Guys,
Thought some of you might be interested in my experience with
carbon/metallic brake pads. I don't know why I put off trying them for so
long; probably just being cheap. Truth is, I'm a rather slow adopter. Kind
of got used to using Ferodo DS-11 or Repco Delux. At least Repco is no
longer available and perhaps Ferodo DS-11 as well since it's an asbestos
based compound. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I got a set of
carbon/metallics for each axle. I had Dale Akuszewksi install disk brakes
in the back a year or so ago and was very happy with them using Repco delux
pads in back and DS-11s in front. After a couple of weekends at Willow
Springs plus various other street ans slolom abuse these pads were about 3/4
gone. After doing a little bit of work to bed the new pas in, which
included both hard braking to get them hot plus just some normal driving and
one swap of the front pads from side-to-side (I like outside to outside,
inside to inside so the rotation is opposite directions as well as being a
different surface topology.) This was done because before the swap the left
fronts locked up first. Now everything seems really well balanced. I would
have no hesitation to take my hands off the wheel and do a panic stop from
high speed, at least on a flat smooth road with a reasonable amount of room.
The thing about these brakes that's so nice is that they not only take less
pedal pressure but they respond immediately. The overall effect is one of
precise control and responsiveness; kind of like what a quick ratio rack
does for steering. It's actually fun to stop now. When the braks are cold,
they take a little more effort, but not much. With modest heating they
really start to work. I've gotten them hot enough to smell pretty good with
no sign of fading. My only caution is that because they tend to grab better
as they get hot, this can lead to uneven braking; i.e., the hotter they get
the better they grab the hotter they get, etc., etc. So it's very important
to start them off balanced or the situation just degenerates as you work
them. Obviously I'm very pleased with the way they work now and hope it
continues. Based on my limited experience I would recommend them to just
about anyone who does any degree of performance driving, or even if you
don't (can't imagine who that might be). You can get them from Dale's
Restorations at 909-799-2099. They will cost you close to $100 an axle.
When you think about it, most os us would gladly pay this kind of mony to be
able to improve acceleration anywhere near as much as these brakes will
improve deceleration.
The vendor for these pads is Porterfield; don't know if they make them or
just distribute them. They come in three grades, for short track,
endurance, and street which according to Dale relates to hardness. Mine are
the street version, which last the longest. Dale also has carbon/metallic
shoes for the standard Tiger rear brakes.
I've heard a rumor that Dan Walters had some problem with the Porterfield
pads and is recommending another brand. Don't know if it's true or what the
circumstances are. Anyone out there have any input and/or experience with
carbon/metallics, favorable or otherwise?
Bob
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