Hawk 'Performance Street' Brake Pads?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,220
Likes: 17
From: San Diego California
Hawk 'Performance Street' Brake Pads?
After receiving some Z06 rotors from a friend (thanks Rick
) I am considering new brake pads. The car has 20K miles on it. I generally drive it on the street. It is not a daily driver. Generally I take it out for gtg and mountain runs like the Southern California Mountain Runs (SCMR). So I need improved stopping performance. I want a brake pad that will stop when cold, not squeak, and give off minimal dust. Basically I want to retain the car's enjoyable driving manners. I am looking at the Hawk HPS pads, but is that the pad I should go with?
) I am considering new brake pads. The car has 20K miles on it. I generally drive it on the street. It is not a daily driver. Generally I take it out for gtg and mountain runs like the Southern California Mountain Runs (SCMR). So I need improved stopping performance. I want a brake pad that will stop when cold, not squeak, and give off minimal dust. Basically I want to retain the car's enjoyable driving manners. I am looking at the Hawk HPS pads, but is that the pad I should go with?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 5
From: Holly, Michigan
I've had a great experience with Hawk HPS pads. They are quiet (no squealing at all), they release minimal dust. Stopping power is good (not profoundly better, but better than stock). I don't drive in the winter, so I cannot comment on cold stopping power (I've driven it with temps in the 40's and they were fine). Be sure to bed the pads, burnish the rotors, and lubricate the slide pins and where the pads contact the caliper and you will be quite satisfied...
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
I've had a great experience with Hawk HPS pads. They are quiet (no squealing at all), they release minimal dust. Stopping power is good (not profoundly better, but better than stock). I don't drive in the winter, so I cannot comment on cold stopping power (I've driven it with temps in the 40's and they were fine). Be sure to bed the pads, burnish the rotors, and lubricate the slide pins and where the pads contact the caliper and you will be quite satisfied...
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area California
Hawk 'Performance Street' Brake Pads?
If you are looking at the tire rack pad selection, perhaps you also may consider the Satisfied GS6 pads. Comparible performance at a more agreeable cost. I use these as a street pad (Carbotechs for track days) for a daily driven vehicle and am very pleased with all aspects --noticeably better than stock. Regardless, the HPS pads are very good too.
Whatever you choose, consider taking a look at the StopTech website/technical info for instructions on proper bedding of your new pads. Their methodology never fails (for me) to help pads/rotors perform as designed. Just my opinion...
A1
Whatever you choose, consider taking a look at the StopTech website/technical info for instructions on proper bedding of your new pads. Their methodology never fails (for me) to help pads/rotors perform as designed. Just my opinion...
A1
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 5
From: The 7th layer of hell - Western Washington
I tried the HPS pads and absolutely hated them... sure they didn't dust much at all, but they didn't stop anywhere near as good as stock Z06 pads - and in the end I took them off as soon as I had another set of Z06 pads in hand...
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 0
From: I have to return some videotapes
I've been running them on the street and I'm happy, FWIW.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
When I replaced pads, I used stockers up front and HPS in the rear. Before/after "panic stops" on the same stretch of road exhibit less nose dive with the HPS. Since no other changes were made, I have to believe this is because the HPS in the rear have more grab. Dusting seems similar to stock (no worse).
Without doing a major brake upgrade, I think HPS pads and DOT 4 fluid are the best bang for the buck.
Without doing a major brake upgrade, I think HPS pads and DOT 4 fluid are the best bang for the buck.