GT4 Brake Recommendations
Discussion
The car is a 918 GT4 with steel brakes.
Just had the big service done and had an advisory that the front brakes need replacing due to cracking around the holes. From my own measurements, the rears are almost down to minimum thickness, so I'm surprised they didn't mention those too, but anyway.
I'm planning on doing 4 track days this year, as well as 4 autocross style events (cones on a runway) and probably a similar amount next year. As well as that I'll be doing around 3-4000 miles a year on the road, just weekend stuff.
At the service I had uprated Endless brake fluid put in. Now I just need to decide what to do with discs and pads.
Option 1. Replace the fronts with OEM discs and pads. Then replace the rears later on when needed.
Option 2. Replace all 4 discs with OEM Porsche and fit uprated pads. Any suggestions on a track pad that works from cold and isn't super noisy?
Option 3. Replace all 4 discs with PFC 2 piece setup + PFC pads. These are actually cheaper than Porsche OEM discs and in future I can replace just the outer rings, so they will be cheaper going forwards too. I can't find any definitive reviews of these brakes however.
Can anybody provide any advice or suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Owen
Just had the big service done and had an advisory that the front brakes need replacing due to cracking around the holes. From my own measurements, the rears are almost down to minimum thickness, so I'm surprised they didn't mention those too, but anyway.
I'm planning on doing 4 track days this year, as well as 4 autocross style events (cones on a runway) and probably a similar amount next year. As well as that I'll be doing around 3-4000 miles a year on the road, just weekend stuff.
At the service I had uprated Endless brake fluid put in. Now I just need to decide what to do with discs and pads.
Option 1. Replace the fronts with OEM discs and pads. Then replace the rears later on when needed.
Option 2. Replace all 4 discs with OEM Porsche and fit uprated pads. Any suggestions on a track pad that works from cold and isn't super noisy?
Option 3. Replace all 4 discs with PFC 2 piece setup + PFC pads. These are actually cheaper than Porsche OEM discs and in future I can replace just the outer rings, so they will be cheaper going forwards too. I can't find any definitive reviews of these brakes however.
Can anybody provide any advice or suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Owen
Been on the exact same journey and I'm considering option 3 - PFC setup all around also, having replace front discs exactly a year and c15 TD ago, and I also now will need rear discs after next TD.
On the verge of pulling the trigger.
Same set up as the GT4 Clubsport race cars.... 981 and 718.
But I'm doing between 10 -15 track days. So need to move to a slotted setup.
Ref PFC pads - I think its 08 or 11's that are appropriate. Much less noise that RS29 on Steels which are apparently v noisy.
PFC braking performance especially bite - is highly rated.
On the verge of pulling the trigger.
Same set up as the GT4 Clubsport race cars.... 981 and 718.
But I'm doing between 10 -15 track days. So need to move to a slotted setup.
Ref PFC pads - I think its 08 or 11's that are appropriate. Much less noise that RS29 on Steels which are apparently v noisy.
PFC braking performance especially bite - is highly rated.
Edited by TDT on Monday 2nd March 14:10
AP disks and endless pads if you want the best setup.
or the new DS3.12 Brake Pads sound great.
"he DS3.12 has a higher mu than Ferodo's other compounds, so not as much leg pressure is required to initiate the desired response. It is also unfadable, showing no drop in performance at any temp your brakes will ever see. In dyno testing, the DS3.12 has shown superior wear rates to the other Ferodo compounds, while remaining kind to the discs. We believe the DS3.12 will become the gold standard to which other race compounds will be compared.
"
unfadable is some statement.
or the new DS3.12 Brake Pads sound great.
"he DS3.12 has a higher mu than Ferodo's other compounds, so not as much leg pressure is required to initiate the desired response. It is also unfadable, showing no drop in performance at any temp your brakes will ever see. In dyno testing, the DS3.12 has shown superior wear rates to the other Ferodo compounds, while remaining kind to the discs. We believe the DS3.12 will become the gold standard to which other race compounds will be compared.
"
unfadable is some statement.
Porsche911R said:
AP disks and endless pads if you want the best setup.
or the new DS3.12 Brake Pads sound great.
"he DS3.12 has a higher mu than Ferodo's other compounds, so not as much leg pressure is required to initiate the desired response. It is also unfadable, showing no drop in performance at any temp your brakes will ever see. In dyno testing, the DS3.12 has shown superior wear rates to the other Ferodo compounds, while remaining kind to the discs. We believe the DS3.12 will become the gold standard to which other race compounds will be compared.
