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Just heard from RacingBrake. Custom fabricated race brake pads with XR70 sintered metal compound as well as a set of XT910 pads for every day use will be shipped to me next week.
Thank you so much for the comprehensive review, Wobble. NCM Track looks badass, the video was great!
I'd be greatly interested in switching to the more durable XR70 pads as well, especially after your experience with the XT970's!
Well, for track use I have proven to myself, that I need the full metallic XR70s, but I don't think they are right for every day use. For that I'll try the XT910s.
The new sets of brake pads arrived: One set of XT910s for street driving and the hardcore XR70s also, for the next track day. The pads are custom machined by taking a bit of material off a Nissan GTR pad and are very hefty with thick lining. Fit perfectly!
Also got the rear brake hoses with the corrected length and a wheel stud conversion kit.
Last night I only had time to swap out the pads (put the street pads in) and install the front stud conversion. Way easier to install the spacers and rims that way on a freely rotating knuckle - no need to line up the holes of knuckle, spacer and rim exactly to be able to get the wheel bolt in.
Won't be able to do anything else for the next 2 weeks as I will be gone on vacation.
We are pointing some members who want to know the proper brake pad to use on track to this thread.
Anyone has the same question should continue posting in the thread so Wobble64 can get them all sorted out and provide you with his feedback and suggestion once he returns form his vacation.
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Originally Posted by zcct04
BLKROKT goes COMPLETELY off the deep end! WOW!
I just got new front & rear pads from RB. I feel so lame . . . . :-(
Haha thanks, I think. Recently decided that I'll be in this car for a few more years at least, and the stock brakes weren't cutting it with my driving style. So going all-in.
Originally Posted by Wobble64
Sweet!
When are you installing it? And will you do that yourself or have it done?
Either this weekend or next. Doing myself as soon as I can convince my buddy who has a lift with enough beer to let me use it for a day.
Lift is nice to have, not a must (and NOT a 4-poster, those will not work....). Alternatively use jackstands, not a big deal. Let us know how it goes.
Give me a shout if you have questions, I probably can help given I have just done it a couple weeks ago myself.
Still sulking with envy over the bigbrake package that you guys got, but I just got my RB pads installed this afternoon and I'm back to happy again.
I don't have the tires or suspension or horsepower that Wobble has so, even though Wobble melted his, I elected to try out the XT970 racing pads. Initial experience has been very favorable. I went out to bed the new pads, and the first time I really pounced on the pedal the loose crap in the back of the coupe all sailed forward and nearly killed me. I love the way these things bite!
I have a couple road course opportunities coming up, hope to be able to share some track-use feedback soon.
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Originally Posted by Wobble64
Lift is nice to have, not a must (and NOT a 4-poster, those will not work....). Alternatively use jackstands, not a big deal. Let us know how it goes.
Give me a shout if you have questions, I probably can help given I have just done it a couple weeks ago myself.
Thanks buddy, I may give you a call on this!
It's a 2-post lift, thankfully.
Spent the afternoon at MSR Houston. Nice facility. My first time on this track and I really enjoyed it. The XT970 pads were awesome. Consistent performance all day with confidence-inspiring braking power. I could not be happier. Thank you RacingBrake!
Going to a new course and interested in some help figuring out the optimal racing line? This web site can help. . .
"Race Optimal is the world's only database of computer generated racing line maps, helping trackday enthusiasts and racing competitors build on their knowledge of the fastest way around a circuit.
Racing line maps and simulation videos show you how the computer executes the optimal lap.
Welcome to the state-of-the-art in racing line optimization!"
Super find, Zcct04!! I had a quick chance to look at it for Mid-Ohio and NCM and both tracks are in there! There is a lot of additional info about Mid-Ohio (videos), NCM is still too new. The line simulations are helpful to go through before a track day - but you have to take those, as well as the speeds/times with a grain of salt: For example - the sinkhole at NCM has some significant up/downs and that impacts the ideal line significantly. Then I do not know what kind of tires they assumed, but the g-forces I saw in their simulation appeared to reach 1.5 - not on my car, I am afraid....
As a result Raceoptimal says an ideal Miata can do NCM in 2:22 - when my instructor in his Miata did 2:31 there. Their ideal time for the GT3 at NCM supposedly is 2.07 when the fastest we had seen with a professionally prepped GT3 during my last track day was 2:16.
So - do not expect to be close to the posted 'ideal' timings! Maybe that just says we all still have a LONG way to go and lots to learn. :-)
I will definitely spend some more time on that site before my next track day mid-September.
Wobble - good observations. I recall seeing a comment about their system not being able to detect elevation or camber changes, so optimal times will vary on anything but flat tracks.
They provide track lines for several different cars but as you noted are not very specific about the performance envelope for each. It looks like you can buy a custom file for your specific car and tires that may do a better job of representing optimal times for your vehicle.
Certainly not precise, but still a very cool tool!
I installed the new, longer rear brake hoses today. Amazing, how fast these things go once you have done it before. Literally 15 minutes including bleeding.
Now the rear brake hoses fit without any strain on the hose, even when jacked up. Another thing checked off.
This is from the Tech Tips Section on the RB Website:
Torque
Bleed Screws and Crossover lines - 10ft-lbs. Mounting bolts (to bolt adapter to vehicle spindle): check with your vehicle's specification, usually 45-50 ft-lbs Caliper bolts (to bolt caliper to adapter): 35-40 ft-lbs
I used 50 ft-lbs for the adapter to knuckle (front and back) and 40 ft-lbs caliper to AL adapter. Re bleeder screw, just gently hand tighten - easy does it. I used Loctite for the caliper to adapter screw, just in case.
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Awesome thanks Bernhard!
One other thing while I'm thinking of it. I assume the new pads don't have a place to put the MB brake pad wear sensors (correct me if I'm wrong)? Did you just disable yours somehow, unplug them, or drill holes in the RB pads?
The RB pads have notches for the wear sensors just like OEM pads, you can move the wear sensors right over. Just gently pry them out of the stock pad and slide then into the new pads.
If you break one, they are only 15$ at the dealership.
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