Boiling brake fluid

[jr_spyder]

Hello all,

I've been doing autocross for years always in unmodified stock cars (Jag XKRs) but I had never done track time in my Jags because they were all convertibles and not allowed on the tracks. With my R8 I'm a newbie to the track and HPDE driving. Have now done two track days (both at New Hampshire International Speedway, approx 2.5 hours of total track time) and will be going to Watkins Glen in late Oct for a weekend there. I've read most of the other posts here and have learned a lot. That's got me thinking about better brake pads, track tires, wheels, etc.

One item that comes up is "boiling brake fluid." I understand the concept completely but my question is how do you know if it has happened. Only once have I felt a tiny bit of brake fade on the track. I haven't yet gotten into the master cylinder to look at the fluid (I love the mods some of you have done to make that easier).

Before I go to The Glenn I want to be sure I am ready. Total mileage on the car is just short of 2k. If you were me what you be thinking about? Or am I probably in good shape with so little mileage and track time so far?

Also, anyone have any news on installing a 4 point racing harness or does everyone run with OEM belts?

Thanks,

JR

[Craig@Rennstore.com]

Boiling and fade are 2 separate and relatively *unrelated* occurrences -

1) Fade is a loss of pad friction -
2) Boiling results in weird pedal modulation and a usually temporarily soft pedal....which can be rather permanent and potentially fatal as the fluid degrades.

Track use?
HIGHLY recommend Pagids and Motul RBF600, you will not regret it...
Fresh and improved fluid is a must for you and your R8s survival.

[MotherTucker]

I agree, you need to flush the OE fluid with hi-temp stuff. I alternate between the blue and gold fluids so I can tell when the new stuff is there. Both are around 600 degree F fluids. Good luck getting to the brake fluid reservoir. Search the forum here to find out how a lot of us dealt with that.

Several here have successfully used the OE pads on the track, but they will wear out pretty quickly and may fade a bit if you get them really hot. I agree PAGIDs are the top quality pads. But they ain't cheap. Carbotech are less expensive.

mt

[Craig@Rennstore.com]

Ya truly get what you pay for - long, long pad life and no troubles with Pagids.

Biased? A little. But mostly factual and objective ;-)