"
unfadable is some statement.
AP don't do a set up for GT4 as far as I've researched - so you'll need something custom from them.or the new DS3.12 Brake Pads sound great.
"he DS3.12 has a higher mu than Ferodo's other compounds, so not as much leg pressure is required to initiate the desired response. It is also unfadable, showing no drop in performance at any temp your brakes will ever see. In dyno testing, the DS3.12 has shown superior wear rates to the other Ferodo compounds, while remaining kind to the discs. We believe the DS3.12 will become the gold standard to which other race compounds will be compared.
"
unfadable is some statement.
Read around on the Ferodo's also... but my issue is the discs cracking, not sure about noise from Ferodo's also.
TDT said:
AP don't do a set up for GT4 as far as I've researched - so you'll need something custom from them.
Read around on the Ferodo's also... but my issue is the discs cracking, not sure about noise from Ferodo's also.
Essex brakes have made custom unitsRead around on the Ferodo's also... but my issue is the discs cracking, not sure about noise from Ferodo's also.
https://www.essexparts.com/essex-designed-ap-racin...
the new pad is hard to get info on.
Porsche911R said:
Essex brakes have made custom units
https://www.essexparts.com/essex-designed-ap-racin...
Yep - these look great technically. Would need to find a UK company for support though. https://www.essexparts.com/essex-designed-ap-racin...
TDT said:
Yep - these look great technically. Would need to find a UK company for support though.
Simples. BG Developments as I recommended here :
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Speak to David.
I look forward to seeing them on the car
Porsche911R said:
AP disks and endless pads if you want the best setup.
or the new DS3.12 Brake Pads sound great.
"he DS3.12 has a higher mu than Ferodo's other compounds, so not as much leg pressure is required to initiate the desired response. It is also unfadable, showing no drop in performance at any temp your brakes will ever see. In dyno testing, the DS3.12 has shown superior wear rates to the other Ferodo compounds, while remaining kind to the discs. We believe the DS3.12 will become the gold standard to which other race compounds will be compared.
"
unfadable is some statement.
Is there any data about these pads? High Mu isn't always a good thing, especially for brake squeal. or the new DS3.12 Brake Pads sound great.
"he DS3.12 has a higher mu than Ferodo's other compounds, so not as much leg pressure is required to initiate the desired response. It is also unfadable, showing no drop in performance at any temp your brakes will ever see. In dyno testing, the DS3.12 has shown superior wear rates to the other Ferodo compounds, while remaining kind to the discs. We believe the DS3.12 will become the gold standard to which other race compounds will be compared.
"
unfadable is some statement.
FTW said:
Is there any data about these pads? High Mu isn't always a good thing, especially for brake squeal.
https://lmgtfy.com/?q=Ferodo+Racing+DS3.12+:-)
https://www.ferodoracing.com/products/car-racing/r...
Edited by Porsche911R on Monday 2nd March 16:52
TDT said:
Been on the exact same journey and I'm considering option 3 - PFC setup all around also, having replace front discs exactly a year and c15 TD ago, and I also now will need rear discs after next TD.
On the verge of pulling the trigger.
Same set up as the GT4 Clubsport race cars.... 981 and 718.
But I'm doing between 10 -15 track days. So need to move to a slotted setup.
Ref PFC pads - I think its 08 or 11's that are appropriate. Much less noise that RS29 on Steels which are apparently v noisy.
PFC braking performance especially bite - is highly rated.
So do you think for the number of TDs I'm planning, that slotted discs are not necessary? On the verge of pulling the trigger.
Same set up as the GT4 Clubsport race cars.... 981 and 718.
But I'm doing between 10 -15 track days. So need to move to a slotted setup.
Ref PFC pads - I think its 08 or 11's that are appropriate. Much less noise that RS29 on Steels which are apparently v noisy.
PFC braking performance especially bite - is highly rated.
Edited by TDT on Monday 2nd March 14:10
I'm leaning towards the PFC setup because I can't really see any disadvantage of doing it. It's cheaper than OEM Porsche, it should last longer incase I end up doing more TDs, and replacing the outer rings will be much cheaper in future, circa £700 for a pair of fronts.
I also read that the PFC11 are quieter than Ferodo DS1.11 pads.
