Brake Pad Reviews

imag

I will echo the above, but I do have to say, you *can* use the HP+ just fine on the track - you just have to go easy on the brakes. No late braking...

Of course, I got sick of going easy, and of fade late in the sessions, so I switched to Carbotechs on the stock calipers, which have been solid for me. They did start making an ungodly racket after my last track weekend. They seem to be chilling out a bit since then...

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Stillen CBE, Stillen track cooler, Stillen Gen3 Intakes, B&M short shift kit

spearfish25

Since I have the carbotechs for track days, what would you guys run for a daily driver and occasional autox? I'd like to only swap pads for my track days and run a pad that is DD and Autox worthy the rest of the time. Something a bit quieter and less dusty than the carbotechs, still rotor friendly, and has better bite and feel than stock but less than the carbos. Ideas?

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

cossie1600

I used the Carbotechs for a while on the street and autox, but they are very noisy. How about the basic Carbotechs?

RCZ

I preferred the stock pads to be honest...

I'm trying out the Stillen stock pad replacements later this week, I'll chime in when I have something.

spearfish25

Cool, looking forward to that.

I can't stomach a set of basic Carbotechs for $300...essentially the same price as the 'better' track pads.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

autopc25

Let us know.

Thanks

KillerBee370

Who stocks the Carbotech XP12/XP10 pads? I need some pads for my next track day in two weeks time and would like to try these out.

I too have tried the Hawk HP+ and I liked them however I understand them to be extremely hard on the rotors.

Mike

why not the stock pads for daily driving? They work great and are virtually dust free. I run stock rear pads and DS2500 on the fronts.

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NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

m4a1mustang

That's what I'm going back to after these HPS are done... stockers.

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- Steve

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RCZ

I was looking for stockers, but found the Stillens which are supposed to be better than stock for a similar price. Not to mention they have that "free pads if you buy rotors" promotion right now..

m4a1mustang

Who makes the rotors and metal matrix pads that Stillen sells, anyways? I will probably order rotors through Stillen when mine are done (may have been harsh on them about the bumper & SC but they have always been good to me for getting parts!) but wasn't quite sure who exactly manufactured them.

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- Steve

Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!)
LIKE us on Facebook!

spearfish25

I suppose the stockers would hold up fine for autoX given the time between runs. The feel is just so different compared to the Carbotech XPs.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

cossie1600

the bite on the stock pads are pathetic, my 350 felt much better

RCZ

Its interesting because I always tell my gf, who has a G37s, that her brakes feel a lot better than mine around town. Much better initial bite. Do they not use the same compounds on both cars?

spearfish25

Good question. Comparing my stock pads to the Carbotechs that I just removed...the stock pads are dust free because the pad material just smears across the face of the pad and accumulates on the trailing edge. The pads have a groove down the middle and mine are filled with old pad material. It's like using pencil erasers for brakes.

Why would Nissan would put such 'cruiser' pads on their 2nd-from-the-top sportscar? As I've said before, my wife's stock Altima pads have twice the bite of my Z's stock pads.

Keep us posted on the Stillen pads. There has to be something out there that is still pretty dust/noise free but has an improved feel and bite.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z