i use wagner thermoquiets in all my cars
Brake Pads
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Brake Pads
I'm in need of new front brake pads (the rears are just fine as are all 4 rotors) and was wondering what you guys would recommend. I see Autozone carries Duralast semi-metallic pads for $20. Sounds good to me, anybody use these before?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,590
Likes: 48
From: W MI
Absolute trash. I used them on my 87 until my Hawk HPSs came in. In less than 1k miles they were quite used up.
The HPSs at PepBoys are about $80, but if you go to college, most will give you a 10% discount. Great pads.
The HPSs at PepBoys are about $80, but if you go to college, most will give you a 10% discount. Great pads.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I'm not sure whats on there now, previous owner put new pads on right before I bought it, they've lasted 7K miles and are down to the metal already. I've never seen brake pads get used up like that. I'll check out the Hawk pads. Thanks 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire Wisconsin
Wagner Thermoquiets. Best pad for the money. No noise, no dust and great stopping power. They should be around $50.00, stay away from the "Store Brands" I have tried almost all of them and they all are trash.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,343
Likes: 668
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Had Raybestos (Brute-something??) pads on my 87 with the J55 front conversion with 13" rotors & 2 piston calipers, and was never pleased. Switched to the Hawk HPS pads recently, and they show a very significant difference in pull down power, and recommend them highly.
Note that the Hawk pads did not show any stopping power change when installed on the rear stock brakes (I changed them 1st), but then again, I don't think the rear brakes do anything (they hardly stop the rear wheels from turning when on jack stands and in 1st while @ idle).
Plasticman
Note that the Hawk pads did not show any stopping power change when installed on the rear stock brakes (I changed them 1st), but then again, I don't think the rear brakes do anything (they hardly stop the rear wheels from turning when on jack stands and in 1st while @ idle).
Plasticman
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 936
Likes: 2
From: Tyrone PA
I bought a slightly used (yes, I'm cheap) pair of Hawk HPS pads from a forum member, and a pair of slotted (not drilled) rotors from Hawks racing (not related to Hawk pads) from ebay since my rotors were warped. I sanded the pad surface with 80 grit since they were used, then installed everything and bedded them in as per instructions on the Hawk pads. The brakes are exceptional. I can make the 275/40/17 tires squeal if I'm going 90mph and floor the brake as hard as I can. I've never had a car stop like this one, and it wasn't that way before the brake and rotor swap. I never changed the rear pads or rotors as they seem to work ok. When they need done guaranteed it will be Hawk HPS 
If you are interested in used, search the parts for sale section. There was a pair on there not very long ago I think. If you don't find any you could put up a wanted to buy. Used go for about 1/2 price and sometimes (in my case) have 90% life left in them.
If you are interested in used, search the parts for sale section. There was a pair on there not very long ago I think. If you don't find any you could put up a wanted to buy. Used go for about 1/2 price and sometimes (in my case) have 90% life left in them.
Last edited by dan0617; Dec 23, 2007 at 10:00 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 3
From: Newark, New Jersey
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I did a store search for the Hawk pads and the only place within 50 miles that carries them is Tire Discounters. I'm not sure they would sell them and not install them.
I found them at Jegs, but they're $80 for the front pads alone?
I found them at Jegs, but they're $80 for the front pads alone?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
I use the Performance Friction (PFC) Carbon Metallic with good results on the street. ~$70.00 front and rear from Autozone. First stop or two is a little long until they warm up.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,590
Likes: 48
From: W MI
Love them on my Lincoln Town Car. They work great, but was unable to find them to fit the 84-87 Corvettes. If I would've been able to, I would have used them.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
They're supposed to be stiff. My pads are wearing thin and it takes longer to stop now. Mine are almost down the metal but are not making any grinding or squealing noises. If in doubt replace them, its not worth wrecking over.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
Hawk
Get the Hawk pads. Its a Corvette for gods sake, spend 100.00 and put some quality brake pads on it. Why wouldn't you put a performance pad on your car? The price difference between a junk set from Pep Boys and a performance set is maybe 50.00. Thats almost the price of 1 good tank of gas....get the Hawks...
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 275
From: Naples FL
Autozone Pads
I used Performance Friction on my track car for several years. I got them at Autozone and they came with a lifetime guarantee. Since I run a lot of track events I used to replace them every few months. I think I got about 10 sets of front pads and only only paid for the first set. I just love lifetime warranties.
Lately I've been using Wilwood A pads all around. They were designed for Bristol and they really stop the car. The only problem is they eat brake rotors. The pads actually outlast the rotors. Also, you've never seen brake dust like this. A couple hours on the track and my wheels are totally black - but damn do they work.
Keep in mind that my front brakes are running around 1100-degrees at Sebring. That's hot. Then again I'm driving into turn 17 at Sebring at about 145 miles an hour.
Check out the Autozone near you if you have a street car.
Richard Newton
101 Projects for Your Corvette 1984-1996
Lately I've been using Wilwood A pads all around. They were designed for Bristol and they really stop the car. The only problem is they eat brake rotors. The pads actually outlast the rotors. Also, you've never seen brake dust like this. A couple hours on the track and my wheels are totally black - but damn do they work.
Keep in mind that my front brakes are running around 1100-degrees at Sebring. That's hot. Then again I'm driving into turn 17 at Sebring at about 145 miles an hour.
Check out the Autozone near you if you have a street car.
Richard Newton
101 Projects for Your Corvette 1984-1996
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Hawk - EBC - Performance Friction
I use hawk in everything except my beater. Did the rear brakes on our 89 vette about a month ago. I had a frozen caliper so replacing both the rear calipers made a huge difference, but I think the HPS pads I am using also helped alot,... the car stops quick and theres very little if any dusting. For the front, I am doing a C5 conversion, I might try the HP+, not sure, but either way I will install hawk.
My friend uses EBC's on his LS1 GTO,... car stops so quick it could put your head through the windshield, but than again hes got a $4K Big Brake Kit.
I have a 95 Monte with 167K,... and horrible brakes, I will give performance friction a try on that one. Heard they work well, and they are alot cheaper than the hawks. On a car thats worth $600 I don't think its is worth putting $100 pads on.
DG
My friend uses EBC's on his LS1 GTO,... car stops so quick it could put your head through the windshield, but than again hes got a $4K Big Brake Kit.
I have a 95 Monte with 167K,... and horrible brakes, I will give performance friction a try on that one. Heard they work well, and they are alot cheaper than the hawks. On a car thats worth $600 I don't think its is worth putting $100 pads on.
DG