Amen to tire patch, Joey. Keep in mind, JJ, that if you're just using a stock rim for racing, you can fit a 235 tire on there (I use a 235 StarSpec for autocross). With even an 8" wide wheel, you can make that a 245 tire...not sure the size of those OZ wheels you just put on, but make use of the width for sure!! Or just say screw it, get Karlton's fender flares, scrape out the innards, and show you've got a pair with a set of 305s. :lol:
As for pads, don't let Jared scare you.
I haven't noticed ANY brake fade on my HPS pads. Granted, those are the only pads (other than the stock ones) that I've had on my car, so I don't know too much about other pads out there. I do know that the squeal on my pads Joey mentioned was a result of lack of bedding (my fault) and has since gone away almost completely (just a little whine sometimes when it's wet/rainy out). There is quite a lot of brake dust though.
As for brake fluid, I used some Motul RBF600 and the brake pedal felt EXTREMELY squishy to me afterward. I did not bleed my own brakes, but had a local shop do it (I'm lame like that). When the brakes DID engage, they were strong...it just felt like it required far more pedal travel to engage them over Subaru fluid. I opened each caliper, pushing the brake pedal to the floor as each one was opened, in succession, to try to vent any air, but the problem never really went away. I ended up switching back to Subaru fluid and it felt much better. No idea whether this was just the shop's error with air in the lines, or if this is truly how it's supposed to be with other brake fluids (likely the first).
Also, +1 to Geoff's suggestion about stainless steel brake lines. I'd really like to do that upgrade myself, but I is poor. :lol: