I'll be heading down to LMS the 17th and still haven't replaced my stock pads yet. Several of the guys I've talked to on line and at VIR have suggested Carbotech Panther +. Then a fellow tells me he warped his rotors using them! I want the extra stopping power but not the unnecessary cost of new rotors etc. Has anyone had a bad experience using these pads on their S2000? Feel free to voice your thoughts and suggest any other pads that would get the job done and leave my rotors usable. Thanks for your input.

tm

 

Very happy with the Panther Plus pads... I'm on my third set, no rotor warpage. They are a *riveted* pad, so you will trash your rotors with the rivets if you let the pads wear down to much.

I suggest removing the dust shields (easy) or installing cooling ducts (not so easy) to keep the heat down.

 

I have two track days with the Panther Plus pads, no issues. They squeak when cold but rotors are smooth and true. The pads are wearing well too, still lots of material left. I destroyed my stock pads after two track days.

 

Pyloncollector,

How many miles did you have on your OE pads when you did your first track weekend? If I have enough pad left on my OEs I may just leave them on for the event. I have 17k on my S and the Honda/Acura shop tech (he has driven SCCA competition events) that is doing my tech inspection says that he would use the OE pads for this first DE event, then upgrade to track pads the next time around if I still have the desire.

tm

 

It's not extra stopping power you're getting with aftermarket pads; it's the higher heat range they're designed for. Stock pads are designed for the heat ranges typically seen on the street; Panther + and similar bump that up a level, and then full race pads bump it up yet another level. Going with stock pads is a hit/miss situation. For a lot of people they are adequate for the first time on the track but it's possible to cook the stock pads even on your first day.

 

Do not use stock pads on a roadcourse, unless you are really a novice and plan to take it easy. A driver with some roadcourse experience will turn the stock pads into ashes in the S2k.

Panther Plus in my experience has concrete-like dust that is impossible to get off if you don't immediately clean your wheels after the event. Also I think P+ are hard on rotors, but it may be that any race pad is hard on rotors.

My current favorite is Cobalt Friction race set up for the S2k.

Couple other observations - do not run your pads down too low or the chances of melting the dust seals on the calipers are high. Run some good brake fluid: Motul 600, ATE, Castrol SRF, etc.

Drew

 

I hated the Panther + pads. I've been very pleased with Porterfield R4 pads.....even on the street. They warm up very quickly and can take plenty of heat.

 

The OE pads will glaze after getting overheated and ruin your day.. do not use them unless you plan slow speed practice. They are fine street pads but unacceptable for track use.

The P+ pads have served me well and I find the dust washes right off.. The rivets are very soft and I have not seen that they damage the rotors.

A high performance fluid is a requirement for track use. Even something as cheap as Syntec available at the parts store is much better at taking heat than the OEM fluid.