EBC Red Stuff Pads are NOT good enough for track days!

[Oldfartinaute]

I bought a set of EBC red for the VZSS because they advertize them as suitable for entry level track days. On my first day out I completely destroyed the new pads and scored the rotor into the bargain. The distributors didn't want to know and said things like I shouldn't have used tyhem on a heavy vehicle - they might be OK for a WRX of similar but not for a commodore. Needless to say no refund was offered.

Has anyone else had experience with EBC or has anyone got suggestions for a good pad.
(The ute really impressed me with its track ability and was third in class behind a Poersche GT3 and a turbu track preped 260Z.

[FusionX]

Depends on what sort of track work you are doing and if the car is daily driven. If the car is daily driven and you mainly do short stuff like motorkhana's then Ferodo Formulas (or DS2000s, depending on where you are) are good. For large race tracks, Ferodo DS2500s are a very good pad (although they say not for street use, we still drive around with them on the street with no issue except brake squeal). Or for a dedicated track car, Ferodo DS3000s.

Never been a fan of EBC pads after having a set of EBC yellow's fall apart on me.

[Oldfartinaute]

Thanks. This was on the sprint circuit at Qld Raceway which is fairly quick and has some heavy braking. The bads just started to break up it was bloody scary and i didn't realize how bad they were till i got home and saw the rotor damage. The car does get some road use so the DS3000 probably won't work so i may try the 2500's.

[gslrallysport]

Has anyone else had experience with EBC or has anyone got suggestions for a good pad.

Hi mate,

Yep, the EBC Red won't do track work... I spend a large portion of my day trying to convince people that EBC aren't all they're cracked up to be, and feedback like yours makes me feel better about doing so...

Our recommendation for an entry level track pad is QFM A1RM, which is a Ferodo DS2500 equivalent, and what I personally run in my 03 Impreza rally car. For more details see here:
QFM Performance
QFM Brake Pads

Here's some of the latest feedback on the A1RM from the track:
Brake Pads Users Ratings Guide - Skylines Australia
Brake Pads Users Ratings Guide - Skylines Australia

The A1RM to suit standard Commodore brakes are $119 per axle set front or rear. Your Thunder might have the C5 PBR front upgrade though, and they're $149 for the axle set in that case.

Any questions feel free to let us know.

Regards,
Greg

[Oldfartinaute]

Thanks for the advice the 2500's definately sound worth a try and they are only half what I paid for the EBC red sh!!!t.

[gslrallysport]

What are the 2500's worth???