Brake pad depth

[LaserTam]

I am pondering on doing a track day (for the first time). Been suggested that my brake pads should have at least 60% still on them, as they take a bashing. Just checked the Tam, and I have about 6-7mm on the rear and perhaps 8-9mm on the fronts.
What I don't know is how deep are new ones? I guess it may very depending on manufacturer, but a steer would be helpful.
Also, is the '60%' advice correct?

[Targarama]

TVRs are not heavy on the brakes, unless your pads are nearly shot I think you'll be fine. Plus it is your first track day - you won't be going for any lap records.

[LaserTam]

Targarama said:

TVRs are not heavy on the brakes, unless your pads are nearly shot I think you'll be fine. Plus it is your first track day - you won't be going for any lap records.

You are right, I won't be. Interestingly, it was a TVR owner who gave me the advice.

[VARLEYHYD]

About 11mm F & 9mm rear material, just watch the rear as standard material will not last too long

G

[LaserTam]

Thanks Graham. Looks like I have plenty then.

[TVR_owner]

VARLEYHYD said:

About 11mm F & 9mm rear material, just watch the rear as standard material will not last too long

G

Correct G,
I can remember a track day at Oulton where a set of rears from new went in an afternoon!

[RedSpike66]

VARLEYHYD said:

About 11mm F & 9mm rear material, just watch the rear as standard material will not last too long

G

Graham
What pads do you use ??
Regards
Mike

[VARLEYHYD]

RedSpike66 said:

Graham
What pads do you use ??
Regards
Mike

Mintex f4r from Hexham HC, good Initial bite, fadless on track with castrol SRFluid, heavy on dust & will squeal off track when party warm.
Heavy on disc wear, estimate life as 15-20 heavy trackdays , pads 8-10 trackdays.

As above part worn rear pads are likely not last the day with heavy use.

O/T
Jon, you doing cadwell 26th sept?

G

[TVR_owner]

VARLEYHYD said:

O/T
Jon, you doing cadwell 26th sept?

G

Yes, out in my 3000M. Will try not to get in anyones way.

[VARLEYHYD]

TVR_owner said:

VARLEYHYD said:

O/T
Jon, you doing cadwell 26th sept?

G

Yes, out in my 3000M. Will try not to get in anyones way.

Hope to see you at Cadwell then.
Hope to be at the Brackenborough
Hope to not get in your way!

Sag too powerful now! as keeps breaking motorsport prep CR gearbox with 3.73:1 diff & sticky tyres- so could be in the heavy 'S6

G

[RedSpike66]

VARLEYHYD said:

RedSpike66 said:

Graham
What pads do you use ??
Regards
Mike

Mintex f4r from Hexham HC, good Initial bite, fadless on track with castrol SRFluid, heavy on dust & will squeal off track when party warm.
Heavy on disc wear, estimate life as 15-20 heavy trackdays , pads 8-10 trackdays.

As above part worn rear pads are likely not last the day with heavy use.

O/T
Jon, you doing cadwell 26th sept?

G

Hmmm, sound like a good pad for someone like yourself who mainly tracks the car, but seeing as Cadwell will be my first track day, and I expect to do most miles on the road, probably not for me ?? (unless I change for each track day ?)

Thanks
Mike

[TVR_owner]

RedSpike66 said:

Hmmm, sound like a good pad for someone like yourself who mainly tracks the car, but seeing as Cadwell will be my first track day, and I expect to do most miles on the road, probably not for me ?? (unless I change for each track day ?)

Thanks
Mike

Mike you'll be fine with standard pads and fluid untill you really get into the spirit of it. The next logical step is a Ferodo DS2500 or a Mintex 1166, good road pads too. Fluid of the type Graham and I use is expensive and high service cost as it should be skipped every 6 months, but in that period, I belive there is very little better on the market.

See you at Cadwell?

John

[LaserTam]

TVR_owner said:

Correct G,
I can remember a track day at Oulton where a set of rears from new went in an afternoon!

Thanks chaps. Perhaps I should get the rears replaced before I go (to Cadwell as well, as it happens - not booked yet but seriously considering it).

Maybe a dumb question, so forgive me - if I get the rears replaced so that I have loads of material on them for the day, if I pretty much burn them out at Cadwell, is there anything stopping me getting the old ones (the ones with maybe 8mm on) put back on? Is changing a set of pads a complex process (from someone who isn't stupid with a spanner, but I'm no mechanic), or is it something I could do myself with just a standard set of tools?

[TVR_owner]

LaserTam said:

Thanks chaps. Perhaps I should get the rears replaced before I go (to Cadwell as well, as it happens - not booked yet but seriously considering it).

Maybe a dumb question, so forgive me - if I get the rears replaced so that I have loads of material on them for the day, if I pretty much burn them out at Cadwell, is there anything stopping me getting the old ones (the ones with maybe 8mm on) put back on? Is changing a set of pads a complex process (from someone who isn't stupid with a spanner, but I'm no mechanic), or is it something I could do myself with just a standard set of tools?

You'll need a windback tool for the rears. If this is your first track day, I would suggest you forget about new pads, they'll be fine. Tyre pressure gauge, wheel nuts torqued up, lights taped up then as long as the car is road worthy, you'll be fine. I would take some octane booster to pop in with your fuel as insurance. Cars that have never pinked before can do on track, and it's hard to hear with a skid lid on.

Happy to offer any advice on the day, I'll be in a red and white 3000M (Car no 50).

Cheers
John