kday

I have 993TT (well, 928GTS) calipers over 314mm A8 rotors on my ur-S4. I'm currently running Hawk HPS on all four corners. It's quite good on the street, but I started noticing some fade at my first track day last month as I started going faster.

My current plan is to get a set of track-only front pads, and leave the HPS pads in the rear. I know this is not optimal for stopping distance, but I am more concerned with fade resistance at this point.

So, the question is what pads. There is quite a spread on prices:

Ferodo DS3000 $287/set
Hawk Blue 9012 $212/set
Hawk HP PLUS $135/set
Ferodo DS2500 $129/set

Now I realize the last two are "street/track" pads, but are they good enough for a novice?

I'm interested in opinions... I could spend $300 for a set of brake pads if it was worth it, but is it?

ryoung

Don't short change yourself with a dual use pad. Go with either the Ferodo DS3000 or the Hawk Blue (though I've never tried the latter).

The last thing you want is to ratchet your driving up another notch only to find that your pads are fading again. With the DS3000, you won't have that problem.

Steve Sherwood

I have Hawk Blues on my Spec Miata...and have had them on my first S4 when I tracked it a lot.

kday

I think I'll go with the Blues. I assume the DS3000 (or any equivalent pad) would eat rotors quickly as well.

Should I swap the pads at the track, or before I leave home (~350 mile drive)? All else being equal I'd rather bed them in before getting to the track.

The pad swap looks like it will be very easy with the 993TT calipers...

ryoung

On the street with low pad temperatures, it might be hard on rotors, but the squealing would force you to change them out before you noticed any rotor wear. Been there, done that :-)

s4wood

The main reason why I would switch back to street pads is because Hawk Blues..and the like...are WAY to frickin squeal/squeaky for round town use...other drivers in adjacent cars wince when you brake to a stop near them. And make comments about "your brakes are shot" all day long.

1.8T Boricua

they are great for the track. Plus they do not wear down the rotor as quick as the Hawk Blues. Both great pads but Ferodo sliightly better.

Silver Streakin'

So does raceshopper.com<ul><li><a href="http://essexparts.com/pands.html">http://essexparts.com/pands.html</a</li></ul>

LCP

Just wash the dust off your wheels within 24 hours of use!