PowerStop Z23 brake pads
10-17-2017, 09:09 AM
#21
Le Mans Master
Brakes aren't a cosmetic mod so I honestly don't understand the issue some people have with it. Is it because our wheels are so open and you can clearly see the majority of the rotor vs. mostly hidden? I posted my pics above; the rotors look no different than any other worn in brake rotor with a little pad transfer on it.
Last edited by Kracka; 10-17-2017 at 09:12 AM.
10-17-2017, 06:52 PM
#22
Racer
Brakes aren't a cosmetic mod so I honestly don't understand the issue some people have with it. Is it because our wheels are so open and you can clearly see the majority of the rotor vs. mostly hidden? I posted my pics above; the rotors look no different than any other worn in brake rotor with a little pad transfer on it.
10-17-2017, 08:09 PM
#23
Pro
The few extra dollars don't buy a better pad, just a stainless shim.
The Z23 and Z26 pad material is identical as confirmed by PowerStop to a number of CF members and discussed in a number of these pad threads.
The Z23 has a synthetic back pad shim (like the C7 OEM pads) vs. the Z26 stainless steel shim (to allow a higher temperature rating for light track use). So unless you feel you need the higher temp rating with the Z26, I'd go with the Z23 for street use to reduce even further the chance for brake squeal (which the synthetic shim helps dampen).
I bought the Z26 before I knew the Z23 was the same pad material. If I were doing it again, I'd buy the Z23 as I do get occasional squeal before the brakes warm up. The lack of dust is a godsend with either pad.
The Z23 and Z26 pad material is identical as confirmed by PowerStop to a number of CF members and discussed in a number of these pad threads.
The Z23 has a synthetic back pad shim (like the C7 OEM pads) vs. the Z26 stainless steel shim (to allow a higher temperature rating for light track use). So unless you feel you need the higher temp rating with the Z26, I'd go with the Z23 for street use to reduce even further the chance for brake squeal (which the synthetic shim helps dampen).
I bought the Z26 before I knew the Z23 was the same pad material. If I were doing it again, I'd buy the Z23 as I do get occasional squeal before the brakes warm up. The lack of dust is a godsend with either pad.
10-17-2017, 08:59 PM
#24
Drifting
you're so hung up on the word pad I know the pads are the same material and the only difference is the stainless steel backing plate. I bought the Z26 pads and they don't squeal cold or warm. that's why I said the z26 pads are better and being $50 more is no big deal when you're spending $100,000 for a car. so if you're cheap buy the Z23 pads if not by the Z26 pads end of story.
10-17-2017, 10:18 PM
#25
Pro
Member Since: Jul 2016
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This is the only thing I don't like about these pads is the copper residue on the rotors. I have no performance issues with them and they work well however the rotors do have a rust look due to the copper content. In the future I may change them out for a different pad. It is more the esthetic looks of the rotors over time that bothers me.
10-18-2017, 12:06 AM
#26
Le Mans Master
10-18-2017, 07:06 AM
#27
Racer
I think copper is pretty green...it actually oxidizes to a greenish color, they call it verdigris, I believe.
Brakepad manufacturers are said to include it in their compounds as an anti-squeal agent. It is said to be cheaper than some agents that higher-priced pads use...so say the makers of the more expensive pads.
The concerning thing is that I have read about it's potentially longer-term corrosive effects on rotors and calipers.
I was asking an honest ? about something that is of concern to potential consumers of this pad vs others.
Thanks for being such a goodwill ambassador to the Corvette Forum !
Brakepad manufacturers are said to include it in their compounds as an anti-squeal agent. It is said to be cheaper than some agents that higher-priced pads use...so say the makers of the more expensive pads.
The concerning thing is that I have read about it's potentially longer-term corrosive effects on rotors and calipers.
I was asking an honest ? about something that is of concern to potential consumers of this pad vs others.
Thanks for being such a goodwill ambassador to the Corvette Forum !
10-18-2017, 08:34 AM
#28
Le Mans Master
Please don't take my comment the wrong way, I was just having a little fun, I do hope it was taken that way 
I would be funny seeing a green rotor after a car comes out of winter storage or something like that!
My 2-cents is that the Carbotech retailer who's made these claims needs to in some way justify why his low-dust street street pads with similar performance characteristics are 3x the price.
I would be funny seeing a green rotor after a car comes out of winter storage or something like that! My 2-cents is that the Carbotech retailer who's made these claims needs to in some way justify why his low-dust street street pads with similar performance characteristics are 3x the price.
