Has anybody autox'd their xA yet?

How did it compare?

In about 1 month, I will be organizing a Nissan Z Track Day ( http://www.clubz.org/track/111104.html). I have a '93 300ZX TwinTurbo but I reciently blew the engine and will be taking my fiance's xA RS 1.0 instead. Usually I'm so busy managing the event that I don't have time to hit the track, but I may her baby out for a spin if play time is available!

I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect. What will break/overheat first.

I'm sure the brakes will fade, but that's fine. I don't think there are any aftermarket pads out for the car anyways.

Anyways, my point being, later I'd like to autox (as I don't think the xA will hit the track) and am curious how it stands up to other compact cars.

cheers,

 

FYI, we now have in stock the Akebono Pro-Act Ceramic Pads - front fitment for the xA. Learn more by clicking on the following link:
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=DJ1&...akes/index.jsp

 

There is a guy in Texas that used to visit the forum that has done several track days.

Porterfield has their R4S carbon/kevlar pads for the Scion xA/xB, they use the same caliper as the Matrix. The R4S was developed for street and autoX where hard braking on cold pads/rotors is normal. I have run these pads for nearly a year on my xA, great grip/great modulation/great pedal feel/low dust/no fade with reasonable use. I run these pads on my minivan, BMW and Scion, I love them. If you are doing a track day-not autoX- you may need the R4 pads to deal with the heat multiple laps can build up.

ken

 

Wow, is that right? We share the same caliper as the Matix, and Porterfield makes R4S pads for it? That's great! I know Porterfield very well and run the R4S pads as my street pads on my 300ZX TwinTurbo. I used to run the R4 pads on the race track but found the Hawk Blues to be better.

You don't happen to remember if they made pads for the rear, do you?

I'll have to do some resurech to see if the Matix has discs in the rear and see if a rear disc conversion is possible. Those rear drums are definately going to overheat!

 

Porterfield can put the R4S material on your rear shoes and it works great, very popular with BMW enthusiasts.

The 2004 Matrix I looked at had rear disks and the same rear suspension so I would bet the brakes will bolt right on but they are 5 lug.... sooo change the fronts too!

ken

 

Is that right?? That's great!

And you know what's even better about that? I'll bet money that it's the exact same thing as the Pontiac Vibe too! So it's even more likely to find one in the junk yard and pick up for cheap! Front and rear!

Just gotta pick myself up some cheap wheels, throw on some 235-255 /17 Kuhmos or Hoosiers, and I'll be all set! Add a turbo or supercharger for a little more umph!

whoa.. whoa.. hold there...
I gotta slow myself down.

This will be my fiance's baby.
I've already got my track driving toy. I just gotta convince her one step at a time.

"Sweety, you REALLY need those disk brakes in the rear for additional SAFETY"
"Oh, I didn't know the rear is a 5 lug. Guess I gotta do the fronts too"
"Since we're at it sweety, she look great with some 235 or 255/17 sticky tires like Hoosi.., I mean quiet all-season radials"