hey guys 95 civic hatchback cx here with a h2b swap producing 191whp 168wtq. i still have the stock brakes, meaning stock front and stock shoes in the back. I'm going to be trying out my first track event and wanted to know what you guys would suggest me to do. upgrade my brakes to integra or do a brake fluid flush with dot5 brake fulid. hawk hp+ front pads with new autozone rotors and new shoes in the back.

thanks in advance

 

First, I strongly recommend that you do NOT use DOT 5 brake fluid, which is silicone-based brake fluid (SBBF). DOT 5 is a maintenance nightmare because it can't be mixed with conventional brake fluid. Get DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1, all of which are non-SBBF. You can get some excellent non-SBBF brake fluids with boiling temperatures just as high as DOT 5 SBBF fluids. For example, Motul RBF 600 has high boiling points (594F dry) and is widely available and not that expensive. The most recent list is here.

I wouldn't upgrade the calipers for your first event. I would just try it out with your current setup. What you describe - HP+ pads, new rear shoes, etc - should be fine, along with fresh brake fluid (e.g. Motul RBF 600 or something with a similar or higher dry boiling point). You don't need the new rotors unless your old ones are getting thin or are warped. Make sure you bed the new brakes prior to the event (click here for more info).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">First, I strongly recommend that you do NOT use DOT 5 brake fluid, which is silicone-based brake fluid (SBBF). DOT 5 is a maintenance nightmare because it can't be mixed with conventional brake fluid. Get DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1, all of which are non-SBBF. You can get some excellent non-SBBF brake fluids with boiling temperatures just as high as DOT 5 SBBF fluids. For example, Motul RBF 600 has high boiling points (594F dry) and is widely available and not that expensive. The most recent list is here.

I wouldn't upgrade the calipers for your first event. I would just try it out with your current setup. What you describe - HP+ pads, new rear shoes, etc - should be fine, along with fresh brake fluid (e.g. Motul RBF 600 or something with a similar or higher dry boiling point). You don't need the new rotors unless your old ones are getting thin or are warped. Make sure you bed the new brakes prior to the event (click here for more info).
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hey thanks alot. now i read the links and seems like most people prefer the rbf600 motul and the ford heavy duty. which one would you suggest me to use, also would it be safe to daily drive with it?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .Hatches. &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">hey thanks alot. now i read the links and seems like most people prefer the rbf600 motul and the ford heavy duty. which one would you suggest me to use, also would it be safe to daily drive with it?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Get the Motul. The boiling points are MUCH higher than the Ford fluid. Yes, it's fine for daily driving too.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Get the Motul. The boiling points are MUCH higher than the Ford fluid. Yes, it's fine for daily driving too.
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thanks man

 

Although your rear drums may get hot, you should be fine on a light track day...I would definitely suggest NOT going with Autozone, and at least run some Honda shoes. I've used EBC shoes in the past with good results. Just make sure they are properly adjusted for best pedal feel

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Evs-One &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would definitely suggest NOT going with Autozone, and at least run some Honda shoes. I've used EBC shoes in the past with good results. Just make sure they are properly adjusted for best pedal feel </TD></TR></TABLE>

I think the original reference to Autozone was for the rotors, not the shoes....? I've used Autozone's Duralast rotors on the track and they work great. Don't know about shoes, haven't had a car with drum brakes in many years.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I think the original reference to Autozone was for the rotors, not the shoes....? I've used Autozone's Duralast rotors on the track and they work great. Don't know about shoes, haven't had a car with drum brakes in many years.
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I can't fogure it out still...either way...I've always run the cheapest rotors possible. Not worth resurfacing on a track car- thinner the rotor the faster it warps