall...then if you were at VIR, where you'd be dealing with 130+ to 40 braking zones.

Here's the track layout. We generally run the 10 turn long course. I'll probably be slowing from @125 to 80 at turn 1, and 80 to 45 at turn 2. I think my speeds will stay under 80 for the rest of each lap.

[Crossbow]

Hmm...honestly? I'd pick up a set of track pads, just so you don't wear your stock pads down at the track. Are these daily track events? Or two-four day events? On two days I usually just pick up a set of carbotech XP10's or equivalent and swap back to stock (or bobcat/hps) when I get home. That way you get a lot more miles out of the stock pads, get a backup set of pads at the track, and get maximum emergency braking power at the track. (Track pads are friggin awesome).

Also might want to swap out some brake fluid...but you already know that!

[MadOzodi]

div2,

I recently attended the St. Louis PCA Spring Carrera Classic at GIR. My Instructor was Peter Rosatto, the contact for the BMWCCA - St. Louis Chapter.

After 1 warmup lap and a couple of hot laps I was very much aware of brake fade, even with ATE SuperBlue to replace the stock fluid. I only used 3rd and 4th gear. If I had used 5th, I would have been approaching Turn 1 (on the road course; right before nascar turn 1) at well over 100mph. Staying in 4th kept me at ~95mph (very close to redline) and my initial braking point was at 300m. Turns 2, 3 and 7 were also hard braking points.

Let me just say that when I attend the Fall Carrera Classic, I plan on having a more serious pad compound (thinking HP+ at the moment). If I'm able to attend the St.L BMWCCA Driving School at the beginning of June, I'll upgrade from the stock brakes then.

If I were running at Putnam, I'd also want to have a more serious compound from what you've said about Turns 1 and 2.

[ZooZoom]

I've run several road course track events in my MS3. First couple were on stock pads. They worked okay but did notice some brake fade.

Tried Hawk Ceramics and they sucked on the track. Great for street (low dusting) but faded like the sunset by a few hard corners.

Moved up to Hawk HPS pads and have been very happy since. They hold up well. They brake better the hotter they get. And they are still absolutely fine for daily driving.

My past ride I used Hawk HP+ racing pads and those are the bomb! But they are terrible for daily driving unless you have a weird fondness for loud squealing.

I also replaced the stock lines with braided lines from Corksport along with better brake fluid.

[htwo0rider]

I think you could use a high performance brake fluid and be fine if you're using the car for instructing driving at 8/10s. Otherwise better pads and you'll be in business.

htwo0rider

[Fobio]

I'm not too happy with the HPS which I've used most of this season...their bite isn't as good but they're more consistent...anyone have any recommendations beyond Hawk?

I've been told to got for Endless CC-X or CC-R, but I think they're like $400 a set...

[Lymerock]

hah revival from the dead!!!!

hawk hp plus here and they are good, but noisy as F!