500E brake pads for the track
 

Recently at a track event at Lime Rock Park, David Hendy and I both experienced severe brake fade whilst running OE brake pads and stock-sized rotors (David running OE rotors, me on Ate PowerDisks) as well as new Ate Super Blue fluid.

Well, I'm happy to report that I just ran Lime Rock again, and my fade was ELIMINATED. Yeah! This time around I ran cryo-treated OE front rotors and EBC Red Stuff brake pads. They acted just like the OE pads, but never ever went away. On the down side, I used them for just the trip to/from the track (40 mi. each way) and then 90 miles on the track; took a look at the pads, and there's almost NO material left! I can't believe I used them up completely! So, looks like I need to drop $90 per track event, just for pads.

As to the rotors, they handled the abuse exceptionally well. I've re-installed OE pads, and it stops as smoothly & quietly as ever. I'm now a big fan of cryotreating, and will likely have this process done on any future rotor purchases.

Where did you find them
 

Not too many suppliers out there for MB performance pads so curious where you found the EBC/reds. We have a one day open track day at Carolina Mototrports Park on 10/5 and would like to try a set on my 190. This track day is open to anyone, excepting open top cars w/o roll bar. Cost is fair at $150/day
starting at 8am until 5pm with gates opening at 7am.
Spread the word and join in:D

Tobias MB
4 MBs

I picked them up at www.brakeco.com

However, as I understand it EBC has changed some of their compositions in the hope of increasing wear a bit. So, to be sure you get the latest greatest you can purchase them directly-the phone number is listed at www.ebc-brakes.com

Good luck!

What is the cryo-treating process, and how does it benefit the braking performance?

-300 degrees!!
 

Mark,
Cryogenics is a process used to put back strength into metals that were heated or melted in the first place. This works by taking the metal slowly down to minus 300 degrees using liquid nitrogen then bringing it back to normal temperatures.

For more descriptive verbage on the subject go to a search engine and look for cryogenic theory or look up:
www.300below.com

Tobias MB
4 MBs

Michael,

How much did it cost to get your rotors treated? And where did you have it done?

Thanks!

I paid $35/rotor. If we can start using this same guy, I'm sure I can cut a deal for us all-Bill seems like a stand-up guy, and can get OE rotors gas-slotted; you'd want to do this before cryo.

I worked with Fountainhead cryogenics in York, PA. Bill D's the Man and is the only guy I'll use henceforth:)

And if you live in the South there is a company called Performance Cryogenics located in Cleveland, Georgia and Mooresville, NC. Rotors are not light to ship and their price is only $25 each.
Locate them at www.percryo.com and see all they do.

Good luck,
TobiasMB
4 MBs