that's the point I am getting at. I think it's ridiculous to see people upgrading their brakes to brembo's, especially since most seem to do it for the look. but, pads are obviously a wear item and a 15 min change out so why throw stockers back on there if there's something better?

and also, I don't even know if the 993/Elise/STi has better 60-0 braking stats or not than the Z, they might not. I'm talking about the feel of the brakes. I'm sure all 3 cars are very close in performance. to me it just seems in hard braking or a panic stop that the Z is more squirrely, requires more effort, and does not seem as confident.

The stock pads do require moderate pressure, which in turns give good pedal modulation at low speeds. If you like the lower effort pedal just go for a more aggressive street pad like the Hawk HPS.

If he is referring to pedal feel, then pads aren't going to make a huge difference. Some will feel better than others due to linearity differences, but the lack of positive feel comes from the calipers and rubber brake hoses. The cars he mentioned have higher performing, stiffer calipers, so he knows the difference. It has nothing to do with FWD, RWD or AWD. While rear-engine cars like the Elise usually have a distinct advantage in braking performance, the pedal feel won't be better if the calipers aren't up to snuff.

Step #1: Stainless steel brake lines, good fluid and better pads. This will provide some improvement in pedal feel, but not huge improvements in confidence.

Step #2: Full big brake system upgrade. Problem solved.

Chris

Sure that is the ultimate solution, but for folks driving on the street, doing auto-x, and or 1 or 2 HPDE's a year probably aren't going to want to put out the cash. I did the pads, fluid and lines and it was a huge improvement, but I still wanted more. Hence the AP Racing kit sitting in my garage waiting for me. :) I was going to install it this past weekend but had too much going on.