Same size and shape, factor pads were different compounds in the early years.
Again, same size and shape, different compounds.

I'm not sure if Autozone can get the Carbotech 1521's. I'm not sure what performance pads are available at Autozone, if any at all.

Shipping (even overnight shipping) isn't horrible for brake pad sets. IMO, it's better to get the right stuff than to get cheap trash that's available now.

You're welcome.

 

Pad size between base and Z51 brakes is the same (Z06 use a completely different caliper and pad). However, the Z51 different compound which is supposed to give better initial bite when cold. Should you find the pants you want through your local parts dealer most can get them shipped in overnight for you

 

I appreciate the information and have akebono ultra premium brake pads designed for z51 applications available and I am travelling long distance Friday so I need it tommorow...to install.

Next set of brake pads I buy I'll buy the carbotecj 1521

Thanks

 

The Akebono ProACT pads (I think that's what you're getting) aren't so grippy. Those are part numbers ACT731 (front) and ACT732 (rear). They are quiet and very clean running, but they leave a lot to be desired for stickiness.

If you can get the Akebono Performance pads from that same source, those are significantly better pads in terms of grip and "stopping force." Fronts are ASP731, rears are ASP732. They aren't up to what the Carbotechs can do, but they are probably "good enough" for most street and spirited rural (twisties) driving.

 

Thanks for all the Gurus pitching in...

1) So I'll invest in some good pads and replace the brake fluid from 2008. I live in the hills, so it's important I have good brakes, especially going downhill, when I have felt a little pulsating sometimes...

2) I am still debating if I should switch to the J55 rotors/brackets in the front. Reading from all the comments, it seems that wouldn't be the best money spent. So going back to square one - will get some "good" pads and fluid changeseems like a common consensus here.

3) I'll be trading my OEM calipers for the Red Powder-Coated calipers soon (for looks obviously). Since the seller will be getting my Base calipers as core, he has given me the option of changing to the J55 (Z51) front calipers for no extra charge - I thought JL9 & J55 setups use the same caliper up front - if that's true, he's just pulling my leg then . Either way, I'll have to buy the larger brackets ($140 extra) and J55 rotors ($150) to complete the setup. Now, the Question is - should I change over to J55 setup in the front ($300 extra with Base setup in the rear) OR stay with Base calipers, rotors, pads all around?

Thanks again!

 

Z51 and Base take same front and rear pad.

F: 731

R: 732

 

You need to either change all the rotors and matching brackets to the J55 size or stick with the JL9 size. Don't change calipers either way, since the type of driving you do won't make a difference.

If you're getting some pulsating, you can either get your current rotors turned (about $15 each at Autozone etc) or buy new rotors. You can reduce or eliminate the cause of pulsating by not holding the brakes on after hard use without moving the car slightly. Move the car a foot or two every 15-20 seconds to allow the rotors to cool more evenly. Without moving, overheated rotors can't cool under the pads and that creates hard spots and can crack rotors.

As far as painting calipers is concerned, the $5 rattle can paint works well. While rotors can get pretty hot, calipers don't get hot enough to require any special paint. Because you'll be taking them off anyway, it'll only take an hour to clean and spray all four. I do a touchup every pad change.

 

At the end of the day, having good fluid and good pads are going to make the largest difference in stopping power. What makes the J55 brakes (Z51 if you prefer) so good is the OEM semi metallic brake pads. I'm not sure who actually manufactures them (Ferodo?) but they have incredible bite and will stop time after time. They also deposit as much dust on your wheels as a haboob. They are also not very cheap at about $140 for the fronts and $100 for the rears.

For daily driving, I got 60k miles out of the original J55 pads and rotors with no issues, but the pads were nearly done. I changed to DBA4000 rotors and Carbotech 1521 pads and have been on those for the last 70k miles. The Carbotech 1521 pads are much more gentle on the rotors, both from a dust and abrasive standpoint, but they do have noticeably less bite, especially the initial bite. That said, I've not been ever able to not stop when I've needed to. They definitely stop well. I am due for a brake job again and while the Carbotechs are on my short list (as well as the OEM pads) there are a lot of options out there. PowerStop Z26 and Z23 have been getting great feedback and at half the cost of the OEM or Carbotech pads, it is tough to ignore. Hawks, Akebono, Performance Friction, etc. all make great pads but you will have to decide ultimately if lower dust is worth the trade off of less stopping power, especially after your brakes get heated up. For a daily driver, ceramic pads are a no brainer. They do the job fine. If you want to canyon carve and need reliable brakes all of the time, I would at the very least go with OEMs or some other semi-metallic.

 

Thanks for pointing that out. I researched Z26 pads seem to be made for high-performance vehicles, looks like a good hybrid product. Advertised as very high-end materials used - stainless steel plates, a combination of ceramic and carbon fiber pads for aggressive braking, but with very low dust & quiet. The fronts are about $89, the rears $73 (Base C6 on Amazon). Looks like that's same going price for Carbotech 1521 is the same as these. So price won't be a big factor in the comparison of these two, it will be the overall performance, lifespan, dust, quietness and such features.

 

Z26's are $139 from Rock Auto for all 4 corners.

Carbotech 1521's are $140 for just the fronts.

 

Some discussion about using the larger J55 (aka Z51) rear rotors with the base calipers. I did this for a short time and did notice an early lockup on the rears just with street driving. The change to the correct calipers fixed this.

 

As pointed out, I think you are missing something on the pricing. Also, the Z23 and Z26 pads are the same friction material, but the Z26 has metal backing plates to help with heat dissipation.

 

My fault, I was looking at the rotors....

Yeah, for the price Z26 looks like a great option.

It seems you're right about that. The difference is over $50 in Z23 / Z26. I am wondering if we can use the OEM backing plate on the Z23 pads. The $50+ is a big difference for just the metal plates.

 

What are the Pros and Cons of this combination - J55 set up: Front. / Base (JL9): Rear? That's what I've been thinking.

Otherwise, I'll stay with Base.

 

I've addressed that already. Do you have me on your ignore list or just don't read what people write?

I'll repeat it.
You need to either change all the rotors and matching brackets to the J55 size or stick with the JL9 size.

Mixing incompatible rotor sizes and/or different front/rear pads causes problems you don't want, unless you have a specific need for the results. But if you do have a need, you wouldn't be asking those questions on this forum.

 

Just stick with the base size rotors change the fluid completely bleed the system and get a high quality brake pad. I prefer the Carbotech 1521 for what your looking for.

 

Seeing if anyone can help me. I also have a question about the z51 & base brakes.

I'm strictly talking about the rear only. My car is a Z51 equipped car. I will be doing a 15inch rear wheel conversion.
I've been told and have read that the calipers are the same. The brackets and rotors are different though, is this true for the rear?

Will z51 calipers/rotors work with a 15 inch conversion

 

Oooops - error.

 

 

The Z51 came with larger rotors in the rear than base (13" vs 12") and they are 1 piece cross drilled.