Carbotech XP10/XP8 or XP6s?

[Hrant]

Would you recommend this setup for track only or is it okay with cold stopping power? Would you recommend it for a low skill intermediate on a stock setup or would it be overkill?

For your application, I would still recommend the AX6. Overpowering your OEM calipers and driving skills with aggressive brake pads is not helpful.

The XP8/10 is NOT safe to drive on the streets, they will take longer to stop, especially in initial braking and if you are not using the brakes regularly since their optimal operating temp is above normal street driving.

YMMV.

 

[CL65 Captain]

Hrant.... I left my XP10/8s on since I am going back to the track next weekend. Yesterday, I took it for a 2hr drive - backwoods KY stuff and I have to disagree and say even cold, they have better stopping power than OEM or my HP+. Ambient temp is in the high 70s. I know track pads need heat, but I have to tell you they do just fine even on the first application when running up the street to the store.

I wouldn't daily drive with them, lots of dust and just a bit of squeal (really surprised how little ). However, I don't feel they are unsafe in any way.

 

[Hrant]

Hrant.... I left my XP10/8s on since I am going back to the track next weekend. Yesterday, I took it for a 2hr drive - backwoods KY stuff and I have to disagree and say even cold, they have better stopping power than OEM or my HP+. Ambient temp is in the high 70s. I know track pads need heat, but I have to tell you they do just fine even on the first application when running up the street to the store.

I wouldn't daily drive with them, lots of dust and just a bit of squeal (really surprised how little ). However, I don't feel they are unsafe in any way.

Jim, as instructor for TrackMasters Racing, we wear a logo on the back of our T-shirts that says in bold: Do as I say, not as I do! :tongue::biggrin:

When giving advice, I prefer to set the parameters based on caution; my experience with XP8 or XP10 cold is not reassuring at the first few brakes. Regular street driving generates about 150-190F on the surface of the rotors in 80F ambient temps. The XP8/10 start their operating temps at or above 200F. http://www.ctbrakes.com/brake-compounds.html

I am hoping we do not read posts about who did what because they didn't evaluate the risks inherent when they take such a gamble just to avoid changing pads; again for most, the AX6 is a very good compromise :wink:

 

[Scin]

I disagree, my XP8's work better than the HPS pads I have on my Miata cold. The AX6 is marketed as an AutoX pad since the last round of compound changes, if you track your car go with XP8's.

The Carbotech pads are VERY different from other racing pads in this regard, they are more rotor friendly and still have enough power to lock the tires with moderate braking force, without any heat in them on a cold morning.

Cold stopping isn't as good as a mostly street pad, but they sure seem as good or better than other pads marketed as street/track pads like the HP+ or Cobalt Friction GT's.

Jim, as instructor for TrackMasters Racing, we wear a logo on the back of our T-shirts that says in bold: Do as I say, not as I do! :tongue::biggrin:

When giving advice, I prefer to set the parameters based on caution; my experience with XP8 or XP10 cold is not reassuring at the first few brakes. Regular street driving generates about 150-190F on the surface of the rotors in 80F ambient temps. The XP8/10 start their operating temps at or above 200F. http://www.ctbrakes.com/brake-compounds.html

I am hoping we do not read posts about who did what because they didn't evaluate the risks inherent when they take such a gamble just to avoid changing pads; again for most, the AX6 is a very good compromise :wink:

 

[asylum]

I have a trackevent on friday with my new XP10 pads. Will tell you more after.

 

[asylum]

Tested the XP10 fr+rr for the first time yesterday. I can not say anything wrong from the AX6 but the XP10 are even better. They bite ! Very impressive.

 

[CL65 Captain]

I did an Autocross last Sun with the XP10/8 still on the car as I am going to a real track this weekend (as opposed to the imaginary track of the Autocross).

I had no problems with them even though they were "cold" and would never get up to temp on an Autocross course where you only braked 2x from 40 mph.

 

[tpagannsx]

I did an Autocross last Sun with the XP10/8 still on the car as I am going to a real track this weekend (as opposed to the imaginary track of the Autocross).

I had no problems with them even though they were "cold" and would never get up to temp on an Autocross course where you only braked 2x from 40 mph.

Hey Captain,

Been following this thread. I'm going to go with the XP8s all the way around. Since I daily drive my NSX and going to track it for the first time....would I be doing damage to my rotors? Thanks for all your help on my thread as well.

Tony

 

[CL65 Captain]

Hey Captain,

Been following this thread. I'm going to go with the XP8s all the way around. Since I daily drive my NSX and going to track it for the first time....would I be doing damage to my rotors? Thanks for all your help on my thread as well.

Tony

No, the Carbotech line is rotor friendly. They do dust a lot though.