Re: A4 Brake Question: Track Time WG

[Jim Griffin <JGriff@pobox.com>]

Paul_Royal@idx.com wrote:

> In anyone's experience (maybe even with experience at the Glen) will factory pads provide
> acceptable performance levels for 20 minutes?  If I can do 115 on the back straight, she
> certainly can.

Well, the last two years I went to Lime Rock with my '92 100S with factory pads, rotors, and
fluid. They were just fine, IMHO. Of course, I was a "novice" the past two years, and didn't
really torture my car, so maybe that's why. Also, from what I've heard, Lime Rock is "easy" on
brakes... as opposed to the Glen. If this is her first event, she'll probably be okay... she
most likely won't be pushing it to the degree where she'll cook the brakes. However, you've been
to the Glen... is it a lot tougher on brakes? I'd like to know.. since I might do that instead
of Lime Rock this year... (I might do both if $$ and time permit...).

Recently, when I had the Eibachs done on my car, I had the mechanic turn the front rotors, 'cuz
I felt that they were warped (vibration/pulsing etc, especially during braking). Sure enough,
when he put them on the lathe, they were warped quite a bit. I'm pretty sure that the track
event contributed to this. (I can't believe I lived with warped rotors that long!!)

If I take a car out on the track this year (either my QSW or my 100), I might try some other
pads up front. Whatever I choose, I'll definitely bring a spare set along to the track. I'll
also be prepared afterward to have the rotors turned...

> Can she last for what may turn out to be 6-8 sessions over two days?

Mine did fine at Lime Rock. Last year, I drove 5 hours up to CT from MD, spent two days on the
track, and drove back to MD shortly after my last session on the track the second day. Not bad,
IMHO....

The year before, again, right after the last session on the second day, I drove up to Boston
(which turned out to be a very long drive... since I got lost on some back roads in CT... and I
ended up in VT!! Don't ask...)... stayed the remainder of the week, drove 7 hours back to MD,
and then 3 hours roundtrip to PA for a QCUSA meeting... all in the same week!! All this on pads
and rotors that weren't new at the time either!!

> Is there any concern about hi-temps with stock pads vs. CC's..IE: backing adhesives,
> exceptional and fast wear? etc.?

I don't know the technical specs (i.e heat ranges etc...), but as you've read, my personal
experience with the OEM pads has indicated that they'll be okay.... for moderate, "novice"
driving (at Lime Rock, at least).
Hope that helps.

--
      Jim Griffin - JGriff@pobox.com
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/4475
'92 Audi 100S - '87 VW Quantum Syncro
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