Track brake pads (pfc08 vs pfc 11 vs ds1.11)

[polarbearz]

Trying to find brake pads for track. I have stock calipers and stock rotors. Wanting to find one that is not too hard on rotors, have a long endurance life, and strong initial bite. Which is the best option among pfc08 vs pfc11 vs ds1.11? Open to other suggestions as well.

Also, do I need to do bedding every time I switch between street and track pads?

[NYG]

For stock setup 1.11 imo - easier to manage temps but pfc11 has much better performance.

[polarbearz]

Originally Posted by NYG

For stock setup 1.11 imo - easier to manage temps but pfc11 has much better performance.

Which one lasts longer?

[NYG]

Originally Posted by zacharyz2333

Which one lasts longer?

PFC by a huge margin.

Ferodos are the worst when it comes to that. They can't handle extreme temps for too long but they're definitely more gentle and tend to heat up less.

[D_SheerDrivingPleasure]

I've had success with the DS3.12. It's got so much initial bite.

Personally, people overthink bedding IMO. I just put those pads in and drive.

[EGbeater]

Originally Posted by NYG

PFC by a huge margin.

Ferodos are the worst when it comes to that. They can't handle extreme temps for too long but they're definitely more gentle and tend to heat up less.

For the first half of this track season, I've been on my first (and last) set of Ferodo DS3.12s. I don't think the braking performance is anywhere near worth the superfast wear. They also are very unhappy and wear ever more superfast (not surprisingly) before they're hot hot, like at autocross events.

I "upgraded" from PFC08s which I didn't like because of not having enough max braking force and MOT, but the wear of which was outstanding (other than one front pad out of 4 that delaminated from the backing plate with still almost 1/4" of material thickness left, and therefore became garbage before it was actually worn out). Yeah, the DS3.12s provide stronger braking than the 08s, but I would think a substantially cheaper pad like the Hawk DTC-70 might be similar or be better than the 3.12s (I do know Hawks wear fast too).

NYG, do you think I'll be happy with the PFC11s (i.e., are they capable of roughly the same mu and MOT as the 3.12s)? Maybe they'll last a bit longer than the Ferodos too, under the same heavy car/high-heat conditions?

[NYG]

Originally Posted by EGbeater

For the first half of this track season, I've been on my first (and last) set of Ferodo DS3.12s. I don't think the braking performance is anywhere near worth the superfast wear. They also are very unhappy and wear ever more superfast (not surprisingly) before they're hot hot, like at autocross events.

I "upgraded" from PFC08s which I didn't like because of not having enough max braking force and MOT, but the wear of which was outstanding (other than one front pad out of 4 that delaminated from the backing plate with still almost 1/4" of material thickness left, and therefore became garbage before it was actually worn out). Yeah, the DS3.12s provide stronger braking than the 08s, but I would think a substantially cheaper pad like the Hawk DTC-70 might be similar or be better than the 3.12s (I do know Hawks wear fast too).

NYG, do you think I'll be happy with the PFC11s (i.e., are they capable of roughly the same mu and MOT as the 3.12s)? Maybe they'll last a bit longer than the Ferodos too, under the same heavy car/high-heat conditions?

I had the same experience with 3.12. Great pad but nothing special and definitely not worth their rate of wear.

I was very happy with the performance of PFC11s. I actually liked the PFC08 a little more in the front. I felt like as the sessions went on, the 08 dealt with heat a little better. I never had pads that lasted like PFCs did - it was outrageous.

I ended up trying Hawk pads because PFC wasn't available for my R8 and I'm 100% converted. You heard correctly about the wear but given their price point, they're still by my favorite pads so far. I run DTC60 combo - started with DTC70 front, 60 rear but my stock suspension is too soft for 70. A bit soft for 60 too but more manageable.

[GasBurnlife(landapanda)]

I have been running PFC08s for the last four years. I found them to be the most economical, highly performing solutions. I tried the Hawk 60s which didn't last as long and PFC11s which I loved, but wore them out in one weekend at the Glen. For me, there is no better product than the 08s when using stock calipers.

[SYT_Shadow]

it's really hard to beat a PFC pad. Magical stuff

[NYG]

Originally Posted by GasBurnlife(landapanda)

I have been running PFC08s for the last four years. I found them to be the most economical, highly performing solutions. I tried the Hawk 60s which didn't last as long and PFC11s which I loved, but wore them out in one weekend at the Glen. For me, there is no better product than the 08s when using stock calipers.

Yep, DTC70 and DTC60 both last a weekend at the Glen for me. I think the wear of my pads is a little worse than normal because I have 4 pads per caliper in the front so there's two leading edges on each side.

My only complaint with PFC was how poorly they package them and how often I got pads with chips and chunks that were broken off.

[alpinefd]

What are your thoughts on rear brake pads? Milder pad for the rear? How much milder?

[SYT_Shadow]

If you're running stock brake distribution, generally use the same pad front and rear.

[EGbeater]

Originally Posted by GasBurnlife(landapanda)

I have been running PFC08s for the last four years. I found them to be the most economical, highly performing solutions. I tried the Hawk 60s which didn't last as long and PFC11s which I loved, but wore them out in one weekend at the Glen. For me, there is no better product than the 08s when using stock calipers.

Thank you for this testimonial. So I assume you loved the PFC11s because they have noticeably higher stopping power than the PFC08s?

If the PFC11s only lasted you "one weekend" at Watkins Glen (is that one day or two days, and how many sessions per day, and roughly how long each session?), how many weekends/days/sessions do the PFC08s last you?

[SYT_Shadow]

Pfc08 pads last longer than pfc11 until your pace makes them last less, and at that point you switch to pfc11

[GasBurnlife(landapanda)]

Originally Posted by EGbeater

Thank you for this testimonial. So I assume you loved the PFC11s because they have noticeably higher stopping power than the PFC08s?

If the PFC11s only lasted you "one weekend" at Watkins Glen (is that one day or two days, and how many sessions per day, and roughly how long each session?), how many weekends/days/sessions do the PFC08s last you?

Stopping power was improved, and where the 11s really shines was in the release - coming off the brakes the release is noticeably smoother resulting in a less upset suspension. However, with practice you can really make the 08s work and I love the longer life they give me.

PS: the Glen event was a three day weekend and I recall there being a few delays due to rain - so technically I probably only ran 9-10 sessions.

[GasBurnlife(landapanda)]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Pfc08 pads last longer than pfc11 until your pace makes them last less, and at that point you switch to pfc11

I am going to have to try the 11s again - haven't run them in over two years.

[NYG]

PFC11s bite harder and faster but I found them to drop off as you pump more heat into the system. PFC08 stayed more consistent and although they didn't bite quite as hard, it made me more confident in my braking which I spent a lot of time looking for with the stock setup until I went with the BBK.

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

If you're running stock brake distribution, generally use the same pad front and rear.

I would agree on this for the most part but I had really good experience with PFC08 front and PFC11 rear on the stock calipers. It felt like the bias shifted to the rear a little and I was working my front brakes a bit less.

[melanthius]

I've been very happy with and basically swear by carbotech, I've been using XP12 front / XP10 rear and meets the criteria mentioned in the top post

Have not personally tried the others mentioned in this thread