Track Day Brakes

[toehead93]

I’ve done a lot of research but before I pull the trigger in Spring I’d like to get some feedback. I’m trying to gauge from those of you with experience what setup you’d prefer for track days and why. The hardest track for my brakes is Sebring and I have only run the club course which I hit 120mph, the main track is much faster. I am down to two options and setting cost aside and talking from a performance perspective what would be more ideal for you. Either way I will have braided lines, Castrol SRF, and possible brake ducts.

I’m considering the following options. Option A, stock caliper, rotors, and Cobalt Friction Pads for track days and EOM pads for the street. Option B, CTS-V calipers, CTS-V rotors, and CTS-V pads for the track and street. Also what advantage if any does the 2-piece ZL1 rotor have (heat dissipation, etc.)?

I may consider Hawk DTC 30 up front and Hawk HP Plus in the rear for track days with the CTS-V a $300 option if the OEM pads don’t work out at the track.

[So Cal Camaro]

If you can afford it, the best upgrade is the CTSV fronts with the ZL1 rotors...they work well....I run the Cobalt Friction pads and they work very well, just be ready for a ton of dust that they cast off, I wouldn't be on the track without them....

[toehead93]

What made you choose the ZL1 rotors over the CTS-V. I hear the ZL1 rotors provide better heat dissipation but I'm not sure why that is the case. For $220 more than the CTS-V rotors I think for me the money would be better suited going toward track pads.

[BullF-16]

Originally Posted by toehead93

What made you choose the ZL1 rotors over the CTS-V. I hear the ZL1 rotors provide better heat dissipation but I'm not sure why that is the case. For $220 more than the CTS-V rotors I think for me the money would be better suited going toward track pads.

Back when JusticePete used to be on here he recommended just sticking with the CTS-V rotors saying they were just as good, just a tad heavier. I also was advised the same thing from others here. Cost is a factor and cheaper to swap out rotors. The weight savings are not enough for me to justify the ZL1s.

I run Cobalt Friction XR1/XR3 pads track and Hawk HPS street.

I have yet to get the car to the road course since its now getting Custom Twin turbos installed.

Yeah, yeah.....no need for 1100rwhp on a road course or even 600 for that matter. Its mainly a street car. I do have a plan with the boost controller im going to run. Car will only be at 8 psi for the road course but well above 20psi for having fun

[Synner]

The ZL1 style rotors are a few pounds more than the older dual cast CTSV rotor. Some will say the added mass is better for dealing with heat and others will say the lighter rotors are better for steering responsiveness. Either is fine.

While the stock pads are decent if you're at the point where you're late braking and very hard on them on a fast course then you need to upgrade. Mine cooked themselves and it wasn't even that fast of a track but I drive it hard.

[toehead93]

Yes, the CTS-V dual cast rotors is one pound lighter than the ZL1 2-piece.

[So Cal Camaro]

Originally Posted by toehead93

Yes, the CTS-V dual cast rotors is one pound lighter than the ZL1 2-piece.

Only reason the ZL1 rotors are better is the two piece does dissapate heat which is important when repeating sessions on a road course....and if they are a little heavier, that can't be a bad thing if you are running Cobalt Friction pads, as they will lighten up soon enough...

[SPCBA]

other benefits to 2 piece as well like replacement costs

[1977and2010]

It's hard to go wrong with the ctsv set up. I've been to Sebring quite a few times now and it is hard on brakes. Lots of high speeds. 100-140 in multiple places. I ran it several times with stock calipers as I got faster, upgrading as I went. started with lines and fluid, then hps pads, then dtc30 pads up front and hps in rear. That was the worst, warped the front rotors and cooked the fluid. Since then upgraded to the ctsv setup and brake ducts at the same time and brakes haven't given me any trouble. Now I'm saving for a new engine.

On a side note, haven't you been trying to sell a ctsv setup for a while?

[toehead93]

What pads are you using at Sebring with the CTS-V brakes, stock OEM or track pads? I have a box of brake duct parts ready to go as well. Waiting for Racing Brake lines and my decision to pull the trigger on the CTS-V upgrade. Im trying to hold off for as long as I can...looking for a new house, getting a small office space, oh and having a baby all at the same time.

[ssmike]

Originally Posted by 1977and2010

It's hard to go wrong with the ctsv set up. I've been to Sebring quite a few times now and it is hard on brakes. Lots of high speeds. 100-140 in multiple places. I ran it several times with stock calipers as I got faster, upgrading as I went. started with lines and fluid, then hps pads, then dtc30 pads up front and hps in rear. That was the worst, warped the front rotors and cooked the fluid. Since then upgraded to the ctsv setup and brake ducts at the same time and brakes haven't given me any trouble. Now I'm saving for a new engine.

On a side note, haven't you been trying to sell a ctsv setup for a while?

Oh crap, I just bought the DTC30/HP+ set-up from JDP! Jordan swears by the set-up so we'll see. I was considering the CTS-V calipers but I figured I'd get some more learning time in then upgrade as my skill level increases. I'm installing brake ducts so maybe that will help keeps the fronts from boiling my fluid. Going to run Motul 600, stock rotors, Hawk pads, and cooling ducts so we'll see how that does. Last year I ran Gingerman on my ceramics and survived, but I was not confident in the braking zones!

[1977and2010]

Forgot to mention currently have ctsv fronts with dtc30 (and brake ducts) and stock rear caliper/rotors with hp+ and Pedders lines motul 600. Drive this setup on street and track. This setup does work well just noisy and dirty.