Track brakes
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
'14 ML BT
Track brakes
Has anyone used anything other than the OEM's that were good?
I think it was Jim Brady (apologies if I'm wrong) who panned the Porterfields.
Any other experience out there?
Is the caliper on the Black the same as any other model?
For those of you in Texas or nearby, there's a track event at Motorsport Ranch outside of Ft Worth:
Dec 6 & 7
Thanks in advance.
I think it was Jim Brady (apologies if I'm wrong) who panned the Porterfields.
Any other experience out there?
Is the caliper on the Black the same as any other model?
For those of you in Texas or nearby, there's a track event at Motorsport Ranch outside of Ft Worth:
Dec 6 & 7
Thanks in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,621
Likes: 55
From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
Has anyone used anything other than the OEM's that were good?
I think it was Jim Brady (apologies if I'm wrong) who panned the Porterfields.
Any other experience out there?
Is the caliper on the Black the same as any other model?
For those of you in Texas or nearby, there's a track event at Motorsport Ranch outside of Ft Worth:
Dec 6 & 7
Thanks in advance.
I think it was Jim Brady (apologies if I'm wrong) who panned the Porterfields.
Any other experience out there?
Is the caliper on the Black the same as any other model?
For those of you in Texas or nearby, there's a track event at Motorsport Ranch outside of Ft Worth:
Dec 6 & 7
Thanks in advance.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
'14 ML BT
Edit: Thanks LZH, since it's a 2 day event I thought it might be interesting to try something else for comparison.
Last edited by DFW01E55; Nov 18, 2008 at 11:30 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
CLK Black
How many track days are you getting out of a set of tires?
The CLK seems to be quite hard on brakes, not a suprise with as heavy as it is.
Others?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 86
From: Cave Creek, AZ and Newport Beach
'22 G 63 AMG, '21 GLE 53 AMG, '20 NSX
Has anyone used anything other than the OEM's that were good?
I think it was Jim Brady (apologies if I'm wrong) who panned the Porterfields.
Any other experience out there?
Is the caliper on the Black the same as any other model?
For those of you in Texas or nearby, there's a track event at Motorsport Ranch outside of Ft Worth:
Dec 6 & 7
Thanks in advance.
I think it was Jim Brady (apologies if I'm wrong) who panned the Porterfields.
Any other experience out there?
Is the caliper on the Black the same as any other model?
For those of you in Texas or nearby, there's a track event at Motorsport Ranch outside of Ft Worth:
Dec 6 & 7
Thanks in advance.
pads after three track days so I replaced them with the Porterfields. I've run the Porterfields for two events. I think I have one more day and then I'll switch back to the stock pads but I'm going to go to some brake cooling.
Jimmy
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 21
CLK63 Black Series
Has anyone used anything other than the OEM's that were good?
I think it was Jim Brady (apologies if I'm wrong) who panned the Porterfields.
Any other experience out there?
Is the caliper on the Black the same as any other model?
For those of you in Texas or nearby, there's a track event at Motorsport Ranch outside of Ft Worth:
Dec 6 & 7
Thanks in advance.
I think it was Jim Brady (apologies if I'm wrong) who panned the Porterfields.
Any other experience out there?
Is the caliper on the Black the same as any other model?
For those of you in Texas or nearby, there's a track event at Motorsport Ranch outside of Ft Worth:
Dec 6 & 7
Thanks in advance.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,621
Likes: 55
From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
40 laps at Road America and I toasted 4 pads, warped the front rotors and spent a brand new set of Corsas, those 165 miles were probably equivilent to 10,000 highway miles. At some shorter, slower and less brake intense tracks I have managed to salvage the brakes but the Corsas don't last. I have been running stock pads and rotors without too many complaints, fade has been minimal. Keep in mind I added steel brake lines which I assume are helping me in the fade department.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Banned
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 1
CLK 63 Black Series, 2009 S550, 2011 Range Rover Supercharged, BMW F800 GS Anniv Edition
40 laps at Road America and I toasted 4 pads, warped the front rotors and spent a brand new set of Corsas, those 165 miles were probably equivilent to 10,000 highway miles. At some shorter, slower and less brake intense tracks I have managed to salvage the brakes but the Corsas don't last. I have been running stock pads and rotors without too many complaints, fade has been minimal. Keep in mind I added steel brake lines which I assume are helping me in the fade department.
Jim - Have you thought about using the SLR's ceramic brake's ? I'm sure a bit of midification would be necessary and I have no idea if they would work with the stock calipers but it might be a good idea for additional braking and even more weight savings in the all important unsprung weight area. This would be a sweet addition to your car man...
Here is a guy that put them on his E36 M3.
http://www.dtmpower.co.za/forums/showthread.php?t=2238
Last edited by LZH; Nov 19, 2008 at 02:17 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
Likes: 1
I'm still a believer that ceramic brakes are not worth the cost. You're looking at a $20k to $40k mod, depending on the manufacturer.
Even for a casual/semi-casual track guy, you're better off replacing the pads/rotors and changing the brake fluid after every event.
