'08 997 C4S Brake Query

[nine11]

On the weekend I was exploring the limits of my '08 C4S (X51) After 1.5hrs of driving winding roads, heavy acceleration/braking I had a rest to refuel. After that I hit the open road, I was traveling about 180 to 200kmph and braking into sweeping bends, whilst braking I felt my brakes pulsating (when slowing to about 140 to 160kmph). No lights appeared on the dash to indicate ABS or PSM. I did notice slight brake fade prior to refueling. Can anybody explain this please, is it normal or should I be speaking sternly to Porsche about checking my brakes?

Second question, if my brakes are not handling the punishment, I am thinking of a brake upgrade. I hear that PCCB are not worth it to retro fit, as the whole braking system needs change out for PCCB. I was told after market brakes and steel brake lines are better value. Can anybody advise on my options? Thanks

[PAULSPEED]

Sounds like you are wearing out your brakes. You

also may want to cool them before you add fuel. Recommend

you drive slow for about 2 miles before turning car

off. You could also get Pagrid blue brakes. They stop alot better

than stock and they do not fade as much. These do

wear out quicker, but the Porsche models all have the easiest brakes

to replace.

Paul

[svansyoc]

For the type of driving that you are doing(if it is often enough) I would recomend the pccb brakes, while they are expensive they are amazing. Also Porsche moto sports makes different pads available at three levels: street, track and full race. Full race pads cannot be used on the street because the pads have to be heated up first to be able to stop with vehicle. I think that the street pads would be adequate for your needs.

[nine11]

For the type of driving that you are doing(if it is often enough) I would recomend the pccb brakes, while they are expensive they are amazing. Also Porsche moto sports makes different pads available at three levels: street, track and full race. Full race pads cannot be used on the street because the pads have to be heated up first to be able to stop with vehicle. I think that the street pads would be adequate for your needs.

I gather that you feel upgrading my pads to Pagid Blue (plus the cool down) won't cut the cake and only the PCCB upgrade will be fit for duty. In Malaysia/Singapore, the dealer charges USD$15K for PCCB when ordered and US$55K when retrofit. So it's not a decision to take lightly.

Maybe PaulSpeed's suggestion is cheaper, rest and cool your brakes more. I am a little bit disappointed with the brakes though. Has anybody fitted 380mm ceramic Brembo brake packages and how would they compare to PCCB? I was told that only a front change out is required, is this right?

[JimEE]

Most important, you shouldn't have any vibration. I'd have them checked out to see if the pads/disc's are OK.

What's you're experience with driving this way in this car before the event you describe? Have you driven this or other Porsche's this way before? Have you ever tracked it? And if so, how did the brakes feel?

Sometimes, after tracking my car, my cars brakes feel different for awhile, when back on the street, even for a few days. I decided it's more me, than the brakes, as the brakes work fine on the track and fine on the street, but my driving intent is a lot different. That is, after driving on the track, I'm a lot more sensitive to the cars feedback. I have a boxster S with stock street brakes/pads. And I'm hitting the brakes pretty hard slowing from 120-130mph or so, down to about 60mph. These track runs are 20 to 30 minutes but we do 4-5 a day, for 3 days, not 1.5 hours like yours, though. My brakes don't vibrate, either.

[nine11]

Thanks for the feedback. You are all right. PCCBs are probably the correct choice for continual hammering. Pagin blues would probably work better for most my driving. I think the pulsation (ever so slight) may be a combination of heat and speed after quite and extended duration however not a permanent feature. I will monitor the brakes next time I stretch the cars legs next but before any extended driving time. I'll let you know the outcome.

[PAULSPEED]

Brembo brakes are bigger but there is another problem. A friend

of mine got off the track into the gravel and then got back onto the track. The

gravel got between the brakes and the tires and marked up the tires

real good.

Paul