Quote:
Originally Posted by jamestown
The more I look at it I would probably buy rs3's due to tire cost and that I don't want to move to something like an NT01 due to their wet traction limits. So in practical terms the decision would be between stock rims and say a 225/45ZR17 or rpf1's and a 245/40ZR17. Lowest cost option vs dare I say the better cosmetic option??
A lot of people have brought up brake bleeding/ fluid. I am a religious bleeder. I'm coming from a car that weighs 3800lbs and would probably be dead otherwise.  All praise fluid.
The pad useage I have seen on both my previous cars has been around 5-6 track days. Ofc as you know it all depends on track for instance I think I crushed pads in only a few days on the g35 when I went to Watkins Glen a few years back (all of the braking zones are downhill). My main tracks are going to be TMP kayuga, Mosport GP track, and Mosport DDT just due to proximity. TMP and the DDT are smallish technical tracks that will be hard on brakes. Mosport GP is actually pretty easy on brakes as far as tracks go, most braking zones are slightly uphill and it is high speed (lots of airflow between braking zones).
I don't know how I can argue against that regardless of my hangups. Seems like I would at least break even if I do 25 days over 5 years with the added benifit of more braking confidence on track.
I can't thank people for posts yet but strat thanks for that useful post! |
Sweet spot for handling rim/tire size without added power and suspension upgrades is around stock or 17x8 with 225/45-17. Very sticky tires like upgraded/stiffer suspension, so RS3 looks good for what you're looking for.
I find the break even argument for BBK irrelevant - it's a nice added benefit but if I'm pushing the car I want to be able to slow down when I need to and how I need to, without thinking about the "if" part. You'll get most of your investment back when you sell it some day. Rebuild by Essex is about $200 every 1-3 years - every year for me at 20+ track days/year. Rotors are $380 list for j-hook blanks and mounting hardware, if you keep moving the hats from the original kit. I have a spare set of rotors and a spare set of AP Sprint calipers. Brake pads are $217 list for a pair of front Carbotech XP12 pads. Rear pads/rotors wear about 3x slower than front. Exposure to road salt is not good - metal pistons and no rubber piston seals on Essex Sprint and they would disintegrate with track use anyway - but it's easy to swap to stock calipers for cold months. It's a win-win with some up front investment for a piece of mind. I bleed brake fluid after every track weekend and I never worry about brakes.
Enjoy