Hi,

I was just debating on what kind of brakes to get for auto-X and road course racing. Reason being is im trying to decide what rims to eventially get, im looking at something lightweight and small. They gotta be good for the 1/4 mile track and good for road course work. As of right now Ive got 17" MOMO arrows but there far from being a lightweight rim, great looking though.

If I can get away with stock sized brakes then I would go for some 15s to save on weight and $$$. But Ive noticed some of you more hard core track guys are running BBKs and if thats the case Im thinking of getting some lighter 17" rims to accomodate a BBK. I still have not run any kind of offical track racing but this seems like something I definitly want to get into. I want to eventially run on Lime rock but if a local auto-x course appears im gonna try it using Porterfields and some cheap Autozone rotors for my first time out.

 

For AutoX I don't think a BBK is necessary. Performance pads and good rotors have always been enough for me. Road Racing on the other hand generates a lot more heat in the rotor and a BBK can be helpful.

 

Never done an autocross so I can't say if u need a BBK for that or not. But for Road course events BBK are really helpful. Less to non-existent brake fade (depending on pad choices), better pedal feel and more clamping force, etc.

I started upgrading my car after doing a couple track events. Unfortunately, I bought the BBK and Wheels way too late in the game as they were expensive and then ended up selling my car 5 months or sth after putting those on. If you're interested in a BBK and light weight wheels, I have them and am selling them too. Check the Sale forum or PM me for more info.

I have Volk TE 37 18x8.5 (very light weight <17lbs) w/. Nitto 555 and Precision Brakes Wilwood BBK.

 

They've pretty much said it already..

for auto X, you're only driving for about a minute at a time. BBK isn't necessary (or even really wanted) if you're only going to do auto X. the factory stuff is more than adequate for auto X use. just get some good pads- Axxis, Porterfield, Performance Friction, Cobalt, etc- and you'll be fine.

for road course use, you can get away with GOOD track pads and stock rotors, but don't expect the rotors to last more than a few events. many track guys take at least two sets of stock rotors with them.. one on the car and another set of spares. some have a track-only set and a street set..
so when you get there, pull the calipers and swap to track pads and rotors and you'll be good to go for the day.

I'd highly recommend just buying some good race-type pads for your first track event or two and go from there.

For wheels, you're going to want to go bigger than the stocker 15s as well. I recommend a 16 or 17" wheel, mainly to get the huge sidewalls down to a more performance oriented size. a 50 profile tire is about the largest you'd want to use.. go with 225 or wider as well..

for wheels, you can pick up lots of 16 and 17" wheels that are under about 17lb each and cost under $1000. I'm using some 5Zigen FN01-RC wheels for the track.. they're around 15lb and with tires are about 35lb.. my street wheels weigh 25lb each- 53lb each with tire!

Anyway, I suggest you get out there and try what you've got on the car currently, then upgrade as necessary.