[McRib 1s Back]

We'll have Porterfield pads for our FiST soon!

Porterfield is very open to making new pads for nearly any application. They're a friendly group, easy to work with, and local!

In the past I've had new pads made based strictly on description and an outline sketch (sent by FAX or email). Those pads worked pretty well, but I recall having some minor fitment issues at least once.

Since I wasn't in a super hurry, I decided to mail them my used pads. Hopefully this will result in a higher quality product for us.

They can make either the R4 (race) or R4S (street), but I asked for R4, first.

I'll share an update just as soon as I get the pads! At this point, I think this may be later next week.

 

[RodMoe]

Good news indeed as SCCA members may know you get a discount from them..

www.Porterfield-Brakes.com. To place your order simply call 949-548-4470 and provide your SCCA member number to receive your discount pricing.

 

[was-an-M]

I'll just sit here and wait for information on how to place my order

 

[McRib 1s Back]

I just talked to Porterfield again today. They should be able to start later today or tomorrow -- I'll follow-up in a few days. They're not quite ready to take orders yet.

The first batch will be front R4 race pads. I'll eventually get the rears made too, but it's the front that is key for us. As a reference, four HPDE days puts the rears around 75% remaining. We don't have a bias issue, but the rear just isn't working that hard.

 

[was-an-M]

Thanks for updating us. Can't wait! Looks like I have them before my first event so no backup OEM pads for me

 

[McRib 1s Back]

Thanks for updating us. Can't wait! Looks like I have them before my first event so no backup OEM pads for me

You know these suckers squeak like mad on the street, right? Even my past R4S squeaked (but they say they don't). Cold stops are also more fun!

Also, they heat up fast and just deal with it -- in a battle of pads versus rotors, the rotors lose. Fortunately those are pretty cheap and easy to change!

 

[was-an-M]

I figured they squeal like a pig. I meant more that i didn't have to bring spare pads after (possibly) killing the OE pads.

But if they aren't terrible I might not bother swapping.

 

[RodMoe]

Just got a Email from Wendy at PF I was asking about the R4S this was her reply

We can make them and they would be $119.95 for the axle set of fronts.

 

[McRib 1s Back]

Just got a Email from Wendy at PF I was asking about the R4S this was her reply

Yep! Just got a message earlier along the same lines re: R4.

They need another week or so on these. I warned her the SCCA guys were coming when we talked earlier today. Place your orders now, just give them a little extra time to fulfill the orders.

 

[McRib 1s Back]

I figured they squeal like a pig. I meant more that i didn't have to bring spare pads after (possibly) killing the OE pads.

But if they aren't terrible I might not bother swapping.

Oh yeah, for the R4S, it's worth it on the street, too. Just wait for your significant other to weigh-in on the sound.

 

[was-an-M]

Can we place our orders now? $119 is a great freaking deal.

 

[McRib 1s Back]

Yes -- that looks like the SCCA discount price has been applied. These are closer to $200 normally! Well, that's for R4. I still agree, great freaking deal!

 

[was-an-M]

Do we call to place an order? I don't see it on their website.

 

[McRib 1s Back]

Wendy Charlier
Porterfield Enterprises
(949) 548-4470
www.racebrakes.com

08:00 to 17:00 PST

She is the one handling my order and knows our car now -- I had to clear up why the regular Ford Fiesta pads would not work. She'll remember talking to me and knows these orders are coming.

 

[was-an-M]

Thanks, I'll call tomorrow. Do you have a part number or just say "McRib sent me"

 

[McRib 1s Back]

Thanks, I'll call tomorrow. Do you have a part number or just say "McRib sent me"

Ha! Just tell her R4/S for the 2014 Fiesta ST and you'll be set.

 

[RodMoe]

That will make two of us calling more the merrier I say...

 

[McRib 1s Back]

That will make two of us calling more the merrier I say...

Yes -- spread the word!

Ask for Wendy, though anybody can probably help you. This will save you a few minutes since she's familiar with our car and processed my order. It looks like I'm about 7 days out (only 1 day shipping for me!).

Don't forget to ask for your SCCA discount!


Prices:
R4: $195.95
R4S: $119.95 + SCCA 20% discount


So the street compound is quite a bit cheaper. The formulation has changed a bit over the years, but the current race compound is considered higher carbon and metallic construction, but I don't know exactly how much (it's their secret sauce).

 

[was-an-M]

Is R4 or R4/S the compound that's best for track use?

 

[McRib 1s Back]

Is R4 or R4/S the compound that's best for track use?

R4 is "race", and R4S is "street". Either can be used for autox, but I'd probably go with race for bigger/longer autox courses (or SOLO I stuff, if you're doing that). In the past, I used R4S for autox and full-time street duty. They worked great, but as mentioned, squealed a bit -- especially when cold. Speaking of which, your first couple stops on cold pads don't work quite as well (but not as scary as a race ceramic setup). They take a bit longer to heat up, but once they did, worked great. This is true for the race setup and then some, too. Both compounds are hard on the rotors.

If you're swapping pads, why not buy the R4, race? If you are tuning your car for especially short tracks, the R4S might be better -- keeping with the same logic of using tires like Dunlop DZ2s that don't need to be warmed up at all. That's probably the big stuff to consider.