Track Pads for Stoptech st60/st40

[gan1hck]

What pads are you guys running with your ST60/ST40 setups?

I've been running PFC08's in my stock brakes, and have been very happy with it's performance.

However, PFC 08's don't seem to be an option for the ST60 calipers.

Anyone with suggestions on pads for similar durability and performance for the ST60/ST40 setup?

[///Mobbin]

I have an ST-40 front kit and just ordered some Pagid RS-14 Blacks. I have been running PFC08's recently but want more bite. If you want something closer to the PFC08's you might try Pagid RS-19's or RS-29's (all of these pads come in both ST-40 and ST-60 sizes). I've tried these in the past and actually prefer them to the 08's, unlike the PFC's they will require bedding though.

You might also check with dbyrd as he's been through some pads with this setup.

[gan1hck]

thanks.....where do you buy them?

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by gan1hck

thanks.....where do you buy them?

Clark at Apex Performance, if you ask for 'the discount" he will usually give you 10% off. Fair warning, ST-60 pads are pricey! Also, sometimes pads are backordered so be sure and tell him if you need them by a certain date.

[gan1hck]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

Clark at Apex Performance, if you ask for 'the discount" he will usually give you 10% off. Fair warning, ST-60 pads are pricey! Also, sometimes pads are backordered so be sure and tell him if you need them by a certain date.

hmm...maybe i should just get st40 on all four corners.

brake bias an issue with that setip?

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by gan1hck

hmm...maybe i should just get st40 on all four corners.

brake bias an issue with that setip?

If I had to buy again I would have gotten ST-60 fronts, depends on where you are at in terms of experience though. Probably want something you can grow into a bit but obviously don't want to waste money either. No bias issues, Stoptech tunes each kit for each car.

[gan1hck]

thanks for feed back.

Advanced/Instructor level in terms of driving a car.

Novice level with car equipment stuff��

[surlynkid]

RS29. Definitely call Clark at Apex. Rears will last a long time.

Pagid black is very aggressive with a lot of bite like PFC01. Will wear rotors faster as well.

[surlynkid]

Originally Posted by gan1hck

hmm...maybe i should just get st40 on all four corners.

brake bias an issue with that setip?

It gives some interesting options. 17" wheels and tires. Move front pads to rear when they get to 1/2 thickness. I like my ST60 fronts at COTA, but I might consider it if I did it again.

[dbyrd]

Lots o' threads re: this topic out there - here are a few:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...T60+brake+pads

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...+stoptech+pads

I'm using the Cobalt Friction XR1s, and I really like them, but they have a very high initial bite that took some getting used to. They take a much lighter touch, and it took me a day or so not to get into the ABS at every brake zone. I'm considering the XR2s that should have a little less bite.

The Pagid RS-29s are a great endurance pad that has lasted longer than other pads. These are the only ones that I've had trouble bedding-in after using street pads. Others will say that this is a deal-breaker, but you should be able to bed them without incident if you follow the Pagid instructions. I also run them on the street for a day or two before an event and before bedding.

I still plan on trying the PFC pads as I preferred the 08 as well - probably the 11 or 13. The cost has kept me from doing so - $550ish. I'll probably try them in the future.

[surlynkid]

The bedding is a pain but I leave them on full time. The Cobalt Friction DByrd mentions are good. We use the XR3 at all 4 corners on the Spec Miata but it has no ABS.

[TZANIDO777]

I'm running SR34 in the front of my St60 kit and SR33 in the rear on the st40 kit and haven't had any issues or anything bad to say after 7 events.

[dozaiya]

I've been running Endless n35s and pretty happy with them, but because they are so good I pushed pretty hard and boiled my fluid, ended up getting some titanium shims.

[skxf430]

Originally Posted by dozaiya

I've been running Endless n35s and pretty happy with them, but because they are so good I pushed pretty hard and boiled my fluid, ended up getting some titanium shims.

If you are boiling fluid, you don't need shims and just use better fluid like Brembo, Endless or Castrol SRF.

PFC08's have been replaced by PFC11's which are quite good but some mention they are a bit harsh on rotors.

Endless ME20's are very good for both street and track duty. Also, Ferodo and Race Technologies make good pads as well.

