Nissan 370Z Forum  

Article: How to Choose the Best Street and Track Brake Pads

Hi Guys, I wanted to post a link to an article I recently wrote about how to choose street and track brake pads. I know this has always been a

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Brakes & Suspension


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-14-2009, 11:32 AM   #1 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 13
Drives: '03 Z06 MY
Rep Power: 270
J Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond repute
Default Article: How to Choose the Best Street and Track Brake Pads

Hi Guys,
I wanted to post a link to an article I recently wrote about how to choose street and track brake pads. I know this has always been a popular topic on the forums, and one that creates a lot of confusion.

As a representative for some of the top brake manufacturers in the aftermarket for the past 7 years, I’ve had the chance to address this topic in countless conversations with customers online, over the phone, or in person. Many of those conversations took place on this site over the years. Until now though, I’ve never had the time to pull my thoughts together and present them in a cohesive manner.

My hope is that this article will prevent some of the repetitive “what are the best brake pads?” questions we’ve all seen a million times. With a fundamental understanding of this topic in hand, we can hopefully elevate future conversations on this topic to a higher, more productive level.

I’d post the article here in its entirety, but it would probably take me 20 posts! Thanks and enjoy.

How to Choose the Best Street and Track Brake Pads

Jeff Ritter
J Ritt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2009, 12:10 PM   #2 (permalink)
The370Z.com Sponsor
 
Mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Loganville, GA
Posts: 5,944
Drives: 370z
Rep Power: 2186
Mike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Jeff,
When are you guys going to list a 370Z application? Or would we just get the G37 ones?

Thanks
Mike
__________________
NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968
Mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2009, 03:35 PM   #3 (permalink)
RCZ
A True Z Fanatic
 
RCZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Miami
Posts: 6,403
Drives: '09 370Z
Rep Power: 1119
RCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to RCZ
Default

Awesome post + article. +1 Rep and thank you for joining the forums.

Thoughts on good HPDE pads for the stock calipers on the 370z? I was leaning towards XP10 front and XP8 rears...
RCZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2009, 04:15 PM   #4 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 13
Drives: '03 Z06 MY
Rep Power: 270
J Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Jeff,
When are you guys going to list a 370Z application? Or would we just get the G37 ones?

Thanks
Mike
Mike,
G37 and 370Z are the same. I'll get the 370Z listings up on the site (I swore they were up there). Much thanks for the catch!
J Ritt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2009, 04:33 PM   #5 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 13
Drives: '03 Z06 MY
Rep Power: 270
J Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond repute
Default

RCZ,
If you're talking about the Sport Akebono brakes, the Ferodo DS3000 on the front and the DS2500 on the rear would be an excellent setup.

I don't think they're up on our site yet, but one of my guys will be adding them shortly. Below are part#'s and retail pricing. You can buy these from any Ferodo reseller (preferably a forum sponsor). They are in stock, and we supply all of the resellers in the USA.

Front:
FCP4172R
$323.22

Rear:
FCP4173H
$182.41

Also, much thanks for the kind words about the article.
J Ritt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2009, 04:58 PM   #6 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Jenks, OK
Posts: 2,281
Drives: 370z Touring/Sport
Rep Power: 267
kannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond repute
Default

OK, I gotta ask;

wut's teh b3st breaks for mah Zee?

lol...


I'm happy with the stock pads/rotors w/ sport package. The only thing I'd do in that area is getting lighter, slotted rotors, which along with that would be pads and, though I'm doubtful, maybe calipers. But, it's pretty far down the wish list...
kannibul is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2009, 05:23 PM   #7 (permalink)
RCZ
A True Z Fanatic
 
RCZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Miami
Posts: 6,403
Drives: '09 370Z
Rep Power: 1119
RCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to RCZ
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by J Ritt View Post
RCZ,
If you're talking about the Sport Akebono brakes, the Ferodo DS3000 on the front and the DS2500 on the rear would be an excellent setup.

I don't think they're up on our site yet, but one of my guys will be adding them shortly. Below are part#'s and retail pricing. You can buy these from any Ferodo reseller (preferably a forum sponsor). They are in stock, and we supply all of the resellers in the USA.

Front:
FCP4172R
$323.22

Rear:
FCP4173H
$182.41

Also, much thanks for the kind words about the article.
I tried the 2500's on my 06 STI and wasn't really happy with the results. Maybe the 3000's will do the trick. Also, I know the Carbotechs are noisy and dusty, but they are great and cheaper.

Thanks for the part numbers
RCZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2009, 12:05 PM   #8 (permalink)
Track Member
 
ResIpsa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 564
Drives: 09 RACING HEN
Rep Power: 338
ResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond repute
Default For everyone too lazy to read the article I'll summarize:

YOU WILL NEED TWO SETS OF PADS. ONE FOR THE TRACK AND ONE FOR THE STREET.

