I've been doing PCA DE events with Porsches for 10 years, but this is my first trip to the track in my 09 Audi S5. I sold my Carrera and await my GT3 due to arrive in the fall. In the meantime I want to track my new S5 for the upcoming season. I'm looking for some advice on handling and braking. I run in the Red run group so I will drive the car very hard. I already ordered Stasis rear sway bar due to arrive any day. My big fear is brakes, and I'm not ready to dump $4-5,000 in a new brake kit. Are there some racing pads available anyone would recommend? I will probably go with SRF Brake fluid. Just want an inexpensive way to do 5-6 track events this summer.

 

for the brake pad question i'd go to Audiworld.com, theyb can probably help you out.

 

audizine.com is a great resource too, I could never get into Audiworld because of the forum layout.

check out ecstuning.com, they have a lot of good audi parts as well.

 

yeah thats why i mostly post on AZ

 

Yeah I tried Audiworld but couldn't really find anything. I'll try audizine and esctuning. Thanks.

 

For brakes, what I would recommend that you do is buy a set of OEM rotors, and a set of Carbotech XP10 pads (F&R for pads & rotors). Swap pads and rotors for the track day, and then swap back when you get home. That's the right way to do it. You don't want to be using track pads on the street because they will not provide sufficient bite at street temps. The same goes for using street pads on the track - usually they will get eaten up pretty quick. Also, track pads will definitely eat up rotors faster, that's why it's recommended to have a dedicated set of track rotors to go along with your pads.

Also, pick up a set of stainless lines to complete the package.

 

Thanks for the info. Why not go with XP 16 pads which I assume are even more aggressive?

 

I would get Stoptech replacement pads and stock rotors. Avoid ECS rotors. Had it on my Audi and it rusted pretty darn quick!

 

Mainly because I think they will be overkill. The XP10 should be more than enough for your first outing with the S5. Personally, I would want a pad that exceeds the needs of the car but not by too much, hence unneccessarily reducing modulation, feel, etc. The heat range of the XP10 and XP16 are not very far apart, however the XP10 will probably provide better feedback.

I know the S5 is by no means a light car, but most stage 3 and beyond B5 S4 guys who track their cars hard usually use the XP10 pads.

 

good point

 

I took my s5 to a ferrari track day, it held its own overall id say the brakes held up pretty well, i wouldnt bother with a bbk, simply a set of pads and a fluid change would suffice IMO....

Brembo was looking for me to put their new bbk on my car but i could'nt justify the $3500 pricetag that came with it.