Ok..so maybe another newby question....what is the process of changing the pads back and forth for track sessions? I have changed pads on my motorcycles but never attempted on a car....I am assuming it's the same but not sure. Is it as easy as prying apart the calipers and swapping pads or are there more difficulties involved?

If it just takes removing some wheels and popping out some pads, maybe I can just switch back and forth?

Carbotech pads, IMHO are in a class of their own. They have tremendous friction, even at very low temps, very good feel, yet they are entirely rotor friendly for you guys that daily drive your car. A bone cold XP8 or XP10 will have more initial bite then the OEM pad, and most definitely improve braking performance across the board. Give them a try, and I am sure you will be convinced.

Most of the typical track pads we have used such as the PFC01, require a warm up, and are very hard on rotors.

With respect to noise, they actually make very little noise under hard track braking. But they can make some noise-squeek under very light braking, such as pulling into the paddock....or Starbucks. :)

Hope that helps. We run Carbotech pretty much exclusively on the GT-R and we are having some made for our 370z StopTech racing calipers.

If you have the sport brakes, it should be that simple---haven't changed mine yet, but looked them over. Just pull the bridge bolts, spread the pads and lift out from the top. Very simple.

Dont forget to have a place to break them in when you install!

so you don't actually have to remove the calipers? just lift the car and remove the wheels then 2 bolts and you're done?

do tracks usually have equipment to facilitate this?

#1. Looks that easy to me. But again, I haven't tried. There is a spring clip that might take a few extra seconds to place, but looks that simple.

#2 Not sure where you are going, but every track I have been to I needed to bring my own tools. I normally I change into track pads at home and then drive to the track. But I always have a few critical tools with me.....
Jack & jack stand
tools to remove tires
tools/fluids to bleed brakes
tools to change brake pads
Coolant
Glass cleaner
Rubbermaid tub to keep it all in if it rains. Or a tarp to wrap it up.

I instruct for the Audi club. If you go to an Audi event with my "home" chapter, I would say come with no tools. Someone will help you. Then you will know what you need for the next event. I can't comment on open lapping formats (Hooked on Driving, etc).

hehe I run in hooked on driving solo class. I like the club, at least down here its very lax.

good thinkin lincoln. guess i'll be getting a tub for all that crap soon. the HPDE i'm going to isn't part of my ZClub or anything so I won't know anyone. i'll be prepared on my own

As long as both pad compounds are compatible, nothing else needs to be done other than a straight pad swap. If they are not compatible, you should change rotors as well. Talk to whoever you are purchasing pads from to make sure the right choices are made here, or you will be in for a bit more trouble than you might expect.

Chris

^ I think several people on here have already gone straight from stock pads to Carbotechs, not to mention the folks with G37S's that have had them for a while too. Thats a good tip though.

And who recommended those Carbotechs to you???:happydance:

LOL...you and about5 other people. But in only took one session to become a believer.

Nobody here ever talks about the Cobalts huh? They are a bit more abrasive, but they are excellent pads too :)

say Amem Brother!

Is it reasonable to swap out the OEM sport pads for Carbotech XP8s in the front only, leaving the OEMs on the rear the day before a track day? Then after the track day, pop the OEM pads in again? Any light hand sanding of the rotor required during the swaps? I'd like to avoid buying rear pads for just a few track days if possible.