SCoupe 5sp

Rice Classic, great write up and the photo's add a great deal to your post. The rotors look very much like mine after similar use, I run Carbotech XP10 on Autozone blanks, unlimited free replacement warranty for two years, on my '98 EK Coupe 2,350 lbs. I am getting very similar wear/use from that combo.

I'll add that when I see check marks like that, I make certain that I have a spare set with me at the track, better yet, pre-burnished and ready to go. It has always been my experience that the checks don't go away, they stay the same and then crack at some point. Usually when I have the least time and/or didn't plan for it in the old days, Murphy's law kicking in.

Once the pads are in the general vacinity of +/-50% life the last half seems to wear quicker and generate more heat in the process. Then one of the rotor check marks becomes a crack, game over.

miamirice

X2 on everything you said and use.

rice_classic

Keep in mind that what's significant about my findings to me (because they aren't significant in and of themselves) is that this on a CRX. The rotor size/car weight/tire adhesion ratio on the ITA CRX is such that most in the community have accepted that "their brakes suck" and that's that. But it doesn't have be so. My past experiences, also on this car, is that I can get increased rotor life on autozone/napa/orielly blanks by using Carbotechs also but the Carbotechs are the least qualified race pad for my application meaning, they can't handle all 30 minutes of the race and they wear way too fast.... in this specific application.

So while several here have great success with "china-rotors" the combination of rotor size, tire adhesion and vehicle weight/power need to be taken into account.

SCoupe: I would suggest that even though your Autozone rotors last well now, on your next set try the Centrics. I also suggest, since you mentioned burnishing, that you try a set of ST42's. The burnishing is really quick and straight forward. Infact, if I put on new rotors for a race I could have them happily burnished (good enough to race on) on the pace lap. However, if you have already experimented with several options and found your Carbotechs and Autozone rotors to provide you with your ideal results then of course, keep doing that and thank you for your kind words.

I have witnessed the same thing here as well. I bet I can run these down to their backing plates though! I've been surprised how much track time I can get on a rotor that's cracked all the way through... I think I did a 15 minute qualifying on one. Not recommending this of course!

My next race weekend is on June 30th and I'm going to put on new rotors and the PFC 80's and give them a go. I sure do hope the PFC 80's perform like the ST42's because they're less than half the price!

known

iTrader: (1)

Overlooked, but this is one of the best threads going. Thank you Rice for taking the time to pull the rotors and pads and do these reviews.

I know I promised the HT-10s wear and my rotors pics (just had a baby so will try to get them soon).

SCoupe 5sp

I am going to give the Raybestos Pads a try. Tim at Porterfield suggested the ST43 compound as having a little more friction than the ST42 and thought that with the relatively low weight of my car it would last nearly as long.

The only issue I have with Carbotech XP10 is that I can only get three weekends out of them at the hard on pad tracks like Thunderhill. At that point they are at or below 50%. And that 50% goes in 1/3 the time. So I start ordering then.

When I have used the XP10's at Infineon, they seem to last longer. But with five of the six events this year at Thill, The quick wear of the XP10 or my bad braking habits have taken their toll.

itrQ

Very informative thread. What pads would you guys recommend for a 2850lb car (4 door Integra with driver)? I've been looking into the Hawk DTC60's or maybe the ST42. The application is track days on socal tracks and would like the pad to last longer than a few track days (ie. not carbotech). Thanks in advance.

cluelessmale

iTrader: (1)

carbotech xp2 front xp5 rear, still going on 2 schools, 12 races, 20+ qualifying/practices. So at a track day where you are not pushing it I would not see a problem with them not lasting.

itrQ

clueless, do you mean XP12's? How do you like the balance between those front and rear pads?

http://www.ctbrakes.com/brake-compounds.asp

rice_classic

itrQ: you need to consider the dual purpose of your braking system; Street and Track. Thus if I were you I'd look at a pad that you can do both with. If you are looking at a race pad like the DTC-60 or the ST42 then be prepared to swap pads at the track and spending the first session (or at least first few laps of first session) resetting your transfer layer.

