I experienced no brake fade, just stopping power consistent with fresh brakes during the Big Bear/Riverside run yesterday. The owner of the S2000 behind me said his stock pads/stock fluid had fade. It is nice to have brakes in which one can have confidence; makes approaching those turns/curves easier to take.

The brakes did not feel that way on a Malibu Canyon run prior to a SoCal meet by Wanabe; the brake pads and fluid were stock at the time.

 

Yes, good brakes make you feel good. The worst thing in the world (well almost) is no brakes when you need them.
Friday should be a bunch more fun

 

I agree that Panther Plus combined with Ate Super blue or Ate Typ 200 is a hot track-day setup...

Yesterday at the track further reinforced my conclusions

Note that the Panther Pluses can be noisy and do throw alot of dust...

The wheels clean up easily with a stream of moderately high-pressure water, and when cleaned, they also seem to squeal less...

 

I have always wondered about friends who live in Denver who live with stock pads and stock fluid, then complain about their brakes fading when they drive in the Rockys. It seems like such a simple thing to change to good fluid and get good pads to keep some safety margin.

I also wonder how much car companies save by using the cheap-o stuff...it can't be very much.

 

I think OEM fluid selection is influenced by longevity in addition to cost... Race fluids are typically even more hygroscopic then generic brake fluid, requiring more frequent flushing.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by pfb
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I think OEM fluid selection is influenced by longevity in addition to cost... Race fluids are typically

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by pfb
[B]

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... Race fluids are typically

 

I switched to ATE Super Blue right after I bought the car and had no fading at Thunderhill. This week, a friend and I installed Panther Pluses all around. After bedding them, the stopping power is noticeably improved. I wanted to get this done before I leave for the S2k custom course at Sears Point Thursday. Now I have total confidence, and prolene's comments provide welcome reinforcement.

cal

 

I don't think you really mean that. Silicone brake fluid is DOT5 fluid that is not compatible with any other. It is great for restored classics that sit around for years with little use, but not the thing for the average owner. Quality DOT4 or the synthetic which is DOT5.1 (but usually marketed as premium DOT4 because the nomenclature is so damn confusing) is the best stuff for most.