If you are looking to cure pad fade and longevity at the track, the Mintex F3R is the solution -- period. This stuff lives on 2000°F rotors in NASCAR. It's one of the very highest temperature pads available anywhere.

If the fluid is boiling, you need better cooling (more air) and better fluid, such as AP Racing PRF.

Thanks Chris, F3R it is then. I heard they are a nice linear pad so that sounds like my style.

I use high temp fluid and change it after every track weekend.

Do you think that the Stillen brake duct might come to fruition over the Winter?

The F3R is VERY linear. I you like the way the Xtreme Motorsport feel, you will LOVE the F3R at the track.

I've been close to the brake cooling kit progress, but not in the middle of it yet. If things don't pick up speed quick, I'll be diving right in!

Seriously, there are a lot of projects moving through right now. I'd hate to see the guys rush something out -- and they won't do that even if asked to. Many, many years ago at STILLEN that might not always have been the case. The current crew has quite a bit of pride in their work. Not to say everything is always 100% perfect on first release (no company does that!), but these guys would rather be a little late than push out crap. Having said all that, it would be best to having something shipping well before Spring, right?

Amen. Did you wink at the end of that sentence?

Thanks Chris,

It's always a trade off between quality and timely product delivery, it is in any business (including mine). Obviously major flaws need to be avoided at all costs but minor cosmetic details are not a big issue in a kit like this as the only people who will be buying it will be those that are track focused who typically put function above form. Fortunately you do have a bit of time now that most of us have entered the off season and are now evaluating what to do to the car over the Winter. As I see it there is only one critical part to the kit, and that would be the backing plate duct that delivers the air to the center of the rotor and the wheel hub. This is obviously going to be the most difficult part to design for maximum airflow, everything else can just about be put together from off the shelf parts. In addition to elevated rotor temps I have also been seeing elevated hub temperatures and have experienced "moaning" wheel bearings and hub flex as a result. It seems as though a properly designed duct could deal with both issues.

Of course I'm always willing to help review designs, test fit, install prototypes etc (especially over the Winter as I have nothing better to do), even confidentially if necessary. But sadly there will be no track testing for me until late March, early April, unless I want to stick the car on a trailer and drive a really, really long way.

My ap racing brakes are really squeaky, is there a better street pad then the stock ap racing pads?

Did you bed the pads? I find the Mintex Extreme pads only squeal occasionally under light braking, and mostly when the car has been street driven a few weeks in a row. I recommend a heavy dose of auto-cross to get things squeak free.

As implied in ChrisSlicks post, keeping a good, healthy transfer layer is important to these high performance pads. Re-bedding from time to time is generally a good idea. You can also try applying some high-temp anti-squeal, like Permatex's Ceramic Extreme Brake Parts Lubricant.

http://www.permatex.com/products/aut..._Lubricant.htm

It's not a wonder-fix, but does a pretty good job of getting rid of most noise. The best part is that is stays put until 1600°F, waaaaayyy better than the typical parts store stuff.

yes AP:tup:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../sema09php.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3..._370zfront.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3..._370zrear_.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3..._370zfront.jpg:tup::tup:

That is a stupid-good looking car. Amazing job VIP.

Lookin good Rick :tup:!!!

I agree, looks great! just my imagination or are the wheels in first pic an inch bigger?

Same car.. same wheels.. but you're right.. looking at the first pic.. it's just squished a little.. changes the perspective..

AP's look sick on that Z.. fantastic representation of the 370 IMHO..

i think maybe the car was sitting 0.5in lower in first pic??

same wheel but the last wheel is in step lip.