One of the main reasons why a lot of the high end car manufacturers moved over to ceramic brakes is the huge profit margin they can charge for the service & parts. Cars require less maintenance nowadays (specifically the F430 and the 997 turbo) and the dealers have to find some new ways to generate revenue. Selling ceramic brakes to the normal person is one good way to do that.
Even for a casual/semi-casual track guy, you're better off replacing the pads/rotors and changing the brake fluid after every event.
One of the main reasons why a lot of the high end car manufacturers moved over to ceramic brakes is the huge profit margin they can charge for the service & parts. Cars require less maintenance nowadays (specifically the F430 and the 997 turbo) and the dealers have to find some new ways to generate revenue. Selling ceramic brakes to the normal person is one good way to do that.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
CLK Black
40 laps at Road America and I toasted 4 pads, warped the front rotors and spent a brand new set of Corsas, those 165 miles were probably equivilent to 10,000 highway miles. At some shorter, slower and less brake intense tracks I have managed to salvage the brakes but the Corsas don't last. I have been running stock pads and rotors without too many complaints, fade has been minimal. Keep in mind I added steel brake lines which I assume are helping me in the fade department.
I am just able to get two days out of a set of tires if I take it easy a bit and depending on the track.
For brakes I am getting 2 track days at best on pads and rotors again depending on the track type. Not only are they warped but I had them check and they are below tolerance in the front.....
Kind of crazy running through pads and rotors at the same rate but I just chalk it up to one of the issues with big weight on the front axle.
All stock pads and rotors for me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 86
From: Cave Creek, AZ and Newport Beach
'22 G 63 AMG, '21 GLE 53 AMG, '20 NSX
[QUOTE=jrcart;3176682]40 laps at Road America and I toasted 4 pads, warped the front rotors and spent a brand new set of Corsas,
And beating Porsche.s...priceless.
Jimmy
And beating Porsche.s...priceless.
Jimmy
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
CLK 63 AMG Black
My track experience was Gingerman and Autobahn. Both are relatively short courses, with lots of braking and short straights (the longest at Gingerman is shorter than the shortest at Road America).
My style is "lighter but longer" braking, as opposed to "Wait til the last moment and slam them on"
I did note some on-track heating with slight fade, but no problems with rotors or pads. I drive with the traction controls off, and that is a likely factor. With it on, the car applies the brakes in many more places than I would, and it makes the corner exit choppy.
I do use a cool down lap, and use very little brake entering the pits. Never leave my foot on the pedal when the car is stopped- it just goes into "park".
I find the stock settings for everything to be a good compromise. Lighter braking keeps the nose down a long time and makes turn-in great. Tail comes out nicely on the way out. Is everybody else "traction off" or "traction on"?? AS
My style is "lighter but longer" braking, as opposed to "Wait til the last moment and slam them on"
I did note some on-track heating with slight fade, but no problems with rotors or pads. I drive with the traction controls off, and that is a likely factor. With it on, the car applies the brakes in many more places than I would, and it makes the corner exit choppy.
I do use a cool down lap, and use very little brake entering the pits. Never leave my foot on the pedal when the car is stopped- it just goes into "park".
I find the stock settings for everything to be a good compromise. Lighter braking keeps the nose down a long time and makes turn-in great. Tail comes out nicely on the way out. Is everybody else "traction off" or "traction on"?? AS
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,621
Likes: 55
From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
My track experience was Gingerman and Autobahn. Both are relatively short courses, with lots of braking and short straights (the longest at Gingerman is shorter than the shortest at Road America).
My style is "lighter but longer" braking, as opposed to "Wait til the last moment and slam them on"
I did note some on-track heating with slight fade, but no problems with rotors or pads. I drive with the traction controls off, and that is a likely factor. With it on, the car applies the brakes in many more places than I would, and it makes the corner exit choppy.
I do use a cool down lap, and use very little brake entering the pits. Never leave my foot on the pedal when the car is stopped- it just goes into "park".
I find the stock settings for everything to be a good compromise. Lighter braking keeps the nose down a long time and makes turn-in great. Tail comes out nicely on the way out. Is everybody else "traction off" or "traction on"?? AS
My style is "lighter but longer" braking, as opposed to "Wait til the last moment and slam them on"
I did note some on-track heating with slight fade, but no problems with rotors or pads. I drive with the traction controls off, and that is a likely factor. With it on, the car applies the brakes in many more places than I would, and it makes the corner exit choppy.
I do use a cool down lap, and use very little brake entering the pits. Never leave my foot on the pedal when the car is stopped- it just goes into "park".
I find the stock settings for everything to be a good compromise. Lighter braking keeps the nose down a long time and makes turn-in great. Tail comes out nicely on the way out. Is everybody else "traction off" or "traction on"?? AS
Funny you ask about the traction control becuase Jim Brady and I had some PM discussing that subject earlier today.
