Which pads?

[mdw]

On the thread re the white G car there are a few people asking re brake pads.  My 88 n/a has a  totally new brake system throughout with green stuff pads on the front.  Although they  work and will lock the wheels they  do feel a bit wooden when you first use them.

 

  What pads are recommended?  Something with a little more bite that feels like they are working from the start.  Its unlikely to go on a track. It is a n/a with a stage one Lotusbits engine, and stainless manifold and will probably change to efi over next winter.  So not a SE or Turbo but a little more oomph than standard.

 

I seem to remember some people recommending a Mintex pad??

[mdw]

Mine are green stuff front and back with groved front disks.  I guess the problem is everything is compared to a modern car and I find that my first few dabs of the brakes result in a ohhhh S**t  we aren't slowing down quick enough moment.  They also seem to chuck of a lot of dust over the wheels.  There is also a bit more free play at the top of the pedal travel than I  would like. Need to read up the service manual on that one.

[Bibs]

The colour indicates the resistance to temperature of the backing plate. Green stuff were designed for very light cars, think saxo/106 etc so the weight of an Esprit pulling up risks putting heat into the fluid. I always used yellows on mine and they were excellent even on a couple of trackdays.

[mdw]

Did they bite from the first press or need warming up  and  were they suitable for.............  how shall I put this ......normal use.

[Bibs]

I never had any issues with them from cold that I remember.