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Brake Pad Suggestions
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 52
Likes: 3
Brake Pad Suggestions
Hi I have a 2005 Z51 M6 and as far as I know it has the factory pads on it. It is now time to replace them the car has 44k miles on it. I liked the OEM pad but did not like all the dust. I am looking for something that could be an upgrade but would cut down on the dust. Would the Hawk performance ceramic pads be a good option and who has the best deals on them? Also if I need new rotors what would you suggest and were to get them? Thanks for any help.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 50,281
Likes: 518
From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
Check out the Carbotech 1521 pad low dust and stoping power of the oem pad. I will be happy to help you give me a call at 216-780-8825.
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% forum pricing.
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% forum pricing.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Gee, I've had good luck with the GM pads & rotors.
The original pads on our 2006 Z51 dusted like mad, but apparently the compound has been changed and the ones on our current 2009 Z51 are much better. Still a little dusty, but much better than 2006.
The original pads on our 2006 Z51 dusted like mad, but apparently the compound has been changed and the ones on our current 2009 Z51 are much better. Still a little dusty, but much better than 2006.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
GM Ceramics have less than stellar grab to them. Even my wife doesn't like how the vette stops compared to her '12 srt8 charger.
I'm taking mine off asap to replace them with something more aggressive.
I wouldn't go from the Z51 pads to the ceramics, personally.
I'm taking mine off asap to replace them with something more aggressive.
I wouldn't go from the Z51 pads to the ceramics, personally.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8,049
Likes: 330
From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
Everything I read here says that Ceramics are supposed to be the best, brake dust , stopping power?? I'm looking at replacing my pads, experts please chime in.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Generally, people here seem to say that ceramics usually have less dust, but don't stop as well.
There have been people who disagreed with that, but most of them seem to agree.
No personal experience, I'm ok with my Z51 setup.
There have been people who disagreed with that, but most of them seem to agree.
No personal experience, I'm ok with my Z51 setup.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8,049
Likes: 330
From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
For street driving, my GM ceramics have provided perfectly adequate stopping power and I noticed little difference from what I had before when running the stock Z 51 pads. If I was tracking the car, that would be a whole different story. But I'm not. So in view of the complete change in dusting (minimum) and satisfactory stopping, I'm perfectly happy with my choice.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 954
Likes: 21
From: White Oak, GA
I use the ceramics on the street, have gone back to them time and again. Gene Culley @ GM parts can set you up.
On the other hand, the vendor who mentioned Carbotechs may have a reasonable option. I use Carbotechs on the track because they're like throwing out an anchor. The new compounds are easy on rotors, too.
I can't compromise w/ a pad that fits both situations. If you need repeated hard stops from above 100 mph, don't get GM ceramics. If you ARE driving that way, you should already know that even the stock pads have more grip than street tires; the tires lock up before you run out of brakes in a Corvette. When you add race rubber, aggressive pads are a necessity. But they squeal something awful if you try to leave them on betw events.
On the other hand, the vendor who mentioned Carbotechs may have a reasonable option. I use Carbotechs on the track because they're like throwing out an anchor. The new compounds are easy on rotors, too.
I can't compromise w/ a pad that fits both situations. If you need repeated hard stops from above 100 mph, don't get GM ceramics. If you ARE driving that way, you should already know that even the stock pads have more grip than street tires; the tires lock up before you run out of brakes in a Corvette. When you add race rubber, aggressive pads are a necessity. But they squeal something awful if you try to leave them on betw events.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 50,281
Likes: 518
From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
I use the ceramics on the street, have gone back to them time and again. Gene Culley @ GM parts can set you up.
On the other hand, the vendor who mentioned Carbotechs may have a reasonable option. I use Carbotechs on the track because they're like throwing out an anchor. The new compounds are easy on rotors, too.
I can't compromise w/ a pad that fits both situations. If you need repeated hard stops from above 100 mph, don't get GM ceramics. If you ARE driving that way, you should already know that even the stock pads have more grip than street tires; the tires lock up before you run out of brakes in a Corvette. When you add race rubber, aggressive pads are a necessity. But they squeal something awful if you try to leave them on betw events.
On the other hand, the vendor who mentioned Carbotechs may have a reasonable option. I use Carbotechs on the track because they're like throwing out an anchor. The new compounds are easy on rotors, too.
I can't compromise w/ a pad that fits both situations. If you need repeated hard stops from above 100 mph, don't get GM ceramics. If you ARE driving that way, you should already know that even the stock pads have more grip than street tires; the tires lock up before you run out of brakes in a Corvette. When you add race rubber, aggressive pads are a necessity. But they squeal something awful if you try to leave them on betw events.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
an alternative to the Z51 pads that maintain stopping power of those pads with less dust are the Porterfield R4S. not inexpensive, but you get a good product.