So, now that I've moved onto r-comps, my pad wear has increased dramatically. I'm currently using Cobalt Spec VR up front and Cobalt GT-Sport in the rear. I must say that I'm very happy with the Spec VR's for the 355mm stoptech front kit. Those pads have lasted about 14 track days, 4 of which were on r-comps, and I'm only 1/2 way through them. I expect to get at least 4 more track days out of them.

As you all know, the rears are a different story. The GT-Sport were down to the backing plates after 4 track days. Wear was definitely not linear as I had more then half of the pad left on the second full weekend or driving. I thought I had enough for the full weekend, but that wasn't the case.

I decided to try out the Raybestos ST-41 (f) and ST-43 (r). The ST-43 has decent feedback from members of this forum for the non-brembo rear application. But after opening the box of brake pads, and seeing the invoice again, I felt a bit ill...

That rear stoptech kit is starting to look like a bargain.

 

Yeah, the faster you go the more it costs. I upgraded the rears early on due to pad longevity. With the Spec VR's on the 328 Stoptech rears, I can use the pads for a season easily.

The fronts are a different story though for me. Currently I can go through a set of front pads in 2-3 HPDE's on a brake intensive course. I am still NA, I have added front brake ducts and I use R-compound tires. Consequently I ordered up the new 6 piston Stoptech direct replacements for the ST-40 caliper. They are back ordered, but I am hoping for 4-6 HPDE's off of them. The kicker is that the pads are like $400-$500 for a set of fronts only.

My advice is to definetly upgrade to the 328mm Stoptech rears, they have tremendous pad life and don't get as hot as the stock rears.

 

That really good to hear. I'm going to see how long these Raybestos last in the rear. If I can get 8 days on the rears, I'll keep on using the non-brembo rears. Any less, it's hello stoptech.

Your rate of pad wear is just unreal for Spec VR's. I imagine this is with the 332 stoptech? Seems like you are the perfect candidate for the 6 piston and larger rotors.

$400-$500 for fronts?!?!? The Lotus Exige is starting to look like a bargain.

 

When you get 20 days out of the front AND rear Raybestos, they will seem like a bargain.
Let us know how you like the st41's. I am on my second set of 43's now and can not imagine getting a pad with any more bite like your 41's have. Be careful the first time you lay into those brakes.

 

I agree, I put in decent lap times so it can't be all driver related (= overstopping for turns). The pedal layout sometimes makes it difficult to heal/toe since the brake goes down further than the gas pedal. At times it can make you push the gas a little with the brakes. To be fair I do get at least 2 hours with four 30 minute sessions at most HPDE's and I did not put in the ducting until this year. Although, I also just made the upgrade to R-compounds this year as well. To answer your other question, I am running the 332 13" kit.

Yes, let us know how you like them. I went a different route and upgraded to the Performance Friction 01's for the front (haven't used them yet). I am hoping for better wear.