6 track days since the ZL1 brake upgrade...my thoughts so far.

[backeddy]

As many of you know, I complained BIG TIME right after the swap, as it did not live up to MY expectations. I was hoping that the stock brembo pads in the 6 piston setup would be somewhat comprible to the Carbotechs in the 4 piston setup, NOPE. Fast forward 7 weeks, a set of Carbotech xp12/10's and a home made set of brake ducts (the ZL1 ones were inadequate in my situation), I can now say it was worth the $$$ and effort. For the first time in many, many track days, my brakes preformed flawless and I had the confidence to go deep. So in the end, I spent less than $2000 total for everything(pads alone were $870 total) and knowing what I know now, It would have been worth twice that. One note though to track newbies, I am a firm beliver that you learn to track in "competitive mode" NOT in normal mode. Regular mode causes both the brakes to overheat/wear out quickly(the computer has no idea you are on the track and it tries to "save" you the whole time, which is done by applying the brakes) and will also cause you to drift out (maybe off the track) in high speed corners due to the much slower steering input ratio.

I have included a picture of the stock 4 piston SS Brembo pad vs the Carbotech ZL1 pad....They say a picture is worth a 1000 words.

[mbowen89]

How much lap time do you think you can shave off just with that brake difference?

And dang, I really wish I would have put it in competitive mode for my first track day.

[littlebuffalo]

Originally Posted by backeddy

I can now say it was worth the $$$ and effort.

I agree, I'm getting way longer pad life with this set up.

[backeddy]

How much lap time do you think you can shave off just with that brake difference?

I have dropped my average laps on Laguna from:

Stock: 1:48
Stock w/carbotech 1:46-7
ZL1 Stock : 1:47
ZL1 w/carbotech: 1:43

The big thing is in our open racing classes I can go deep on the inside of turns, boxing out slower braking cars.....The Dietsch Lotus racing team was in my way at Laguna yesterday...That's how far I can push them out now. It's nice for the shoe to be on the other foot, especially with those arrogant F$%^ks

[Dropspeed]

. As I said.....switch pads and report back (or something like that).

Glad to hear the are working out for you as I presumed they would.

[backeddy]

You called it Dropspeed! I am a happy camper now! how do I fix being at the limit of the tires is the next question........................

[Dropspeed]

Originally Posted by backeddy

You called it Dropspeed! I am a happy camper now! how do I fix being at the limit of the tires is the next question........................

Wider stickier tires! Next question!


In all serious, what are you running on the track? (stock F1 285/285??)

[backeddy]

yeah, but WHICH ones! I don't want to spend $5k to figure it out!

[KaBoom1701]

Part # on the new pads you used?

[backeddy]

Front Ct1405xp12 rears are Ct1053xp10

[Dropspeed]

Originally Posted by backeddy

yeah, but WHICH ones! I don't want to spend $5k to figure it out!

What are you running now for wheels and tires?

[backeddy]

I have run R888=hated them, pilot super sports=hated them, the eagles=good until now, played with handkook=seemed really bad. I have 20" and 19" (not perfect offsets on 19) track wheels....I am almost thinking that I should just get a set of z-28 and run 305/19 challenge series slicks (take offs) but I didn't want to be forced to change at the track

[Dropspeed]

It sounds like in order to get the results you want you will need to switch to a race tire?

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by backeddy

how do I fix being at the limit of the tires is the next question........................

What wheels and tires are you on now?