planned first track prep: Hawk pads/rotors
 

Looking for comments: New '14 BRZ Ltd owner! Planning my prep for first track day. Currently looking at Hawk Quiet Slot rotors (F: HUS732, R: HUS739) and DTC-60 pads on front, DTC-30 on rear. I had been leaning to Carbotech XP8/10. Ran into an experienced driver/instructor who had a lot of experience w/ the CT's and warned me against them and heartily suggested the DTC's. Using stock calipers for now. Will swap out rubber lines. Planning on Motul RBF600. Plan to run slicks.

Whats wrong with the carbotechs according to your instructor?

Yeah, what's wrong with Carbotech? I've been using Carbotech XP12 with AP Racing Sprint BBK for two seasons now. With Ohlins and Toyo RR slicks...no matter what I throw at them...slicks chirp and the brakes keep working.

Race pads, once you get to a certain level of competence, are purely preference. If your instructor has a specific recommendation against a compound without a concrete reason (e.g. corrosive brake dust, or funky torque/temp band), then I'm gonna say that he probably did not use the Carbotechs as intended.

Different pads have different characteristics, and can require changes in braking habits to utilize the pad. If your instructor was unable to adapt to a brake pad, do you trust him to adapt to your car and/or its specific characteristics?

Run the same compound front/rear with the stock setup, and DO NOT run slicks for your first track day. Use whatever street tires you have.

If your instructor races, Hawk has an aggressive contingency in place. Is he a paid professional or a volunteer looking to subsidize his own seat time? That'll determine, heavily, how I view his advice.

solidONE: He is a pca club racer. 12 yr on track. currently in spec Miata. He used CT's for quite a bit. Even after carefully following bedding in recommendations, he had rotors w/ some uneven buildup. He had harsh shuddering when starting to brake, but he just got used to that. He had had some chunking off the pads.

CSG Mike: he does not race pro. I've been scouring the forum for tips. I completely read JRitt's brake guide. guess i'm still on the fence, but when you get to talk in person with someone with a lot of track time, you usually listen. I try to listen to all I can. Thanks, all!

CSG Mike: Oh, yeah, thanks for the tires tip. I was just worried about tearing up my DD tires! So, you 'spect I'll keep 'em in good shape??

First track day ever? I doubt you'll do a lot of damage :thumbsup:

Spend some of the money you save on a meal for your instructor.

UPDATE: My first track day, 2 days ago, went without a hitch! Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. AutoInterests acclimation program. I will need work on gear shifting and shift timing!
Prep summary: replaced wheel studs and nuts. replaced brakes lines at all wheels w/ braided lines. The bleeding process took a long time, and replaced fluid w/ Motul RBF 600. The bleeding never completely was void of air, but the pedal was solid. Replaced all stock rotors w/ Centric #'s 120.47031(rear) and 120.47021(front). Replaced all brake pads w/ Carbotech XP8's. The bedding process went very well using country roads. Ran the stock Michelin Primacy HP's.