Want to do a track day, have brake questions...

bk_g80_m3 · 05-29-2009, 05:35 PM

To start out I've read quite a few brake threads on this forum and have come away somewhat confused. I have never done a track day before, and I want to make sure I can do that without cooking the brakes on the car. So here are some of the things I've read:

-Stock brakes are fine for first timers doing track days
-Upgrade pads and fluid you'll be fine
-Get a new brake kit slotted plus fluid (brembos etc)

So the question is this:

What should I do for a track day? (probably infineon, thunderhill, or laguna seca since I'm in the sf bay area)

What kind of session length would be ok for a given solution? I've read that if you're doing really long sessions then you'd need the extra braking/cooling etc.

Any advice would be much appreciated. BTW I have a sedan with stock 18" wheels so any brake advice hopefully would fit with the stock setup.

wimpwgn · 05-29-2009, 05:38 PM

Go stock for the first time, and evaluate if you need better brakes for the next time. If you are first time at track, stock brakes is more than enough for you.

bk_g80_m3 · 05-29-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wimpwgn

Go stock for the first time, and evaluate if you need better brakes for the next time. If you are first time at track, stock brakes is more than enough for you.

That's a good answer

Is it mostly because people new to the track are timid? or just suck at driving?

I do tend to overdrive a bit. During autocross in my other car I usually need to dial it back a bit to go faster.

rzm3 · 05-31-2009, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wimpwgn

Go stock for the first time, and evaluate if you need better brakes for the next time. If you are first time at track, stock brakes is more than enough for you.

+2

I've been to the track 3 times (4th next wkend) and have found the stock brakes still satisfactory. When you get into the higher run groups, that's probably when you will need better brakes.

Drive safe!

bigjae1976 · 05-31-2009, 08:56 PM

I would at a minumum bleed the brakes. Race pads wouldn't hurt but not necessary.

aus · 05-31-2009, 11:26 PM

You'll be fine as a newb. Just go with the CCA and you'll get some excellent instruction. I had no fade with the Roval at AAA speedway, which has long straight/bank, then hard brakes. This was for the 335 and the M3.

bher · 06-01-2009, 01:34 PM

Honestly, if it is your first track day (even while autocrossing), stock will be ok.
Before to have brake trouble with the M3, i had 5-6 days at the track without problem and -without beeing good- I have probably 20-30 track days as experience before, mainly with modified Lotus elise.

I believe what people want to share is that you need to push the car and thus the brake quite hard to cook the brake.

Just enjoy AND DO NOT USE your handbrake while stopping and even better after 1-2 cooling laps, move you car 0,5 m 15 minutes after stopping

05-29-2009, 05:35 PM	#1
bk_g80_m3 Second Lieutenant 191 Rep 285 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Want to do a track day, have brake questions... To start out I've read quite a few brake threads on this forum and have come away somewhat confused. I have never done a track day before, and I want to make sure I can do that without cooking the brakes on the car. So here are some of the things I've read: -Stock brakes are fine for first timers doing track days -Upgrade pads and fluid you'll be fine -Get a new brake kit slotted plus fluid (brembos etc) So the question is this: What should I do for a track day? (probably infineon, thunderhill, or laguna seca since I'm in the sf bay area) What kind of session length would be ok for a given solution? I've read that if you're doing really long sessions then you'd need the extra braking/cooling etc. Any advice would be much appreciated. BTW I have a sedan with stock 18" wheels so any brake advice hopefully would fit with the stock setup.
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05-29-2009, 05:38 PM	#2
wimpwgn Private 0 Rep 77 Posts Drives: 13 750i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Glendora, CA iTrader: (0)	Go stock for the first time, and evaluate if you need better brakes for the next time. If you are first time at track, stock brakes is more than enough for you.
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05-31-2009, 08:56 PM	#5
bigjae1976 Major General 1577 Rep 8,077 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW M3 [4.50] 2011 BMW E90 M3 [5.25] 2013 BMW 328i [5.00]	I would at a minumum bleed the brakes. Race pads wouldn't hurt but not necessary. __________________ 2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red 2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue 2004 E46 M3 Imola Red 2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
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05-31-2009, 11:26 PM	#6
aus Major General 892 Rep 9,032 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	You'll be fine as a newb. Just go with the CCA and you'll get some excellent instruction. I had no fade with the Roval at AAA speedway, which has long straight/bank, then hard brakes. This was for the 335 and the M3. __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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06-01-2009, 01:34 PM	#7
bher Enlisted Member 2 Rep 42 Posts Drives: E92 M3 - 6MT - SSII Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Brussels iTrader: (0)	Honestly, if it is your first track day (even while autocrossing), stock will be ok. Before to have brake trouble with the M3, i had 5-6 days at the track without problem and -without beeing good- I have probably 20-30 track days as experience before, mainly with modified Lotus elise. I believe what people want to share is that you need to push the car and thus the brake quite hard to cook the brake. Just enjoy AND DO NOT USE your handbrake while stopping and even better after 1-2 cooling laps, move you car 0,5 m 15 minutes after stopping
	Appreciate 0 Quote