Brake Pad Reviews

m4a1mustang · 07-20-2010, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

I used the HPS twice, never again for any driving. They have no initial bite, especially when wet. You are better off buying Wagner pads from Advanced Auto

I am running the HPS now and agree about the intial bite. They're certainly not an upgrade over the Akebono sport pads, IMO.

autopc25 · 07-20-2010, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCZ

I've used HP+ and loved them but they are load and dusty as hell. As Chris pointed out, none of them are track worthy.

Another pad I tried was Ferodo DS2500 and I really didnt like that. No bite and they fade quickly. They are not meant to be used on the track.

Cobalt Friction XT series pads are pretty good track pads too, but they aren't very rotor friendly.

How were the Ferodo DS2500 compared to the stock sport pads for street driving?

RCZ · 07-20-2010, 10:29 AM

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 · 07-20-2010, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

Mike · 07-20-2010, 12:18 PM

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.

m4a1mustang · 07-20-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

RCZ · 07-20-2010, 12:25 PM

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..

spearfish25 · 07-20-2010, 12:27 PM

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.

m4a1mustang · 07-20-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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..

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.

cossie1600 · 07-20-2010, 04:16 PM

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

RCZ · 07-20-2010, 04:21 PM

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?

w0ady · 07-22-2010, 07:46 PM

project mu ns are a great daily/sporty pad like i said...

spearfish25 · 07-22-2010, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

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.

cossie1600 · 07-22-2010, 08:56 PM

Stock pads are ceramics, almost like most aftermarket pads, which usually dont stop as well as the semi metallic (except carbotechs).

I had a RX-8, C6 Corvette, 350z prior to the 370 (small brakes). I can tell you the feel of the stock sport brakes are worse than all the cars, I havent felt brakes this bad since my 91 MR2 turbo at 14 years old!!!

m4a1mustang · 07-22-2010, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

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.

Because 9 out of 10 Z owners buy the car to "cruise."

07-20-2010, 12:18 PM	#20 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2186	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. __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

07-20-2010, 12:27 PM	#23 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	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. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

07-22-2010, 07:46 PM	#27 (permalink)
w0ady Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: jacksonville, fl Posts: 191 Drives: 2009 g37 ab 7at Rep Power: 15	project mu ns are a great daily/sporty pad like i said... __________________ sold: 09 athens 7at g37s coupe 12/22/08; 05 athens 5at g35 coupe r.i.p. 5/13/05-10/29/08

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07-20-2010, 10:29 AM	#18 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1119	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.

07-20-2010, 12:25 PM	#22 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1119	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..

07-20-2010, 04:16 PM	#25 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	the bite on the stock pads are pathetic, my 350 felt much better

07-20-2010, 04:21 PM	#26 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1119	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?

07-22-2010, 08:56 PM	#29 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	Stock pads are ceramics, almost like most aftermarket pads, which usually dont stop as well as the semi metallic (except carbotechs). I had a RX-8, C6 Corvette, 350z prior to the 370 (small brakes). I can tell you the feel of the stock sport brakes are worse than all the cars, I havent felt brakes this bad since my 91 MR2 turbo at 14 years old!!!