What about high performance street pads? HEY. DON'T EVEN GO THERE!
__________________
The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/
ResIpsa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2009, 06:29 PM   #9 (permalink)
RCZ
A True Z Fanatic
 
RCZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Miami
Posts: 6,403
Drives: '09 370Z
Rep Power: 1119
RCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to RCZ
Default

He used caps so you know he's right. Err...wrong. Its more about compromise... you "can" run race pads on the street if you are willing to put up with the noise and dust and crappy cold bite
RCZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2009, 06:49 PM   #10 (permalink)
Track Member
 
ResIpsa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 564
Drives: 09 RACING HEN
Rep Power: 338
ResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RCZ View Post
He used caps so you know he's right. Err...wrong. Its more about compromise... you "can" run race pads on the street if you are willing to put up with the noise and dust and crappy cold bite
wow...that hurts...

all i was trying to say is that when i had my porterfield R4's teenage girls would laugh at me as i screeched up to stoplights...

and the dust would dirty my pretty G35...

i'll never use caps again. not even to begin a sentence.
__________________
The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/
ResIpsa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2009, 04:17 AM   #11 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
1slow370's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: In the D
Posts: 3,732
Drives: v8 74 260z ;)
Rep Power: 7251
1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute1slow370 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ResIpsa View Post
wow...that hurts...

all i was trying to say is that when i had my porterfield R4's teenage girls would laugh at me as i screeched up to stoplights...

and the dust would dirty my pretty G35...

i'll never use caps again. not even to begin a sentence.

Psh.. Cheap excuse to not have to use the Shift key.
1slow370 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2009, 08:39 AM   #12 (permalink)
RCZ
A True Z Fanatic
 
RCZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Miami
Posts: 6,403
Drives: '09 370Z
Rep Power: 1119
RCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to RCZ
Default

haha, don't get hurt. Let them laugh, what do they know anyway! what does anyone know! leave me alone...I swear...they are racing pads...sigh. Don't judge me...

lol @ "not even to begin a sentence"

Relax, not personal and more of a joke. Its just the way I roll.
RCZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2009, 09:48 AM   #13 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 13
Drives: '03 Z06 MY
Rep Power: 270
J Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond reputeJ Ritt has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
i'll never use caps again. not even to begin a sentence.
Too funny! Play nice boys.

If you can dance like this little guy, teenage girls won't care at all if you have screechy brakes!

Seriously though, it just depends on the person. Some people would rather deal with noise, dust, and rotor wear on the street, just so they don't have to spend their Friday night before the track day swapping out pads. I'm one of those people. I used to swap pads constantly, but after 10 years of it...it got old. I don't put many street miles on my track car though, so it's not a big deal. If I had a long commute with it every day, I'd probably still be changing out my pads a lot more frequently. To each his own...just depends on your situation.
J Ritt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2009, 01:03 PM   #14 (permalink)
Track Member
 
ResIpsa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 564
Drives: 09 RACING HEN
Rep Power: 338
ResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond reputeResIpsa has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RCZ View Post
haha, don't get hurt. Let them laugh, what do they know anyway! what does anyone know! leave me alone...I swear...they are racing pads...sigh. Don't judge me...

lol @ "not even to begin a sentence"

Relax, not personal and more of a joke. Its just the way I roll.
I'm over it
__________________
The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/
ResIpsa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2009, 01:44 PM   #15 (permalink)
RCZ
A True Z Fanatic
 
RCZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Miami
Posts: 6,403
Drives: '09 370Z
Rep Power: 1119
RCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond reputeRCZ has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to RCZ
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by J Ritt View Post
Too funny! Play nice boys.

If you can dance like this little guy, teenage girls won't care at all if you have screechy brakes!

Seriously though, it just depends on the person. Some people would rather deal with noise, dust, and rotor wear on the street, just so they don't have to spend their Friday night before the track day swapping out pads. I'm one of those people. I used to swap pads constantly, but after 10 years of it...it got old. I don't put many street miles on my track car though, so it's not a big deal. If I had a long commute with it every day, I'd probably still be changing out my pads a lot more frequently. To each his own...just depends on your situation.
You know...there's one positive to having squeaky brakes... its like a squeak-nod for those other track goers out there that recognize immediately why your brakes squeak. It always seems to spark up a conversation when another enthusiast comes up to you and says "track pads eh?" I've met a few people that way.
RCZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
do the sport brake pads make a lot of dust? Mike Brakes & Suspension 17 08-02-2009 03:48 AM
Which Brake Pads? prodigyz Brakes & Suspension 11 05-07-2009 11:41 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:14 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2