Been some years since I bought them for a Lotus, so would really like some help on what to buy? (assuming there are some more options now)
- OEM setup (2 pots, grooved/drilled discs/braided lines)
- Road and Track use
- On track I can be quite hard on the brakes
- Noise/dust I’m not overly fussed, but it would definitely be a plus point if these are low. Don’t really want squealing brakes though
- Warming up before use is not a problem, but I don’t want something that is useless straight from cold, ie dangerous on the road!
- Price is a factor, but I won’t skimp on these. But if there is little benefit on spending an extra £50 then I’d prefer not.
So what do you guys use, have used or will definitely be buying next time. What are your experiences with pads? I like the sound of the CL5+ or CL6, but people hint at some horror stories with them? Also are these Performance Friction pads that Elise Parts sell any good? Or should I be looking at the old favourites, Pagids? If so which ones would you recommend?
Too many bloody choices I just want to make the right one
Mine has EBC’s (can’t recall which…) and these have been fine for road/sprint/trackday use.
Personally I’d avoid anything too race-focussed due to the possibility of them not getting hot enough under road conditions, so not being able to work optimally.
You mention that on track you’re ‘quite hard on brakes’ - maybe (and this isn’t a criticism or patronising) you could work on being less hard?
As discussed on the day, performance friction will do all the things you want, also a nice refresh of brake fluid and you will be a very happy chap. Speak to John at JSR as I believe he has just got some more PF pads and they are sensibly priced, just don’t run them in on a wet trackday!
PF’s here too. Although RS 42’s aren’t a bad road / occasional track day pad.
I use PFs , they are brilliant.
I seem to recall you are not a big track user. Then I’d suggest CL 5+. they work perfectly well (v good in fact) and dont produce the same wheel eating dust the PFs produce. I never had any of the issues that are rarely discussed about the rears disintergrating. Change your pads when the pad thickness is the same thickness as the backing plate.
We run PF on everything now, if it was a pure road car the £50 Mintex 1144’s are fine but track & race use then PF
If road & track then I’d probably run 08 compound front and rear, less aggressive and longer lasting than 01’s
Agree 100% with Stephen - Mintex 1144 are excellent for road,& are very good for occasional trackday use. They’re also inexpensive…
RS42’s front, 14’s rear. Did have 14’s all round but found that, combined with AP308 rotors they squeeled beyond belief! Swapped the fronts to 42’s and have been fine since. Not sure if the mixing of compounds is advised but not had any issues so far.
I would be interested in trying the PF offerings next time, can then compare the 2 in similar usage to yourself. They seem to be steadily gaining favour.
I was desperate to get some ordered so after speaking with Elise Parts on the phone I went for the RS42s. Now I’ve seen all the positive reviews of the PFs I’m wishing I’d given them ago. Next time maybe
Thanks for taking the time to advise guys