itrQ

Excuse my lack of clarity. I was planning on having a dedicated set of rotors/pads for the track to swap out. Right now, I'm on centric premiums and centric posi-quiet for the street.

cluelessmale

iTrader: (1)

sorry XR2 and XR5 and different company, we got the 50% off in the start of the season some SCCA program

http://www.cobaltfriction.com/search...s.asp?cat=1916

JmurGSR98

I read on one website where I get my parts from that every Cobalt brake order is custom made and requires at least 2 weeks. Maybe thats why its taking so long for some of you to receive your pads.

rice_classic

I concur. However, 2 weeks would be a dream come true. And just to be fair to Cobalt, there is a very real chance they have improved and my experiences from the past are not experienced presently by folks. Also, Cobalt makes a damn fine brake pad.

VTECIntegra9

I believe I bought mine from THMotorsports and they had them in stock. This was a little bit ago and I can't say for sure. And so far yes a damn good pad... can't seem to sweat them and still tons of meat on them after a few events (last 2 on slicks, a a couple in the rain)

SCoupe 5sp

Back from a weekend of NCRC Race at tough on brakes Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, CA and the first time on the Raybestos ST43.

I found the ST43 to have all the finesse of the Carbotech XP10's I've been using for the past year and a half. Very happy about that. It is much too early to say if they are wearing better. I will be watching that part closely as the season continues.

2,400lb EK doing ~2:03-2:05 lap times on a 90 degree, sunny, hot weekend.

For some reason I found my Cobalt XR1 pads (NOT CARBOTECH) left a horrifically corrosive dust residue that damaged any metal surface it came in contact with if it was not immediately cleaned off. Particularly aluminum wheels. It turned to an orange like rust color once a little condensation hit it and etched the metal. Not uncommon when I asked around about that at the track. dk about others on forum...

Update as of Feb 14, 2013: Still on the ST43 from this past summer. Granted that I missed several events due to engine failure. However, car will be heading into its sixth weekend on the pads and are showing very good durability, particularly in light of the 350miles run at Thunderhill, the pad eating track for me. The Carbotechs would be toast by now.

miamirice

As a long time carob tech xp10/8 user I will test xp12/8 this Saturday and report my impressions. Newly acquired k20 civic with GSR brakes. I have not been thrilled with the braking. Seems so easy to go from not slowing enough to lock up. Tires are toyo R888.

Question: for a dedicated track car can anybody give me feedback on using the GSR brakes with the brackets that move the caliper out and use the 11" rotor?

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

That would fall under another thread, extensive thread on the honda/acura line of components that bolt up, and use the 11in rotors.
Let me see if i can find it, but its there alright.

Lots of good info.
SCoupe 5sp uses 11 inch rotors and Im about to change my calipers and rotors to his type of set up.
David Swears by them.

KJR1

noob question and not quite racing but lapping question.

Have a itr, and have hawks hps all around for daily. Wonder if changing just the front to hp+ is sufficient for lapping days? Trying to do 3 lapping days this year.

rice_classic

Leave what you have on there. See how they feel then make the call.

KJR1

Will do so.

itrQ

Has anyone had any experience with Project Mu Club Racers for DE's?

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

Never heard of them until you mentioned them.

itrQ

I believe these are the pads. I'm looking for a pad that will do the job for a reasonable price. I think these are around $170 for the fronts.

http://project-mu.co.jp/en/products/pad_clubracer.html

SCoupe 5sp

I am not saying what is reasonable $ in race pads. Everything I've purchased and ever considered cost between $175-$225 shipped with tax. +/-$50 is not and should not be a factor on this component. If no one has been on Project Mu pads who is willing to speak up here, imho, why not stick with the known excellent pads discussed so far? Just sayin...

itrQ

SCoupe: I'm not trying to skimp/save money/reinvent the wheel on one of the most important components on the car, but would like to see if anyone here has used these pads on similar FF machines. Seeing as this is a place for discussion and open minds, it is nice to have input from members sharing their 2 cents with cars similar to mine.

Background: I am prepping my car for some track sessions and about to order some Cobalt's (XR2/XR5 per the recommendation online), but the local parts guy recommended these project mu's, hence the question. I realize all the pads mention in this thread are similar in price.