First time doing a HPDE, should I get race brake pads?

[jsottile]

Hello guys,
This will be my first HPDE. I am driving to the event from PA and I was wondering if I should get race brake pads for the event. My car only has 4,000 miles on it, so there is a lot of factory pad left. I have aftermarket leaf springs and Pfadt sway bars. With this being my first time, will the race pads make a big difference or will the stock pads be okay?

Thanks,
Jeff

[wheelman]

If you are running on street tires, then there is little advantage to "race" pads. They will lock the tires to quickly, which is bad for a number of reasons.
I would concentrate on fluids. Engine, transmission, rearend, brakes and clutch. I try to change engine oil before and after an event.
Bleed your brakes before and after event. During, if you get them hot. If your pedal gets spongy, you need to bleed.
Pay close attention to your tires after arriving at the track. Adjust your tire pressure and inspect for nails. I found a screw in my tire after driving only 4 miles to the track. I was lucky to find it before I went on the track.
There is much more prep you can do. Do a search for "track prep," or ask away.

[DennyM]

Agree with Wheelman ... here's the checklist thread for HPDE:
HPDE Checklist
Don't let "the list" intimidate you ... don't know if you've got a C5 or C6 ... oil level advice different for each ... otherwise ... fresh brake fluid, recent oil change, extra fluid of each ... you'll be on information overload as you move through the day ... so just be rested and you'll be fine ... see you at the Event Hotel Tues, 16th ...

[blkZ06]

I have run race pads and street tires for 3 yrs on the track, my car feels perfectly setup for me, everyone's experience is different.

The checklist referenced above is great, I personally think the stock pads will be perfect for your first HPDE. Putnam park isn't a big hp track like VIR or RA, and we will only be running for one day.

[wheelman]

Originally Posted by blkZ06

I have run race pads and street tires for 3 yrs on the track, my car feels perfectly setup for me, everyone's experience is different.

The checklist referenced above is great, I personally think the stock pads will be perfect for your first HPDE. Putnam park isn't a big hp track like VIR or RA, and we will only be running for one day.

I would agree there are a number of pads that would work well on street tires. I have done this also. The problem with all "speed parts" is that no vendor will tell you about any negatives their part may have. The first set of track pads I bought RUINED my stock wheels. The dust was corrosive when hot and ate through the finish on my wheels. They worked great though. My point is, if you want do more of this type of thing, do all the investigating you can before deviating from stock. This is a good place to start. Another good place to learn is at the track. See what real people with your type of car are using. Not just an ahole with a computer and an opinion.
Every time I think about changing this part or that, I always think first about the Spring Mountain school cars. 30k to 40k track only miles with ONLY GM parts.
P.S. The best mod is always the driver. Just don't crash and everything will be fine!