Alright, I finally got my Stoptech big brakes installed and everything is great. Gary tells me that the AXXIS Ultimate pads are not really up to track use. I've been looking around for track pads for the new calipers and I'm open to suggestions from anyone. I'm also suffering from sticker shock. I'm used to paying $75 to $100 for a set of 4 but these things that I've seen are running $160 and up. I don''t need race pads just something that will take the abuse of a day of hot lapping.
Thanks

 

160/set for what you're looking to do isn't that bad of a price.
Gotta pay to play and all that

 

I just got a front kit and will try both the Hawk HP+ and the Hawk Blues at the track soon. Keep hearing horror stories about the dusting and paint damage with the wheels though (if they get wet that is). HP+ are a little cheaper than $160.00 but not my much and I don't know yet how it will hold up to moderate (Intermediate) track use.

 

The horror stories I've heard were in reference to the Hawk Blues by the way, and not the HP+

 

I've used the Hawk HP+ and they are fine except noisy under light braking. It was suggested to use Hawk HT-10 or Pagid Orange. Both of these are a club race pad. Not as aggressive and hard on the rotors as the Hawk Blues. Does anyone have any experience with either of these? The Axxis Ultimates are working well on the street. They are quieter than the HP+ but may be a bit dirtier. It's always something.

I'm looking for those pads made from "unobtainium". Clean, quiet, easy on rotors, never fade, long life and work at all temperatures. I wonder how much they cost?

 

For what it's worth, I'm currently running the Carbotech Panther XP8 for my track pad (I'm using the Axxis Ultimates on the street,) and they've worked pretty well so far. Good fade resistance, easy on the rotors, extremely long pad life, but lots of noise on the street and a somewhat inconsistent bite as the pad material left has gotten lower (although that could be my imagination.)

I'll be trying one of the Cobalt Friction pads next (either GT-Sport or Spec-VR,) but at the low rate that these Carbotechs are wearing, it will likely be a few more track days before it's time to replace them.

As for the cost of pads for these calipers, I agree that it can be hard to accept the higher price at first, but when you consider how long the pads last on the Stoptechs compared with how quickly they disintegrated on the stockers, it's really not that bad, and is probably a lower cost-per-track day as a result.

Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you end up with.

 

I'll put those on my list of pads to check out. As far as street goes, I'm pretty happy with the Axxis so far. Unless they go bad suddenly, I'll probably stick with them.

Gary, missed you at CHP yesterday. Not a lot of cars there, but it was really hot on the mesa. Cut the day short about 3:00 pm. A lot of cars were unhappy with the heat. Don was there as a spectator. He rode a session with me and offered some tips. One of these days a might get it all right.

 

Craig: You definetly got it going on... even with the 'Technical Difficulties' that plagued you yesterday! I think all you need to do is focus on being smoother with your transistions... like all the rest of us. What did you think of that G35 guy calling me out? I suspect someone will be humbled come Sep 10th, eh??? LOL... 320hp, HA!!!

 

How was the CHP track day? I wanted to go, but my friend would reschedule his wedding. Oh well.

Don: what happened with the G35?
David

 

I had to miss the CHP day because the wife and I are moving this week and we've been having to finish up the packing, but I'd like to hear how it went (especially this thing about Don and the G35 driver!) What happened?!?!

 

Craig- Here's a link to another thread you might find interesting:

https://my350z.com/forum/autocross-road/133741-cobalt-friction-spec-vr-review.html

I've been using Cobalt Friction's GT-Sport compound on my Brembos and find it's a good compromise between a pure track/street pad. Hope this helps...

 

Please, do tell.

 

I can second David's Cobalt Friction GT-Sport compounds... those are what I use when I go to the track.

As far as the G35 guy goes... well, someone told me once that I need to work on my impulses... so I'll defer to another time for that story. Suffice it to say that Sept 10th will be most interesting to see G35 vs 350z (Track models). I'm still looking for data on the G35 Track model... hmmm, and I cannot find any on the web. Can anyone help me out here???

Don...

 

What do you want to know?

 

Actaully I have a question, are the stock 18" wheels the same width on the front as they are on the back? I have the G35c wheels and my fronts are pretty scratched up, I mean seriously scratched up and I would like to replace them because I like 'em. I've looked on Ebay for just two wheels and every once in a while they pop up, but they don't say if they're for the front or rear unless they have the tires on them. I'm thinking that they're the same all around. Thanks.

I also didn't know there was a Track G35 coupe. What are the differences between a Track and the normal six speed? Suspension and Braking? Is it expensive?

I think this thread has offically been hi-jacked, but it always seems like the Southwest posts are always all over the place.

Craig: How did the stop tech brakes do? Was it a completely different experience? What's your review ?

David

 

TEASER!!!

Sounds like a topic for the next happy hour!

 

I have an '03 and the stock wheels are the same size all around. The "track" coupe has "sport-tunned suspension" and Brembos with the larger wheel/tire package and performance summer radials.

 

Sweet, thanks, that's will save me some time with looking for replacement wheels.
David

 

Don,
I didn't know there was anything between you and the guy with the G35. That fellow was a decent sort but he had all kinds of bogus information concerning the Z and G35 models and power ratings. He seemed to think....... , well I won't go into that in this forum. Better for a tableside conversation over some beers.
Asd far as my Stoptech, David, they were great. Between the new tires and the new brakes, it was like driving a new car. The brakes are so much better than stock that I was using way too much pedal and really overbraking into the corners. The car tuned in much better with the Kumhos. In the chicane it felt like just a little more throttle and I could make the rear step out. The felt quite predictable and the car feltlike I could go to the edge and jjust stay there. I need some more track time in some cooler weather to really see how far I can go. I used the Axxis pads and didn't have any problem with fade. I guess I just don't push it like Gary does. Much too conservative!!!
Can't wait until Sept 10th.