Porterfield R4S for track use?

[JasonXieyf]

Hello
I just wore out my first set of track pad, ProjectMu HC800, after 5 track days.

I'm satisfied with the pmu hc800, significant performance increase over stock pad and doesn't seem to fade in a 15-minute section.(I usually don't run the whole session)

I'm looking for next set of brake pads. Ideally the PMU Club Racer is the best choice(many of my friends are using that), but the price is a little high and it seems to wear out quicker on the street.

A friend of my who tracks his RX8 recommends me Poterfield r4s for track use. According to his feedback those pads are solid for track use. But when I was searching there are different comments on this pad. Some say it is good, the others say it is a piece of trash for track, and fades easily.

Or I can just buy another set of HC800.

Just want to know if there is anyone running these pads on their FRS/BRZ for track/street duty. Thanks

[Apex-Apex]

I ran the R4 on the track and they're pretty good. I heard R4S is their street pad and might not last as long.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by JasonXieyf

But when I was searching there are different comments on this pad.

Not related to these pads in particular but pads in general.

The same brake pad is not the same thing to all people. Different people brake differently, have different cars, use them at different tracks. The requirements for a tight slow track are different from a fast open track. The situation is further complicated if you are using the same pad for street and track.

[CSG Mike]

R4 is great on track. R4S is a street pad, and is not appropriate for track use.

Just bite the bullet and step up to Club Racers. You won't regret it once they're on the car.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by JasonXieyf

Hello
I just wore out my first set of track pad, ProjectMu HC800, after 5 track days.

I'm satisfied with the pmu hc800, significant performance increase over stock pad and doesn't seem to fade in a 15-minute section.(I usually don't run the whole session)

I'm looking for next set of brake pads. Ideally the PMU Club Racer is the best choice(many of my friends are using that), but the price is a little high and it seems to wear out quicker on the street.

A friend of my who tracks his RX8 recommends me Poterfield r4s for track use. According to his feedback those pads are solid for track use. But when I was searching there are different comments on this pad. Some say it is good, the others say it is a piece of trash for track, and fades easily.

Or I can just buy another set of HC800.

Just want to know if there is anyone running these pads on their FRS/BRZ for track/street duty. Thanks

I had a similar issue with my PMU HC+800's wearing out after 4 track days. I never really liked them to be honest. There are much better pads out there for track use. I switched to Carbotech XP10's and they've been a big improvement. I would recommend Carbotech XP10 or XP12, or PMU CR's as Mike recommends.

One warning - it was after I switched to XP10's that I started melting my stock brake piston seals. The pads can take a good amount of heat, but you may start to find weak links elsewhere in the stock brake system.

[Toyarzee]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

One warning - it was after I switched to XP10's that I started melting my stock brake piston seals. The pads can take a good amount of heat, but you may start to find weak links elsewhere in the stock brake system.

First I've read of someone having this problem. That doesn't sound good at all... PMU CR's here and I haven't had any regrets yet. Did you replace the whole brake system or target only certain conponents to combat heat in other areas?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Toyarzee

First I've read of someone having this problem. That doesn't sound good at all... PMU CR's here and I haven't had any regrets yet. Did you replace the whole brake system or target only certain conponents to combat heat in other areas?

Totally normal to melt/burn the outer seals once you step up to race pads. Totally okay to drive without those seals, provided you don't drive in a salted area.

My S2k has been seal-less for ~6 years now.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Toyarzee

First I've read of someone having this problem. That doesn't sound good at all... PMU CR's here and I haven't had any regrets yet. Did you replace the whole brake system or target only certain conponents to combat heat in other areas?

It's pretty typical to have this issue and not a huge issue from what I've heard. I just noticed abnormal taper on my pads and found that my seals had melted, causing the pistons to stick. I upgraded to a BBK mostly for peace of mind (wanted something designed for track abuse and cheaper pads), but as Mike said, I could have just removed all the seals too.

[darkonion]

This was awhile ago, 2009ish, but I ran the R4S for two track days on my old Impreza. At least from my experience, they seemed to be okay for the track. Of course, different car, different track, different driving style.

Car: 1997 Subaru Impreza
Track: Thunderhill
Driving Style: Slow

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

It's pretty typical to have this issue and not a huge issue from what I've heard. I just noticed abnormal taper on my pads and found that my seals had melted, causing the pistons to stick. I upgraded to a BBK mostly for peace of mind (wanted something designed for track abuse and cheaper pads), but as Mike said, I could have just removed all the seals too.

You are melting the boots not the seals.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

You are melting the boots not the seals.
Attachment 134728

Ah you're right, good catch. Meant to say dust boots.

[Traktor]

I had a similar experience with the HC800s. They didn't fade after 20 minute sessions and are about 2/3 worn after 3 track days.
They work well on the street, but the downside is a lot of brake dust!

I'm switching to an Essex Sprint kit up front, 07 WRX 2 pot rear with Carbone Lorraine RC5+ pads all round.


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