Z51 OEM Brake Pad Performance vs. After-Market Low-Dust Pads...How Do They Compare?
07-19-2018, 01:24 AM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2004
Location: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
Posts: 24,129
Received 1,029 Likes
on
549 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Z51 OEM Brake Pad Performance vs. After-Market Low-Dust Pads...How Do They Compare?
Has anyone got data on stopping distances for the low dust replacement pads on the C7?
I switched to a set of low-dust pads when I had my C6. The first time I went to slow down with them, I noticed immediately that the stopping power was not what it had been with my OEM pads. Sure, the car stopped OK, but it took more pedal effort and more distance to stop safely. I like how my Z51 stops on a dime, so to speak, and I’m not willing to sacrifice that just to save me from cleaning my chromies after every outing.
If there is proven data that indicates that those aftermarket low-dust pads provide at least the same or better stopping power, I’d likely order a set ASAP.
I switched to a set of low-dust pads when I had my C6. The first time I went to slow down with them, I noticed immediately that the stopping power was not what it had been with my OEM pads. Sure, the car stopped OK, but it took more pedal effort and more distance to stop safely. I like how my Z51 stops on a dime, so to speak, and I’m not willing to sacrifice that just to save me from cleaning my chromies after every outing.
If there is proven data that indicates that those aftermarket low-dust pads provide at least the same or better stopping power, I’d likely order a set ASAP.
07-19-2018, 11:01 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
Interesting. I doubt there is any real test evidence out there. High performance brake pads will out stop ceramic brake pads all day and I'm guessing by a significant number, at least 10 feet. I switched to a low dust pad on my wife's BMW and the pedal was harder in that it took a lot more effort to get the car to stop as there was no initial bite. Hope there is some real data out there regarding this issue since there is so much whining about the brake dust on these cars.
07-19-2018, 11:04 AM
#3
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2004
Location: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
Posts: 24,129
Received 1,029 Likes
on
549 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Interesting. I doubt there is any real test evidence out there. High performance brake pads will out stop ceramic brake pads all day and I'm guessing by a significant number, at least 10 feet. I switched to a low dust pad on my wife's BMW and the pedal was harder in that it took a lot more effort to get the car to stop as there was no initial bite. Hope there is some real data out there regarding this issue since there is so much whining about the brake dust on these cars.
07-19-2018, 11:16 AM
#4
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Rock Hill SC (Charlotte NC Area)
Posts: 2,363
Received 683 Likes
on
444 Posts
2022 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Back in my C6 days, I switched pads and had a similar experience as you describe. On the C7, though, I have no hard data if that is all you are looking for, but I will say this. I switched to Carbotechs on my GS, and in everyday (and occasional spirited) street driving, I've never been able to tell any difference between them and the original stock pads, other than the great reduction in brake dust.
JerryU will be along with his brake pad anecdotes and diagram of his route home shortly.
JerryU will be along with his brake pad anecdotes and diagram of his route home shortly.
Last edited by DWS44; 07-19-2018 at 11:21 AM.
The following users liked this post:
ExRedRacer (07-19-2018)
07-19-2018, 11:48 AM
#5
^ did you get the Carbotech 1521s?
07-19-2018, 11:59 AM
#6
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2004
Location: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
Posts: 24,129
Received 1,029 Likes
on
549 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Back in my C6 days, I switched pads and had a similar experience as you describe. On the C7, though, I have no hard data if that is all you are looking for, but I will say this. I switched to Carbotechs on my GS, and in everyday (and occasional spirited) street driving, I've never been able to tell any difference between them and the original stock pads, other than the great reduction in brake dust.
JerryU will be along with his brake pad anecdotes and diagram of his route home shortly.
JerryU will be along with his brake pad anecdotes and diagram of his route home shortly.
Do you have them? If so, what's your experience?
Last edited by ExRedRacer; 07-19-2018 at 12:00 PM.
07-19-2018, 12:06 PM
#7
I have OEM currently on the vette. But I have ran the 1521s on other cars. Good initial bite. Firm pedal, no fade. No noise. The other option I see thats discussed a lot on the forum are the Powerstop Z26. It seems there are mixed opinions ranging from no difference from OEM to poorer initial bite. The Carbotechs are more expensive than the Powerstops which likely contributes to Powerstops popularity.
07-19-2018, 02:18 PM
#9
If you want clean, quiet stops, you’ll pay for it in braking performance. If you want massive amounts of brake bite under extreme temperatures, you’ll be cleaning your wheels every few days. That’s just the way it works in the world of brakes.
Last edited by SilverGhost; 07-19-2018 at 02:21 PM.