Aston Reliability
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^^^ fresh high quality DOT4 brake fluid and the Porterfield pads I have and I have not run into any problems with brake fade on 2 track days. These pads are an excellent road/track compromise. Full value to KarlFranz for the bringing them to our attention.
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What about something like the Evora S, as a street-biased, but still track-capable choice? Obviously doesn't have the panache of a Scud or CS (or any F-car, for that matter), but I'd almost bet it's as much fun both on the road and track.
I've always been a fan of F-cars, but honestly, the reliability and more importantly, maintenance budget items, have scared me away from them.
Like Sunir, I've open-tracked, instructed and raced (regionally, Club Racing, and Touring Car Championship) for several years, but after living overseas and giving the habit up, I don't have much desire to re-build a new racecar.
I did instruct for the Ferrari Club for awhile though, and even a minor "off" can lead to some pretty expensive repair bills. That alone has been enough to steer me away from the brand, even if I can afford it.
That's part of what has me looking at the Vantage....a capable track car (even if the M3 and 911 are superior track weapons) but one that provides some great driving enjoyment daily on streets. And a level of exclusivity that one cannot get from the M3, or even the 911 (10x production of 911 vs Vantage).
[Small Hijack On]
It still sounds like brakes are the critical issue for a Vantage on the track; any other reliability issues?
[/Small Hijack Off]
Patrick
I've always been a fan of F-cars, but honestly, the reliability and more importantly, maintenance budget items, have scared me away from them.
Like Sunir, I've open-tracked, instructed and raced (regionally, Club Racing, and Touring Car Championship) for several years, but after living overseas and giving the habit up, I don't have much desire to re-build a new racecar.
I did instruct for the Ferrari Club for awhile though, and even a minor "off" can lead to some pretty expensive repair bills. That alone has been enough to steer me away from the brand, even if I can afford it.
That's part of what has me looking at the Vantage....a capable track car (even if the M3 and 911 are superior track weapons) but one that provides some great driving enjoyment daily on streets. And a level of exclusivity that one cannot get from the M3, or even the 911 (10x production of 911 vs Vantage).
[Small Hijack On]
It still sounds like brakes are the critical issue for a Vantage on the track; any other reliability issues?
[/Small Hijack Off]
Patrick
Problem now is that I really miss having a super fun street Lotus. The Evora is an excellent platform and a growing class in our LotusCupUSA series. I have been thinking about selling my 211 and getting the Evora S. With just a few minor mods, this car will be a killer. We have one guy in our series who has an Evora GT4 and it is a Monster!
The Evora is a very very capable car on track and if they are race prepped correctly, they will even beat my 211.
Best part is then you can drive it home....
Last edited by plastique999; Aug 2, 2012 at 10:23 PM.
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Is the dust better with the Porterfield pads? Seems there are always trade offs with pads.
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So, on the topic of brakes for the Vantage, any idea of sources for non-OEM rotors and pads?
Obviously Porterfield makes pads for it (I'm partial to Hawk myself, but Porterfield has a pretty good reputation), but I'm wondering what the pad sizes are (I assume front and rear are different)?
Also, what are the factory specs for the rotors? I believe they are one-piece units, but I'm wondering if two piece units are available (Aston Martin doesn't show up in most online part ordering systems...Stoptech, for example).
I found one place that wanted $1500 PER ROTOR (!!!!!) for the rear of the Vantage, and they didn't have any solutions for the front.
Any good sources?
Patrick
Obviously Porterfield makes pads for it (I'm partial to Hawk myself, but Porterfield has a pretty good reputation), but I'm wondering what the pad sizes are (I assume front and rear are different)?
Also, what are the factory specs for the rotors? I believe they are one-piece units, but I'm wondering if two piece units are available (Aston Martin doesn't show up in most online part ordering systems...Stoptech, for example).
I found one place that wanted $1500 PER ROTOR (!!!!!) for the rear of the Vantage, and they didn't have any solutions for the front.
Any good sources?
Patrick
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^^^ you can get relplacemnt rotors from the dealer, by shopping around you can get a better price from some then from others. As for pads, Porterfield R4S are great for the road, dunno about the track...
funny you mention Hawk! That's all I run on my race car...for 11+ years now!! I've tried 'em all PFC are good too...but Hawk just always worked for me...DTC compunds 14 and 10...great bite, extended temp range, and fade free on track in sprint and enduro, paired with Castrol SRF!
funny you mention Hawk! That's all I run on my race car...for 11+ years now!! I've tried 'em all PFC are good too...but Hawk just always worked for me...DTC compunds 14 and 10...great bite, extended temp range, and fade free on track in sprint and enduro, paired with Castrol SRF!
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Do you have Karls topic on this by chance? I would like to book mark it when ready as I cant stand the dust from OEM....I swear it is eating away the finish on my sport pack wheels! (yes I clean them often!)
Is the dust better with the Porterfield pads? Seems there are always trade offs with pads.
Is the dust better with the Porterfield pads? Seems there are always trade offs with pads.
Edit - Here are the two most detailed threads on the Porterfields
Last edited by Aston.Ca; Aug 3, 2012 at 03:14 PM.
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So, on the topic of brakes for the Vantage, any idea of sources for non-OEM rotors and pads?
Obviously Porterfield makes pads for it (I'm partial to Hawk myself, but Porterfield has a pretty good reputation), but I'm wondering what the pad sizes are (I assume front and rear are different)?
Also, what are the factory specs for the rotors? I believe they are one-piece units, but I'm wondering if two piece units are available (Aston Martin doesn't show up in most online part ordering systems...Stoptech, for example).
I found one place that wanted $1500 PER ROTOR (!!!!!) for the rear of the Vantage, and they didn't have any solutions for the front.
Any good sources?
Patrick
Obviously Porterfield makes pads for it (I'm partial to Hawk myself, but Porterfield has a pretty good reputation), but I'm wondering what the pad sizes are (I assume front and rear are different)?
Also, what are the factory specs for the rotors? I believe they are one-piece units, but I'm wondering if two piece units are available (Aston Martin doesn't show up in most online part ordering systems...Stoptech, for example).
I found one place that wanted $1500 PER ROTOR (!!!!!) for the rear of the Vantage, and they didn't have any solutions for the front.
Any good sources?
Patrick
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Hmmm, can't recall the title off hand, I think it was a thread started by someone else. It's easy enough though, just go to their site and enter your model and year. They still dust but not as much as the OEMs. I would say around 50% of the dust but that's completely subjective. Maybe KF can chime in with some comments. He's used them on a number of his cars IIRC.
Edit - Here are the two most detailed threads on the Porterfields
Edit - Here are the two most detailed threads on the Porterfields
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Since we are talking track cars, cannot forget about the good ol American Vette with pushrod V8 and leaf spring suspension.
Honestly, with same skill level, no Lotus/GT3/BMW can keep up. An F430 will be a good challenge. Consumables are peanuts compare to F-car.
I have toyed with the idea of owning a DBS with the EXACT thoughts of the original title. That and the fact that the dealership network is pretty limited.
Honestly, with same skill level, no Lotus/GT3/BMW can keep up. An F430 will be a good challenge. Consumables are peanuts compare to F-car.
I have toyed with the idea of owning a DBS with the EXACT thoughts of the original title. That and the fact that the dealership network is pretty limited.
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