I run only with the traction control off, at Road America traction control "on" cost you about 2 seconds a lap, it's always kicking in causing you to lose drive, momentum, concentration and the ability to steer the car with the throttle which is the only way to make a BS go really fast is some turns. Furthermore, as I stated to Jim I feel this car needs to be driven deep into the turns with shorter, yet harder braking zones vs the smoother (but text book correct method) you mention. The BS like to be trail braked. My method is harder on the equipment, brakes and tires, but results are eveident on the stopwatch. Trust me, I'm a motorcycle racer and for the most part usually have a smooth and precise tecnique, but borderline Bonzai seems to work better in the BS
Last edited by jrcart; Nov 19, 2008 at 05:07 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
CLK Black
I would agree with the hot in approach. I run with TC off as well. The car seems to respond much better with late and trail braking for me. The car does like smooth but it can be thrown around a bit more than I expected.
I am also really good about cool down laps ect.....
I am also really good about cool down laps ect.....
Banned
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 1
CLK 63 Black Series, 2009 S550, 2011 Range Rover Supercharged, BMW F800 GS Anniv Edition
Traction control off for me as well. As Jrcart said, the TC interferes with many things you would only do on the track, ie rotating the car with throttle/brake and trail braking etc...The TC is inherently a precautionary device that is there to save your ***....on the track it works overtime and slows you down quite a bit as previously mentioned. But again, if you are a novice, it's best to build speed and learn with it on. Going out "Bonzi" style with little experience would be a bead deal for you, your car and those on the track with you.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 1
CLK 63 Black Series, 2009 S550, 2011 Range Rover Supercharged, BMW F800 GS Anniv Edition
Yes - All 63's have the same ability to be put in DYNO mode turning ESP, ABS, ect off. Can't remember the method. Have it written down somewhere and will post when I find it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 21
CLK63 Black Series
On the track I turn TC off. The BS has plenty of mechanical grip and the LSD helps with the traction coming out of turns, as long as you roll smoothly into the throttle. I tend to brake late, ease off the brakes and start turning in. That takes care of the understeer. Only problem I have noticed is the transmission doesn't react as fast as I would like it to on the exit. It stays in the higher gear too long and only down shifts when you take some load off the outside wheels.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
CLK Black
I don't think dyno mode is a good solution on the track as you also give up ABS.
I don't find any issues at all in running with the ESP in the off mode. It does flicker on ocasion but I don't notice any additional intrusion.
My understanding is that it comes back on when you have the brakes on but I don't seem to notice it on trail braking so.....
I don't find any issues at all in running with the ESP in the off mode. It does flicker on ocasion but I don't notice any additional intrusion.
My understanding is that it comes back on when you have the brakes on but I don't seem to notice it on trail braking so.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,621
Likes: 55
From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
On the track I turn TC off. The BS has plenty of mechanical grip and the LSD helps with the traction coming out of turns, as long as you roll smoothly into the throttle. I tend to brake late, ease off the brakes and start turning in. That takes care of the understeer. Only problem I have noticed is the transmission doesn't react as fast as I would like it to on the exit. It stays in the higher gear too long and only down shifts when you take some load off the outside wheels.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 11
From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
Gentlemen:
Not sure if they make it for your toys, but I have tracked a C32 and a E55 and FRIED both of their stock brakes, aka fade and warped rotors.
I Switched BOTH cars over to EBC Redstuff "Occansional track use formula" and had NO brake fade at all during a 30 minute session. Note, the rotors actually survived as well. The stock pads, on these cars, are JUNK for track use. They absorbed WAY too much heat and fade easily, if you ddrive like you stole it.
EBC also makes a yellow stuff aka TRACK pad, made out of Kevlar, but it WILL require heat to work. Namely your first couple of stops are going to required a MUCH harder brake push. Note to self DO NOT allow wifey to drive on Yellow stuff.
Good luck, and let me know if you guys ever make it to Beaverun, Watkins Glen, or Mid Ohio as I will gladly meet up with you.
See yeah
PS: A SL63 and SL65 were both running on my last event with NO brake issues, however they were NOT pushing their cars hard at all.
Not sure if they make it for your toys, but I have tracked a C32 and a E55 and FRIED both of their stock brakes, aka fade and warped rotors.
I Switched BOTH cars over to EBC Redstuff "Occansional track use formula" and had NO brake fade at all during a 30 minute session. Note, the rotors actually survived as well. The stock pads, on these cars, are JUNK for track use. They absorbed WAY too much heat and fade easily, if you ddrive like you stole it.
EBC also makes a yellow stuff aka TRACK pad, made out of Kevlar, but it WILL require heat to work. Namely your first couple of stops are going to required a MUCH harder brake push. Note to self DO NOT allow wifey to drive on Yellow stuff.
Good luck, and let me know if you guys ever make it to Beaverun, Watkins Glen, or Mid Ohio as I will gladly meet up with you.
See yeah
PS: A SL63 and SL65 were both running on my last event with NO brake issues, however they were NOT pushing their cars hard at all.
Last edited by MRAMG1; Nov 21, 2008 at 07:30 AM.
