Track Review: Cobalt Friction XR1-XR3 + JDP Quantum Brake Duct Kit

[Avalnch]

Had my first track event with the Cobalt Friction XR1(front) XR3(rear) set up and WOW, these brakes are amazing. They are worth every penny.

Tonnes of initial bite and zero fad for the entire 20 minute session. From the moment you press down on the brake pedal all the way to the slowest speed for the hairpin, no issues all day long.

The Quantum brake duct kit also did its job. Previously, on the same track, there would be a lot of brake smell and extreme heat coming off the front rotors. This time, with the brake ducts, the heat was much reduced. Didn't have a pyrometer, but a definite improvement.

Extremely satisfied with this setup. Now for a much more vigorous test as next month I am heading out to a lapping session at the ridgemotorsportspark

[toehead93]

A couple guys ran Fontana recently and one with brake ducts was 200 degrees cooler (500 vs 700). I just got my 3" duct today for my DIY kit. That was the last part needed so I hope to have them in soon.

I have to start from everything i have ever read I have yet to see anything remotely negative about those pads, they sound amazing. Glad see they worked for you.

[So Cal Camaro]

Cobalt Friction pads work great, as you pointed out they have excellent bite, never have had them fade even at Road America, they do throw off lots of dust, don't let it get wet on your wheels with getting it off, as will be like cement when it dries....watch your rotors, they do eat them much faster than anything else I have used...

[Avalnch]

Originally Posted by So Cal Camaro

Cobalt Friction pads work great, as you pointed out they have excellent bite, never have had them fade even at Road America, they do throw off lots of dust, don't let it get wet on your wheels with getting it off, as will be like cement when it dries....watch your rotors, they do eat them much faster than anything else I have used...

Thanks for the warnings. I'll watch out for my rotors.

Better wash down the car right away then, eh?

[JDP Sales]

Good review! Thanks for taking the time to post!

Best regards,

Tyler
888-308-6007

[Avalnch]

Originally Posted by toehead93

A couple guys ran Fontana recently and one with brake ducts was 200 degrees cooler (500 vs 700). I just got my 3" duct today for my DIY kit. That was the last part needed so I hope to have them in soon.

I have to start from everything i have ever read I have yet to see anything remotely negative about those pads, they sound amazing. Glad see they worked for you.

The temperature difference that you noted appear to match my observations.

[KRich2587]

Yeah I was at 700 coming off the track no brake issues though. Brake cooling is definitely on the list along with big oil cooler and lower tstat

[So Cal Camaro]

Originally Posted by Avalnch

Thanks for the warnings. I'll watch out for my rotors.

Better wash down the car right away then, eh?

What I do whenever possible is use the air compressor to blow off the dust before washing...if the wheels get wet, make sure you wash it all off the wheels before it dries...I ruined the finish on my Forgeline's racing in the rain and not cleaning the wheels before they dried.

[Avalnch]

Originally Posted by So Cal Camaro

What I do whenever possible is use the air compressor to blow off the dust before washing...if the wheels get wet, make sure you wash it all off the wheels before it dries...I ruined the finish on my Forgeline's racing in the rain and not cleaning the wheels before they dried.

YIKES! Thanks for the heads up!

[Avalnch]

I changed my pads back to the Hawk ceramics this weekend. Man, what a difference. I thought the brakes were good with the Hawk pads, but now they feel mushy compared to the Cobalt Frictions. I can definitely see how the rotors will wear down very fast.

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by Avalnch

I changed my pads back to the Hawk ceramics this weekend. Man, what a difference. I thought the brakes were good with the Hawk pads, but now they feel mushy compared to the Cobalt Frictions. I can definitely see how the rotors will wear down very fast.

Who knew

[Synner]

They're the only pads I haven't melted yet. I'll try harder. LOL.

[TBone]

Ahh, another convert. I love it when a plan comes together. (A-Team music starts playing)

I think the only brakes stronger are the Carbon Z/28's that we can't get at this point. (Patiently waits for a Z to be totaled so I can snag the brakes, insert evil laugh)

T.

[Todd in Vancouver]

Originally Posted by Avalnch

Had my first track event with the Cobalt Friction XR1(front) XR3(rear) set up and WOW, these brakes are amazing. They are worth every penny.

Tonnes of initial bite and zero fad for the entire 20 minute session. From the moment you press down on the brake pedal all the way to the slowest speed for the hairpin, no issues all day long.

The Quantum brake duct kit also did its job. Previously, on the same track, there would be a lot of brake smell and extreme heat coming off the front rotors. This time, with the brake ducts, the heat was much reduced. Didn't have a pyrometer, but a definite improvement.

Extremely satisfied with this setup. Now for a much more vigorous test as next month I am heading out to a lapping session at the ridgemotorsportspark

Hey I'm also running the Ridge next month. I posted on VCMC about doing a Camarovan down to the Ridge on Sunday afternoon so shoot me a PM or watch on the forum for the meet time. I'm thinking of meeting up in Bellingham and head out from there.

Great to see the mods are working for you. Also, will be doing the next AutoX to get ready for the track day and few people I know will be doing some shakedown runs before heading to the Ridge. Should be fun and it looks like we'll be the only Camaros there so should be a good time.