Brake Fade a risk for first time tracker?
 

Hi,

I've read a lot about brake fade on this forum and am wondering how big of a risk/ how likely is it that I may encounter it as a complete newbie going to the track for the first time (ever in any car). I have the stock sport package brakes and wasn't planning on replacing my pads for better ones until I actually needed new pads. I am at 4100 miles only so it will be some time before then. My friend says as a beginner, I won't be pushing it hard enough for brake fade to affect me, but I am a little worried and am wondering what you all think since many of you are very knowledgeable.

Thanks

I plan to do my first track day in 3 weeks on December 17th at Button Willow. They have a Performance Driving Clinic/track day for $195.

you should at least change the fluid, but you will probably be fine as a first timer. I met a fellow forum member this weekend, but I don't know his screen name. He said he did lose his brakes at his first ever track day.

I lost my brakes on my first track day. Granted it was in my GT500 which weighed a crap ton haha. But I got the fever and was playing with a Porsche and trying to keep up in the bends (easily had him on the straights but not even close in te bends) just don't get ahead of yourself and make sure to turn vdc off

Will VDC attribute to brake fade while tracking? Is it a good idea for a complete beginner to have that off?

IMO, I wouldn't feel safe/comfortable taking the Z out on track with stock brake pads/fluid, but I tend to err on the conservative side of things regarding this kind of stuff.

Any warning signs for brake fade? Just how quickly does the fade set in and how long of a cooldown would they need to get back to normal?

What pads do people recommend for a good street/track pad? I read that track pads bite into the rotors and aren't as good for normal street driving. I am interested in a moderate 2 way pad that's good on the street and good enough, but not the best, for the track which won't eat my rotors. I will probably only track a few times a year so normal street driving would be more important. Just want to feel safe when i do track, but I am not hardcore. Also, any idea how long my stock factory pads will last before I get to change them naturally as opposed to replacing them while they're still fine?

There is no such thing as a dual pad. It's like all season tires.

At first hint of anything feeling abnormal, ease up and pit in. When mine boiled on my first track day, I went from slight squishiness to a 30foot stop from 10 mph in the pit, and I coasted all the way. When it hits, it happens quick.

yes VDC will attribute to brake fade because it modulates the brakes in order maintain traction (along with other ways) but you wil need to shut it off. you probably wont experience fade so much as you will likely boil the stock fluid. And yes it can be very dangerous when it happens. Also remember your insurance wont cover ANY damage occured while on track. If you wreck your car, your S.O.L

So I should definitely change my brake fluid is the general consensus and probably pads sooner rather than later. What Brake fluid do people recommend and any pads that will perform alright on the track but won;t eat up my rotors?

Motul or brembo fluid. Brembo is slightly less expensive. For pads, carbotech xp8

Thanks, I'll look into the Carbotechs. Do we have a specific sponsor with a good prices for these?

Forged performance