I love seeing a thread where just about every one of the 100 posts says to do something, and the OP insists everyone is wrong.

3 choices, Irfan,

1. Change the pads. It's quick, free, and you are actually wrenching on a Porsche (it was the first thing I did on the P-car)
2. Leave the track or crossover pads on all the time, and live with the squeal
3. Be a douche and have the dealer change the pads for you (I'm with Scott on that)

Sorry, speaking for myself it takes me much longer to change pads. I don't consider a car jacked up with all tools a fair description either. Prep, including moving cars, pulling all the correct tools out jacking and using stands not just the jack takes time. There is also cleanup. It's a PITA and I'd rather do something else with my hr I'll never get back (similar to reading this thread) especially considering it's work on a car that I don't want to work on, that's why I have the 951.

IRFAN, I think you already know your answer, try the Sports.

I'm not trying to be stubborn or say that everyone else is wrong. I just find it hard to believe that there isn't a pad out there which is a big improvement over stock pads and sufficient for occasional track use. The Pagid RS 4-2-1 Black or Sport may fit the bill, but I need to find out more about 4-2-1, and no one here has mentioned having used it (I've sent an email to Pagid to ask).

Also, note that I changed my question relative to the thread title. I originally asked about track pads which don't squeal too much for the Cayman, and am satisfied with the PFC08/06 which was recommended. I'm now looking for something different for the 997: upgraded street pads which can handle some track use, and which will presumably squeal less than pure track pads. Maybe I should have started a new thread, but I figured we'd pick up where we left off.

Well, I have to admit I did feel the same way 12 years ago. Then I talked to Paul Weston (Weston Motorsports), got good advice, and was happy for 2 years until I went with a full track pad. Paul used to be a local member, but now lives in Florida. That has been mentioned above. BTW, I used Kurve Friction pads those 2 years.

BUT, you're also driving a Cayman R with full track pads, and then you're going to go out on the track with a significantly lesser pad - you're not going to be happy with the much longer braking distances.

Around here, once a thread gets to page 3 or off topic, it's best to begin a new thread. It's a bit like training a puppy, once you lose the focus, you can't get it back. :lol:

You may be right about that. As I mentioned, if necessary, I'm prepared to run track pads (eg, PFC08) in the 997 full time; their squealing can be substantial, but it's not all the time, so it's bearable. But I'd like to at least give something like the RS 4-2-1 a try.

As far as braking distance, I can get into ABS even with stock pads, so the distance may not be a lot longer. The bigger problem seems to be that a lot more pedal force is required, which makes it harder to modulate the brakes, might get tiring, and reduces confidence. I guess there might also be more concern about overheating the pads, with associated fade, and possibly damaging the rotors?

Duly noted. Will remember that for next time.

Quick update. For the 997.2, Pagid makes Sport pads for the front but not rear, and they don't make the RS 4-2-1 at all, so only their full racing pads are available. Next step will be to see what Performance Friction has to offer for an upgraded trackable street pad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irfan (Post 407012) Quick update. For the 997.2, Pagid makes Sport pads for the front but not rear, and they don't make the RS 4-2-1 at all, so only their full racing pads are available. Next step will be to see what Performance Friction has to offer for an upgraded trackable street pad.

Might be a hint as to what they think the car needs compound wise.

Caution. Opinion to follow.....
If PF still makes it it think it was "Z" compound. Don't bother, I found this compound to be spendy over regular street pads and compromise in all conditions. YMMV and they might have come up with something else.

The thing is this. What you want from a street compound is close to 0% what you want from a track pad and vice versa. You end up with almost 100% sucks street or track when you try and do both with one compound unless you have gone carbon ceramic and they have their own list of issues.
The pad makers know compromise compounds do nether well enough. Most folks end up understanding this and don't bother with compromise pads and they don't sell well. Plenty of company’s put race inspired words and graphics on boxes but they are street pads unless otherwise noted. Take them to the track installed in a car that has any weight and or HP and prepare to be disappointed.

I'm leaning towards putting 'less aggressive' track pads on the 997 full time (since I don't like the stock pads on the street anyway), but let me see what Performance Friction or others can offer.