Improved braking

[Trackrod944]

I'm very much a newby to 944's having just brought a track day tool. However, it's bog standard and I really need to up the braking performance. Anyone got any suggestions without the mods costing a firtune? Also, though not my first priority, is there any single thing which will improve the cars track performance (this is not necessarily engine related).

Every second counts . . .

 

[Guest]

I got some braided brake lines for £30, other than that some EBC pads or similar should improve things.

Other than that keep it cheap and stock and if you want to get quicker practice more. Thats what works when i'm racing motorbikes anyway.

If it is track only remove weight, its worth more than a small power gain.

 

[Peter Empson]

In my experience the best improvements you can make would a fresh fill of good brake fluid (Castrol Response or SRF, ATE Blue etc...) and the best pads you can get.

Personally I would recommend Porterfield pads everytime for trackday use, the braking on standard good condition Lux calipers (which I suspect you might have?) with the above combination is really amazing, no fade (even at heavy braking circuits - Donington GP and Bedford GT for example), great sharp pedal feel and the ability to out break most things on track.

In fact I prefered the feel on these to my current setup [] as I am currently trying some EBC Yellows at the front and Reds at the back with less than exciting results. They will be changed well before they're worn out (although I should add they are lasting much longer, are quieter and producing less dust than Porterfields).
Best regards,
Peter

 

[edh]

You can improve things by getting some softer tyres as well - still road legal, but something like the Toyo R888 (obviously depends on your wheel size though)

Sticky tyres make a big change to braking performance - then you just need to keep your brakes cool, or try harder pads - I'd look at Mintex or Ferodo if you can find them. If it's a standard 944, your pad choice is fairly limited though

 

[lali]

ORIGINAL: Trackrod944

is there any single thing which will improve the cars track performance (this is not necessarily engine related).

Every second counts . . .

If you havent already.... driver training.

 

[Trackrod944]

Thanks for the info guys, it's of great use. The car's already gutted, but has a roll cage, but no performance mods. I've raced cars fairly extensively in the past, and just doing this for a bit of fun. Engine performance isn't my main concern as it's pace through the corners where the real buzz lies . . . .now just watch you all blast past me in the corners and make me look a real dope . . . .

 

[Big Dave]

Personally
I wouldnt touch the EBC pads...Not if your serious...
I did a comparison of Pagid Oranges against some EBC yellows..[ Back to back on the same day at the same track , ie AM - PM..sessions....]
The Pagids were far and above the better pads...[][]

Although they are twice the price of the EBC,s....

 

[Peter Empson]

Hi Dave, I'm glad I'm not the only one with reservations about the Yellows on track. I'd read so much praise for them on the 968 forum that I thought they were worth trying, just a shame they didn't meet up to expectations.

It was a long time ago when I last tried the Pagids (on the old Lux calipers in fact) but I remember they were much better than stock and I felt they were a slightly better compromise for the road than the Porterfields.

Trackrod944, any chance you could post some pics of your car? I'm always keen to see track prepared 944's []

best regards,
Peter.

 

[Fen]

Try Performance Friction pads, you will not be disappointed.

 

[Peter Empson]

The performance Friction pads are also on my must try list as I know you and John have had very good results with them. If they work out any cheaper than Porterfields then i'll give them a go this year.
Best regards,
Peter

 

[Fen]

I'm not sure John has tried them. I bought them after Dave Maling's recommendation and Patrick since went for them and loves them. Allan at Weltmester also really rates them.

 

[lali]

Im currently running Mintex 1155's in my track cars. They have stood up to an enourmous amount of punisment and keep doing the job time and time again.

damn sight cheaper than pagids as well.

 

[Peter Empson]

ORIGINAL: Fen

I'm not sure John has tried them.

Ahh, probably not then, just my memory playing tricks on me []

 

[DivineE]

I would second the "change your tyres" for increased performance per £ rating. In my humble experience I find the 944 seems somehow to have an exagerated rection to different tyres when compared to other cars! I just changed my Pirrelli P6000 tyres for a set of Toyo Proxy R1's and I honestly feel like I'm driving a completely different car! I can take the same corners 5-10mph (which is a HUGE difference) faster in the wet than I could in the dry with the Pirrelli's and I cannot believe how much more planted the car feels. Only thing I would mention is that the Toyo's have a nasty way of losing traction without warning when they reach their limit compared to the more progressive break away with Pirrelli's.

 

[Trackrod944]

Thanks for the comments Peter & Fen; I've only just managed to get the car delivered after a bit of a delay, so am now trying to catch up. Fen - can you respond yto my enquiries about the spare please? Peter, I'm going to be picking your brains about what's worked on your car in due course. My car ('87 944S) was previously one of a small fleet of track-day hire 944's which were sold off late last summer, and the chap who brought mine just left it in a field, and never used it, after having the engine replaced. It's very presentable, stripped out, with full cage, race seats and harnesses, but so far all I've done is drive it on the trailer and 3 point it into the workshop. Looking forward to getting it, and me, sorted.

 

[Big Dave]

Was that one of the blue + green painted "Falken" cars .???

 

[Trackrod944]

No, these weren't the Falken ones, they were / are, all white with quite attractive blue signage and logo's on all panels with something like 'www.trackday hire.com' branding (my brain must have gone - I spent all Sunday on the car and can't remember the sname . . .) A very good friend has one of the others, so we're hoping to have the pair out together.

 

[333pg333]

I would heartily recommend the PFC's and equally forget about the Ebc's. I've had both and the Ebc's are a waste of time and money. I would also highly recommend the Toyo R888's they are an R-spec compound tyre that you can use on the street if your car is still road registered. They are both fantastic! I would also consider getting some cooling for the brakes and add an uprated oil cooler, and get the sump baffled for sure.

 

[Fen]

I take it you think it was oil surge that killed your engine then, Patrick?

 

[333pg333]

I assume so although it's not a complete diagnosis. I stupidly got caught up in the whole 'Being driven around the track in a raceprepped GT2 by a race legend, followed by him driving me around in my car' syndrome and forgot to check the oil level for the last session. This then would probably have led to starvation of the old #2. Having said that, the whole bottom end was untouched since original so there was no telling what damage had occurred through it's life. Anyway it just brought forward a few little upgrades...