SP Performance vs Hawk pads?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Sunnyvale CA
SP Performance vs Hawk pads?
I'm planning on replacing the brake pads on my '99 coupe and I was wondering what you guys suggest. I've heard plenty of good things about the Hawk HPS Street pads, but I can't find any information on SP Perfomance's SP Street Plus pads. The Hawks are about $165 for both axles while the SP's are only $95. Has anyone here used SP Street Plus pads/can compare to the Hawk HPS Street pads?
And by the way, about how many miles did the original stock pads last you? (I know this can vary greatly based on driving habits, but a range or ballpark estimate would be helpful)
And by the way, about how many miles did the original stock pads last you? (I know this can vary greatly based on driving habits, but a range or ballpark estimate would be helpful)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
You can get the Hawks for less, PM Cajundude I got my HPS from him.
I changed my stock pads at 66k (99 coupe) and they had a lot of life left in them. I couldn't comment if they were ever changed before though as I was not the original owner.
IMO, better to go with a proven pad than to save a few bucks on something you rely on to STOP your car.
I changed my stock pads at 66k (99 coupe) and they had a lot of life left in them. I couldn't comment if they were ever changed before though as I was not the original owner.
IMO, better to go with a proven pad than to save a few bucks on something you rely on to STOP your car.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Sunnyvale CA
Hmm, thanks for the input. I'm assuming switching to the OEM Z06 pads would mean I need to switch to Z06 sized calipers and rotors as well? Would that fit in the stock C5 wheel sizes? I smell a possible mod in the future. 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
The only difference between the C5 and C5Z06 caliper is the red paint.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
The Hawk pads (HPS compound) are excellent pads for the street. They provide excellent stopping power, are quiet, and produce moderate amounts of dust. The same can be said for the GM Z06 pads .... some believe that the Z06 pads are re-labeled Hawks .... fact is that both are excellent street pads with very similar characteristics,
One advantage to the GM pad kit is that it includes new copper shims and springs, along with 2 (1 per caliper) caliper pin bolts, while pad kits from companies like Hawk do not include such parts.
If you were taking your vehicle to the track then pads such as the Hawk HP Plus are a better choice than the GM pads ... but for the street the GM pads are an excellent choice.
