ceramic pads: hawk vs. GM
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 282
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From: Springfield VA
ceramic pads: hawk vs. GM
I know there are thousands of brake pad threads, but I can't seem to find one that addresses this topic: is there a significant difference in stopping power between the Hawk and the GM ceramic pads.
I've already decided on ceramic pads because I DD my car and as much as I'd love it to, it will probably never see the track with me behind the wheel. So now I'm torn between the trusted Hawk ceramic, or the GM.
Does anyone know the difference between the compounds used in these two pads. I'm buying a set by the end of the week, so input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks as always,
John
I've already decided on ceramic pads because I DD my car and as much as I'd love it to, it will probably never see the track with me behind the wheel. So now I'm torn between the trusted Hawk ceramic, or the GM.
Does anyone know the difference between the compounds used in these two pads. I'm buying a set by the end of the week, so input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks as always,
John
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
Let me throw another name out there: CARBOTECH
I tried the GM ceramics and hated them. Took them out after a couple hundred miles..I ran HAWK HPS and they were good pads but dusted a ton and the dust actually started pitting the barrels on my CCW Classics.
I now run Carbotech 1521's. Great pad, no ceramic downside and what little dust there is is pale gray AND non-corrosive. Do some research on Carbotech.
Highly Recommended.
I tried the GM ceramics and hated them. Took them out after a couple hundred miles..I ran HAWK HPS and they were good pads but dusted a ton and the dust actually started pitting the barrels on my CCW Classics.
I now run Carbotech 1521's. Great pad, no ceramic downside and what little dust there is is pale gray AND non-corrosive. Do some research on Carbotech.
Highly Recommended.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Springfield VA
Fair enough. I am looking at ceramic pads afterall, might as well compare the 3 big ones. So now we're talking GM Ceramic vs. Hawk Ceramic vs. Carbotech Ceramic. I know the GM ceramics will be the least expensive, but what am I giving up?
Thanks WKMCD. Always nice to know there's another Vette nut close by!
Thanks WKMCD. Always nice to know there's another Vette nut close by!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
I have the GM Ceramics and a buddy of mine sports them too!
We both are Supercharged and hit MPH quickly and then bring it back down quickly and the GM pads work awesomely perfect! The price is right too!
Thanks,Matt
We both are Supercharged and hit MPH quickly and then bring it back down quickly and the GM pads work awesomely perfect! The price is right too!
Thanks,Matt
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 50,281
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From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
I know there are thousands of brake pad threads, but I can't seem to find one that addresses this topic: is there a significant difference in stopping power between the Hawk and the GM ceramic pads.
I've already decided on ceramic pads because I DD my car and as much as I'd love it to, it will probably never see the track with me behind the wheel. So now I'm torn between the trusted Hawk ceramic, or the GM.
Does anyone know the difference between the compounds used in these two pads. I'm buying a set by the end of the week, so input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks as always,
John
I've already decided on ceramic pads because I DD my car and as much as I'd love it to, it will probably never see the track with me behind the wheel. So now I'm torn between the trusted Hawk ceramic, or the GM.
Does anyone know the difference between the compounds used in these two pads. I'm buying a set by the end of the week, so input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks as always,
John
The Carbotech™ 1521™ is our high performance street compound. The 1521™ compound is known for its release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. 1521™ is also a very low dusting and low noise compound with an excellent initial bite. This compound's excellent linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Carbotech™ 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 800°F (426°C+). 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle or fleet vehicle. Carbotech™ 1521™ is NOT recommended for ANY track use.
F $148 R $128 Less 5% Let me know if I can help you.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
I run the GM Ceramics and I do feel like they dust allot. Haven't had experience with the Hawks, but hear good things. That's what Id try next. Ceramic to ceramic is not going to give you a difference in braking. Its the same material in the same braking system. Just my opinion anyway..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 282
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From: Springfield VA
That's a couple points for the GM ceramics if you trust them on your 700hp beast Matt!
Nuke, what wheels do you have? I just realized that ceramic pad dust is white, and my wheels are black.... Not a huge deal, just something I didn't think about until now.
I figured that the ceramic compounds would be similar, just wasn't sure. I like the sound of the carbotech's, but they also seem to be the most expensive of the 3 choices.
Nuke, what wheels do you have? I just realized that ceramic pad dust is white, and my wheels are black.... Not a huge deal, just something I didn't think about until now.
I figured that the ceramic compounds would be similar, just wasn't sure. I like the sound of the carbotech's, but they also seem to be the most expensive of the 3 choices.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
The brake dust produced by the GM ceramic pads, on my car, is more of a light gray color, and not nearly as much dust as the OEM pads produced.
I have had no issues whatsoever with them, and would buy them again in the future.
I have had no issues whatsoever with them, and would buy them again in the future.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 50,281
Likes: 518
From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
That's a couple points for the GM ceramics if you trust them on your 700hp beast Matt!
Nuke, what wheels do you have? I just realized that ceramic pad dust is white, and my wheels are black.... Not a huge deal, just something I didn't think about until now.
I figured that the ceramic compounds would be similar, just wasn't sure. I like the sound of the carbotech's, but they also seem to be the most expensive of the 3 choices.
Nuke, what wheels do you have? I just realized that ceramic pad dust is white, and my wheels are black.... Not a huge deal, just something I didn't think about until now.
I figured that the ceramic compounds would be similar, just wasn't sure. I like the sound of the carbotech's, but they also seem to be the most expensive of the 3 choices.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
That's a couple points for the GM ceramics if you trust them on your 700hp beast Matt!
Nuke, what wheels do you have? I just realized that ceramic pad dust is white, and my wheels are black.... Not a huge deal, just something I didn't think about until now.
I figured that the ceramic compounds would be similar, just wasn't sure. I like the sound of the carbotech's, but they also seem to be the most expensive of the 3 choices.
Nuke, what wheels do you have? I just realized that ceramic pad dust is white, and my wheels are black.... Not a huge deal, just something I didn't think about until now.
I figured that the ceramic compounds would be similar, just wasn't sure. I like the sound of the carbotech's, but they also seem to be the most expensive of the 3 choices.
Those Carbotech's sound worth looking into. Ill consider them when it comes time for a change.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 864
From: So Cal
Very timely thread for me as I'm about to switch pads. I have EradiSpeed Plus 2 rotors and 18/19 wheels and about 405 HP. I like to go deep and brake hard.
I've been trying to decide between Hawk HFS street pads and Hawk ceramics.
I'll now include Carbotechs in the search since total non-corrosive dust rings my bell with an expensive set of chromes on board. Still not sold completely on ceramics though since I frequently push the car hard on hilly roads.
Always looking for input...
I've been trying to decide between Hawk HFS street pads and Hawk ceramics.
I'll now include Carbotechs in the search since total non-corrosive dust rings my bell with an expensive set of chromes on board. Still not sold completely on ceramics though since I frequently push the car hard on hilly roads.
Always looking for input...
Last edited by B747VET; Jun 15, 2012 at 11:53 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
They lasked initial bite, took more pressure on the pedal and just felt horrible on the Eradispeed Plus 2's I run. Sort of a grinding" feeling in the pedal. The Carbotech's don't have any of that and feel just like a conventional pad.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 864
From: So Cal
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 50,281
Likes: 518
From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
I will be happy to help.