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10-18-2017, 11:43 AM
#29
Drifting
I had been reading several posts about the PowerStop pads and decided to buy some Z23 street pads to lessen the brake dust accumulation. I had them installed a week or so ago. I burnished them properly and have driven probably a couple hundred miles on them. Have had the opportunity to try a few hard stops and general around town cruising. While I have not put enough miles on them to verify a brake dust reduction, I can report that from a drivability standpoint they are fine. The pedal feel is good and while it might be my imagination, they seem a bit grippier to me that the stock pads. I'll amend this post once I have gotten a better feel for brake dust. Taking a 3 day trip up into Wisconsin this weekend. We'll see. --Bob
Last edited by ZR1Bob; 10-18-2017 at 11:44 AM.
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joeybsyc (10-29-2017)
10-18-2017, 03:31 PM
#30
Pro
10-20-2017, 02:40 PM
#31
Team Owner
You figured Yes his budget was too tight to do the Z26's! Since mine were 130 all total so I went with the mac and cheese all week. You lucky you can afford the z26's
Oh wait your car is sold?
Last edited by 3 Z06ZR1; 10-20-2017 at 02:41 PM.
10-20-2017, 04:35 PM
#32
Advanced
Thread Starter
I just put on the Z23. I don't think I'm being cheap , just smart. The maker just put a sst
plate on with adhesive. This will not stop the steel backing plate from rusting unless it too is made OF stainless. Myself, reside in Fla. and do not have to deal with salted roads. Even one living in the rust belt probably would not have a rust problem in 10 years. All things being equal with both pads it's foolish to buy the over kill
plate on with adhesive. This will not stop the steel backing plate from rusting unless it too is made OF stainless. Myself, reside in Fla. and do not have to deal with salted roads. Even one living in the rust belt probably would not have a rust problem in 10 years. All things being equal with both pads it's foolish to buy the over kill
10-20-2017, 05:33 PM
#33
Race Director
I've been using Powerstop for over a year now. No problems what so ever. I use the Track Day pads for my Optima events and their street pads during the off season=very little dust and still stop the car without issue.
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joeybsyc (10-29-2017)
10-21-2017, 12:28 PM
#34
Pro
10-21-2017, 01:07 PM
#35
Team Owner
10-21-2017, 05:29 PM
#36
Pro
I did the same color Corvette Red / black interior.
02-09-2018, 09:15 AM
#37
Burning Brakes
Great info on Brake Pads
I spent hours trying to insure which pads are correct. Your info verifies! I had to get the RPO code on build sheet in truck, near the battery. Shows I have J56 brake package. With your info, I know the Z23-1405's and Z23-1718's are correct for my 2017GS. The picture shown for ordering the 1405's is incorrect. I ordered the Z23's for front and rear from Amazon. My worse fear is squealing. THANKS!!
( Corvettes918 and others on YouTube show great videos on How-To )
( Corvettes918 and others on YouTube show great videos on How-To )
02-09-2018, 10:24 AM
#38
Supporting Vendor
Please don't take my comment the wrong way, I was just having a little fun, I do hope it was taken that way I would be funny seeing a green rotor after a car comes out of winter storage or something like that!
My 2-cents is that the Carbotech retailer who's made these claims needs to in some way justify why his low-dust street street pads with similar performance characteristics are 3x the price.
I would be funny seeing a green rotor after a car comes out of winter storage or something like that! My 2-cents is that the Carbotech retailer who's made these claims needs to in some way justify why his low-dust street street pads with similar performance characteristics are 3x the price.
And yes I sell brakes - so yes I'm the enemy. I love supporting track guys - we all think we are hot **** (and some of us are!
I would ALWAYS prefer to buy parts for my Corvette from a Corvette retailer who helped me. And I would like to get a US made product.
I see users constantly extolling the PS pads.
You have an $50k+ sports car with world class performance - and you cringe and sometimes actually get offended at brake pads over $150.
I feel like that's the same as buying the $49 tires at Discount Tire that I never really heard of the name. Not on my Corvette.
I'm asking because I am curious. I don't work for Carbotech but I like the product and company. And I like helping customers make good choices. So - I asked.
Carbotech's are more $$ because they are made in North Carolina. They research pad compounds and buy from US suppliers etc. They are low volume and support dealers. That is how it adds up.
We know how China saves money on parts that is not hard to figure out.
Last edited by KNSBrakes; 02-09-2018 at 10:42 AM.
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Adam@Amp'dAutosport.com (02-09-2018)
02-09-2018, 10:36 AM
#39
Melting Slicks
So I ran the Powerstops on my previous C7Z06. I will not run them again on my current Z06. The pedal feel was AWFUL, the rotors turned brown, and the dusting wasn’t as dramatically different from stock. Maybe I’ll try the Carbotechs this time around.
Had mine about 2 years and love 'em.
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Ron_Attleboro_MA (02-09-2018)