[69pro-touring]

Got my ZL1 teched before next track day and was recommended to change my pads. New set of OEM pads I got measures 0.375" pad thickness both front and rear. Fronts on the car are currently around 0.265" and rears are around 0.250."

Was he maybe a little over-zealous with that recommendation and should I hold on to these a while longer before changing or is this around when they should be swapped out? Is there a magic number on thickness remaining? Thanks for the input guys.

[gotswap]

you are fine with what you have. Depending on how hard you drive, you will need to replace them after.

[k20attack]

I wouldn't track them if they're below .2" from what I've read. You're probably fine for one more track day though. Just keep an eye on them.

[Badmojo]

Originally Posted by k20attack

I wouldn't track them if they're below .2" from what I've read. You're probably fine for one more track day though. Just keep an eye on them.

This is good advice. .2" or 5mm is a little more than 1/2 gone. Factory front and rear pads have 9 mm of pad material.



Just make sure you are measuring just the friction material and do not include the back plate in the measurement.

[Scottyz]

I think there is a minimum amount of pad material required to track the car.
I could be wrong. Please correct me if I am.

[PROMETHEUS]

Never had anyone tell me about "minimum" thickness during a track day tech inspection. I would absolutely agree 1/2 pad material gone is a good rule of thumb for track events. You can always use them later for DD or not.

[benjaminforeal]

How are the OEM pads on track days? Any issues with fade or performance for say a 20 minute track session?

[kaamacat]

Originally Posted by benjaminforeal

How are the OEM pads on track days? Any issues with fade or performance for say a 20 minute track session?

I drive in an Intermediate group and during a 30min session (Road Atlanta or VIR) have not had any fade. I also though have also switched since Day1 to Motul RBF brake fluid. (I put my run group type only because Advanced level drivers most likely push much harder than I do at the moment)

I picked this up from Amazon and they are quite accurate. (although wish there was a 7mm in the set)
ABN Brake Lining Thickness SAE & Metric Gauge 8 Piece Tool Set

[benjaminforeal]

Originally Posted by kaamacat

I drive in an Intermediate group and during a 30min session (Road Atlanta or VIR) have not had any fade. I also though have also switched since Day1 to Motul RBF brake fluid. (I put my run group type only because Advanced level drivers most likely push much harder than I do at the moment)

I picked this up from Amazon and they are quite accurate. (although wish there was a 7mm in the set)
ABN Brake Lining Thickness SAE & Metric Gauge 8 Piece Tool Set

Good to hear, thank you! I definitely plan to do the dot4 brake fluid swap soon. I'll leave the pads alone until they need replaced and maybe research some alternatives meanwhile.

I was just at Road Atlanta yesterday doing some ride alongs with a buddy in his C7 Grand Sport. Just now starting to get my feet wet in the track scene but after yesterday I'm definitely going to have to get out there next season for some sessions. Maybe I'll see ya there next year.

[PROMETHEUS]

OEM pads are very good. Been using them for 4 track days. Hopefully have 1 or 2 left in them.

[SFV1LE]

OEM pads are great track pads, I've tried both OEM and Ferodo DS 1.11. I'm experienced and have run pretty fast laps in my first few events in this car, not turning as well as I want yet but I can at least say I brake late from very high speeds on the straights and put the pads through their paces. The one thing I'm concerned about with the DS 1.11 vs. OEM is the heat they generate and effect on rotors, as well as turning the calipers brown.

I think the 2 fastest track drivers in this community based on posted lap times, both ZL1 1LE in CA, are still running OEM with no complaints. Randy Pobst was on stock pads when he did 1:34 at Laguna Seca.

And wasn't the 1LE on stock pads when it went 7:16 the Nurbugring? If yes, that's the ultimate brake pad torture test IMO, serious late braking from 140+ repeatedly for over 7 minutes with no sign of fade.

[69pro-touring]

+1 for stock pads. If you're in a novice or intermediate group HPDE like me, you shouldn't have any issues with stock pads. I've been pretty impressed with previous times on track in high 90's ambient temp here in south Louisiana and didn't have any signs of fade in 20 minute sessions even after multiple 145+ down to 60 off main straight. Plus they're relatively cost effective.

[Aliveguy5]

The stock pads are very good. I drive my car pretty hard and have run in the advanced group for many years now. I decided to upgrade my pads as I was getting the stock ones pretty warm. I upgraded to Hawk DTC-70 on all four corners and I'm very happy with them. I would also agree that novice and intermediate would probably be fine on stock pads. I also run a track that's pretty hard on the brakes for our heavy cars so they weighed in on my decision as well.

[kropscamaro16]

or just use em and bring the new ones to the track if you need to swap em out up to you