The AP discs developed by Essex can be ordered through the distributor here in Sweden, and in the UK too I assume. They aren't cheap though, and with Endless pads it works out quite a bit more expensive than the OEM setup. It's a bit much for the amount of track time I do. I'm looking for a cost effective solution but obviously don't want to put junk on my car.
Oz83 said:
. It's a bit much for the amount of track time I do. I'm looking for a cost effective solution but obviously don't want to put junk on my car.
Given you are only planning about 4-5 trackdays and given the gt4 isn't a car that is terribly hard on brakes (lack of power for once helps!), going the full endless works + best possible rotors is probably overkill. Any of the 'named' aftermarket slotted discs like girodisc/alcon/pfc will be more than good enough and last much longer than the OEM drilled ones. The endless endurance pad is really an incredibly long lasting/performing one but you do definitely pay for it as well although the total cost over time is probably very similar to using pagid/pfc pads. the upfront cost is a bit hard to take though admittedly....so it's a nice to have if you feel up to the cost but realistically not necessary at all.isaldiri said:
Given you are only planning about 4-5 trackdays and given the gt4 isn't a car that is terribly hard on brakes (lack of power for once helps!), going the full endless works + best possible rotors is probably overkill. Any of the 'named' aftermarket slotted discs like girodisc/alcon/pfc will be more than good enough and last much longer than the OEM drilled ones. The endless endurance pad is really an incredibly long lasting/performing one but you do definitely pay for it as well although the total cost over time is probably very similar to using pagid/pfc pads. the upfront cost is a bit hard to take though admittedly....so it's a nice to have if you feel up to the cost but realistically not necessary at all.
Thanks for the reply. I can stomach the cost of the Endless pads - the fronts are expensive but the rears are cheaper for some reason. From what I've read though, there could be compatibility issues with the PFC V3 discs because of the carrier design. When the pads get worn they could contact the carrier, so PFC recommend their own pads only (obviously :-)) Do you know if there is any truth in this?Oz83 said:
Thanks for the reply. I can stomach the cost of the Endless pads - the fronts are expensive but the rears are cheaper for some reason. From what I've read though, there could be compatibility issues with the PFC V3 discs because of the carrier design. When the pads get worn they could contact the carrier, so PFC recommend their own pads only (obviously :-)) Do you know if there is any truth in this?
First I've heard of that, can't realistically imagine that really happens as long as the caliper/pad combination is right. Not to teach you to suck eggs btw but you want to be making sure you get the right endless pad if you go that route - the price of the things should make you wince whether front or rear 
ma45B is the endurance race pad, don't bother with mx72 imo... isaldiri said:
First I've heard of that, can't realistically imagine that really happens as long as the caliper/pad combination is right. Not to teach you to suck eggs btw but you want to be making sure you get the right endless pad if you go that route - the price of the things should make you wince whether front or rear ma45B is the endurance race pad, don't bother with mx72 imo...
I think the ME20 seem to be the popular ones? ma45B is the endurance race pad, don't bother with mx72 imo... Oz83 said:
Thanks for the reply. I can stomach the cost of the Endless pads - the fronts are expensive but the rears are cheaper for some reason. From what I've read though, there could be compatibility issues with the PFC V3 discs because of the carrier design. When the pads get worn they could contact the carrier, so PFC recommend their own pads only (obviously :-)) Do you know if there is any truth in this?
I’ve read the same information, ref compatibility, and this has been the reason why my finger has been waivering on the trigger. Will be locked into using PFC pads for as long as I run the PFC discs.
By carrier…we are actually talking about the fact that a normal shaped pad will foul on the PFC V3 spring clip rotor hat.
PFC pads are shaped to the larger hat contour.
I do really like them though, V3 spring clip concept is cool, and means less labour time for rebuild.
Aftermarket pads will eat OEM discs even more quickly than OEM pads so you’ll be chewing through those at an even greater rate, so really need more robust rotor solution to withstand the performance of aftermarket pads.
Edited by TDT on Tuesday 3rd March 00:42
Armitage.Shanks said:
On a similar vein where's the best (cheapest) place to get OE front pads from?
Design911 have good pricing, else if you’re a PCGB member you might get 10% off at OPC? Or get friendly with a tech that might be able to work something out for you?
Some of the independent specialists have good relationships with Parts so can sometimes get good pricing.
ME20 is the sprint pad, a lot cheaper than MA45B which is a hell of a lot more lasting.Gassing Station | Boxster/Cayman | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff