Keep standard front discs????

[Emma.]

Hi guys,

Looking for some advice on the brake set up on my Cup.

I had new oem discs and pads all round just over a year ago now which are ok for normal road driving. This year though I'm gonna be doing some track days. Now I have already used the oem set up for a open pit lane track day, and a few actions days and they held up pretty well to be honest. But with my plans to do at least three open pit lane days I want to look into upgrading my brakes. The rears I'll leave oem probably as they do bugger all on the Cups lol

So do I
a) just replace front pads for an upgraded pad as my discs are still all good.
b) take the hit and replace front discs, pads and braided lines.
c) leave as it is until they need replacing as imo they held up pretty well they times they have been out on the track.

If I opt for option a) which is what I'm swaying towards at the minute am I gonna see a great benefit of doing this? Also what would be the best pads to go for?

Thanks CS guru's

 

[Jay.S]

Most people go with Brembo HC discs, DS2500 pads, 5.1 dot brake fluid IMO Castro super response.

Brake lines upto you really Ktec, goodridge.

On the back just OEM will do.

 

[JackJack]

Option B imo. Id go for the set up posted above^

 

[Emma.]

I know most will go for option b) I'm just a little reluctant to change perfectly good discs. I know that's probably what I should be doing. I was just gonna gauge the opinions of what standard discs and updated pads would give me.

 

[bill]

good thread, i'm in a similar situation to yourself, dont really want to get shut of decent brakes for the sake of upgrading, but tbh i want brembo discs and ds2500's lol, if money was no object at the minute thats what i'd do, but it is, so.......................

 

[drhowser]

Option b, when your discs are worn out.

 

[DavidBlaine]

I have done track days and gone through what remained of my pads before time was up. I would say b just for that reason. Nothing spoils a good day at the track more than your brakes wearing out at the track with no replacements on hand...

Nadeem

 

[Jay.S]

If your discs are in good nik just put the DS2500 straight on or mintex 1144's pads. Although you could sell your disc's once putting the new ones.

 

[Fred@BTM]

they're £50 for a pair of discs, hardly breaking the bank

and don't get too hung up on Brembo discs, its a lump of cast iron at the end of the day!

you should really use DS2500's (or any fancy pad) with fresh discs, but its not gospel

but ask yourself this - as (i assume) a novice track day warrior, do you REALLY need them? or are you better off spending the money on tuition?

 

[Emma.]

Thanks for the advice guys. I wouldn't say I'm a complete novice to the track scene. But tuition is a must whatever. I've just found these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RENAULT-CLIO-FRONT-MINTEX-DISCS-238mm-PADS-1998-2005-/230395958371?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35a4ab5463#ht_3790wt_765 would they even fit the cup or even be an upgrade?

 

[Fred@BTM]

^for a 1.2

 

[Emma.]

^for a 1.2

Lol I thought as much. That's Fred

 

[Emma.]

Are EBC pads any good Fred?

 

[Neat]

I've only done two track days, both in 2009.

Before the first I had Goodridge braided lines fitted along with some Castrol Super Response fluid, left standard pads and discs all round. After the day my front pads were 50% worn (although can't remember what state they were in before) and everything else was ok. I wanted the fluid changed as I didn't know what state the original was in and thought it made sense to change the lines at the same time.

Later in the year on my second day (again at Oulton) the brakes took much more of a hammering (probably trying to make up for a lack of talent) - front pads were taken to about 80% worn and discs were looking pretty shot. So had Pagid Blue and grooved Brembo HC's fitted (grooves purely for the look - but really annoying to listen to so don't bother).

If I was you I'd seriously consider leaving as is. You're brakes will probably still have plenty of life in them. Not that I'm any kind of an expert but I'd say just do proper warm-up/cool-down laps (which many don't seem to bother with) and you'll probably be alright.

On the other hand I can see you wouldn't want you're day ruined by knackered brakes. If the fluid is ok maybe change your pads for the DS2500's. Brembo HC's are only the same as standard discs aren't they - just a lot cheaper, so no benefit in changing them?

To cut a long story short I'd say option c) - just change things when it looks like they may not make it through the next day.

 

[stokie4ker]

I'd say a bit of b, a lot of c and Fred then go for a.

Stick to your OEM pad and disk set up but upgrade to braided hoses and change the fluid to 5.1. Quick and easy upgrade that will improve your standard brakes.
Like Fred said, spend your hard earned on tuition first.
Once you've got to the point where your brakes aren't up to your driving ability then upgrade to HC disks and your performance pad of choice.

 

[Jay.S]

I wouldn't go for EBC myself either DS2500's or mintex 1144 if your on a budget.

As said standard discs are still high carbon so you could just do the pads.

 

[Fred@BTM]

1144's are NOT a track pad, fooking dangerous things!

 

[Matt e]

bit off topic bout what the min disc thickness before they need changing?

 

[Fred@BTM]

21.9mm i think it is off the top of my head

 

[Emma.]

Ok, so that time has come that I know my pads have had it after my airfield day yesterday.

Braided lines and good fluid has already been done.

I've been searching all morning but I can't find a specific answer.

I'm sure my discs are ok, (I haven't really checked them properly yet though) and I'm pretty set on some ds2500's. So my question is am I going to have a problem if I just do the pads and not the discs. I know Fred has already said above that its not gospel and I know the HC's are only £45.

If it's not going to cause me an issue at all leaving the old discs on then I'll leave them. If it's going to cause any problems then I'll change them.

 

[Budgie]

It all depends on budget. If you can afford new discs then get 'em. You might as well change 'em while the calipers are off.

If you're skint- whack the new pads on old discs- they'll be fine.

 

[sideways danny]

you'll often find that the back of the disk is a lot worse condition than the front. Check them out first. There's no big issue with just fitting pads, but if you're going for a performance upgrade, then old disks that are contaminated with old pad metarial will heavily compromise the performance

 

[TimR26]

When spending £100+ on DS2500 pads for the sake of £45 you might as well change the discs.

 

[Emma.]

you'll often find that the back of the disk is a lot worse condition than the front. Check them out first. There's no big issue with just fitting pads, but if you're going for a performance upgrade, then old disks that are contaminated with old pad metarial will heavily compromise the performance

Thanks Danny. That was the advice I was looking for