[surlynkid]

You guys all know that there are only like 3 companies that make these brake pads, right. Everything else is just the individual branding put on them. Just like car batteries.

[gan1hck]

Thanks for all the feedback....really appreciate it.

I know there are threads out there on this already, but now I'm wondering if my wheels will clear the ST60 caliper.

I have a set of APEX ARC8 18x9.5 ET22 wheels that is supposed to clear the ST60 calipers, but then when I used their template to double check....I find that the spokes will clear, but wheel isn't wide enough.

Any first hand experience/comments.

My wheels are bought second hand...so they are kind of old.

[gan1hck]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

If I had to buy again I would have gotten ST-60 fronts, depends on where you are at in terms of experience though. Probably want something you can grow into a bit but obviously don't want to waste money either. No bias issues, Stoptech tunes each kit for each car.

Just did the fitment guide from Stoptech....Clearance is just a little too tight for comfort for me with my ARC8 wheels.

I guess I'll be going ST-40 on all for corners.

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by gan1hck

Just did the fitment guide from Stoptech....Clearance is just a little too tight for comfort for me with my ARC8 wheels.

I guess I'll be going ST-40 on all for corners.

The ST-60 kit fits some 18" wheels but not all. At the end of the day the ST-40 kit is cheaper, has cheaper pads available, and is still quite functional, just less room to grow. Only wishing I got the ST-60 kit for the extra thermal dissipation (bigger rotors) and bc I am contemplating converting my car to full track use. For a full track car it just makes sense to go for it.

I would get a quote from Joe at Trinity, he has the best Stoptech prices I've seen anywhere (and is a forum advertiser too). I would also consider the Trophy kit, the anodized finish looks good and it stays nice. I got a little brake fluid on my painted ST-40's and it shows. Functionally they are quite similar though.

On my last car I had the Trophy ST-60's and loved them.

[PrimeBMW]

I would suggest "if" going with stoptech the ST-60 front only. I don't think the st-40 front makes any since. With that said I am not impressed with stop tech. The braking performance isn't much better than OEM other than larger pad life. Plus there is more pad knock back than I would like. My AP Racing (euro version) performs much better. Food for thought.......

[gan1hck]

Originally Posted by PrimeBMW

I would suggest "if" going with stoptech the ST-60 front only. I don't think the st-40 front makes any since. With that said I am not impressed with stop tech. The braking performance isn't much better than OEM other than larger pad life. Plus there is more pad knock back than I would like. My AP Racing (euro version) performs much better. Food for thought.......

Not even resistance to fade?

I'm getting fade about 10 minutes into a session with stock calipers and PFC08's.

Are you saying that the ST40's won't be any better?

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by gan1hck

Not even resistance to fade?

I'm getting fade about 10 minutes into a session with stock calipers and PFC08's.

Are you saying that the ST40's won't be any better?

I never ran the stock setup on this car but IMO the ST-40's definitely have some fade resistance vs stock. They do include true two piece multi-vane rotors at least (and make pad swaps easier). That said I have experienced some fade with them. Texas heat, track almost to myself, about 22-23 minutes in to a session on a shorter course with reduced brake cool down periods, Motul 600 and ST-40 PFC08 fronts, Stoptech Performance OEM rears, I boiled my fluid pretty good. Same track upgraded to Castrol SRF, adding PFC08 OEM size rears, and Ti shims up front, no issues. I maybe had a soft pedal at the end of one session but it was quite manageable. (I really think having the rear track pads helped the most.)

Then that same setup at COTA was fine but I was managing my brakes slightly. Benefit of going for larger rotors and maybe even both the front/rear ST-40 combo will be that you can manage your brakes less.

Another option, some of these pricier BBK's come with 372mm front rotors instead of 380mm and they may fit under your wheels more easily. Price for both front/rear kit will eclipse Stoptech though.

Tough call I know, happy to answer any questions!

[PrimeBMW]

Originally Posted by gan1hck

Not even resistance to fade?

I'm getting fade about 10 minutes into a session with stock calipers and PFC08's.

Are you saying that the ST40's won't be any better?

Fade? Never with cobalt friction XR1 or XR2.....OEM or stoptech ST60 front. I have never used anything else so maybe your using the wrong pads if you get fade.
I would recommend the AP Racing Essex kits.....