I'm going to need to replace the brake pads soon and wonder about brands and preferences. Mine is a base Vette, no track days, but ocassionally will run it hard enough to get the brakes smelling. 68k miles with stock pads,(Ithink). Whats best for maybe a little faster than normal street driving? And who to get it from?

 

I just fitted Hawk HPS pads. They get a good press here and I'm very happy with them.

Good stopping power, no squeal and so far, no dust.

No experience with tracking them though

 

Take a look at the Carbotech Bobcat 1521, this is a low dusting performance street pad vary qiuet and 100% non crossive dust. Contact me to place an order 216-780-8825 I offer 7% forum discount.

F $144 R $124

The Carbotech Bobcat 1521™ is our high performance street compound that is our most successful compound. The Bobcat compound is known for its awesome release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. Like our AX™ & XP™ line of compounds, Bobcat 1521™ is a Ceramic based friction material offering minimal rotor damage and non corrosive dust. Bobcat 1521™ offers outstanding performance, even when cold, low dusting and low noise with an excellent initial bite. This compound’s virtually perfect linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Bobcat 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 900°F. Bobcat 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle, police cruiser, and has won multiple SCCA Solo 2 and Prosolo National Championships. The Bobcat 1521™ compound has been found to last two-three times longer than OE pads you can purchase at a dealership or national retailer. Bobcat 1521™ compound has also been found to extend the life of your rotors 2-3 times. That’s one of the beauties of Carbotech Ceramic brake compounds. Bobcat 1521™ is NOT recommended for any track use.

 

I use Raybestos Quiet Stops and I get them at AutoZone.

 

HPS pads.

 

I used the Hawk HPS in two Vette's with good results.

 

Thanks Guys. the Forum strikes again. I'm going with the HPS pads. Hopefully the discs are within specs.

 

At 68k I would get new rotors, pads are your choice.

 

Plan ahead and decide on a place (roadway/backroad, whatever) and MAKE time to bed your pads. Follow the instructions to the letter. Until the brakes get the chance to completely cool down afterwards, I am very very light with the brakes if I have to stop and I use the parking brake when stopped at a light(s) (car in neutral) til I get home and let them cool down overnight. Bedding is important. You'll be very glad you did it.

HTH

 

I'm a big fan of Carbotech. I run XP10 front XP8 rears on my 01C5Z. I'm trying an XP12/XP10 combo as my next set. This is a track only car. I agree with Adam. I would get a new set of rotors. Stock C5 rotors are cheap. I pay $38 a piece at a local auto parts distributor.

 

just did my brakes last weekend. used hawk hp + and centric premium rotors from kns.
nice upgrade over my worn stock pads and rotors. will say the hawk hp+'s do produce more noise.
i would replace the rotors aswell as they cheap to replace and new pads work better with fresh rotors. be sure to bed the pads too.
i have used hawk hps on my previous m3 with good results aswell.

 

Interesting you mentioning noise; I just put a set of HPS' on my car approx one month ago and so far no noise at all. I run Baer Eradispeed +2s (slotted only) and they machined down nicely as I had plenty of meat on them. I don't track it, but do enjoy umm....., shall we say.....spirited driving from time to time. Liking these Hawks very much so far.

 

hp+ were a little noisy nothing bad, hps were quiet on other cars i have used them on.

 

At your mileage you should grab some rotors. NAPA sells some that are a huge value for the quality received. While you're at it, add some speed bleeders and SS lines

But to answer your question I'm running Hawk HPS pads.

 

I also just put HP+, Centric Rotors, and Motul 600 (also from KNS) on my 97. They are loud and dusty, but stop like hell. I track mine 3-4 times per year, otherwise I would go with a quiter and less dusty set up.