I am looking for a good all-around brake pad to replace my OEM pads. I've heard a lot of people say Pagid Orange, but before I just accept that, here is my goal:

90% street/10% track, combination of best stopping power with minimal squeal. So far, my OEM pads have been satisfactory, but I would like increased performance if at all possible.

So far, I've considered:

EBC Green Stuff
EBC Red Stuff
Hawk HPS
various Pagid Pads

Should I consider any of these or am I better off with OEM? I definitely don't want a pad that requires a lot of warm up time, since I will be doing mostly street driving.

 

Ryan:

If you are doing mostly street driving, there is nothing wrong with OEM pads. Certainly cold first-stop-of-the-day stopping ability is critical for road work and is a paramount requirement for street usage.

I might also suggest the Pagid Sport pads (RS 4-2-1) as an excellent "sporty " street pad that has higher temperature tolerances than the OEM ones. These are easy on rotors, little dust, and not noisy as long as the factory brake vibration dampers are used.

I like 'em,....

 

changing pads is so easy....not sure why you wouldn't just change pads for the track. it takes about 3-5 minutes per wheel.

 

Ryan,

I have done some research on this (https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...highlight=pads ) and my conclusion was that it can be difficult to "ride to horses with the same a.. ". It seems that the most efficient choice will be to shift pads when tracking.

Pagid Orange seem to be great pads but a bit noisy sometimes. Hawks can be -some people say - dirty ( leaving dust on the wheels ). If you read the thread you will find dozen of different advise.

Good luck!

 

Thanks guys!

 

either hawk hps or hp plus, great pads!

 

Jason, any issue with brake dust ?

 

OK I got off the phone with Northstar Motorsports in IL (they specialize in Porsche/Ferrari), and after describing my driving patterns and pad objectives, and they agree with Steve Weiner that the Pagid Sport 4-2-1 is the best choice.

I have checked prices and they look like $210 front / $190 rear. I'm not ready to buy yet, but I'm wondering...does this square with going rate? Also since I've never changed pads before, do I need special tools or just basic auto tools? What about the electronic sensors & shims - do I have to replace those whenever I switch pads?

Thanks,
Ryan

 

The downside to the pagid's vs. OEM pads are that the Pagids do not have the brake sensor embedded thus you will be driving around with a very annoying and very bright red warning light on your dash...maybe you can ignore it, but it absolutely bugged the hell out of me...not to mention that it is bright and distracts at night....also, despite what people say, they will squeel to high heaven...guaranteed!...I have never used an aftermarket/ high temp brake pad that doesn't squeek....and if it does not immediatly squeel, it will develop one over time.....For your beautiful car, that sees mainly street duty, do yourself a favor and go on to something else....how about a nice carbon console?...You will be much happier.

 

JP - there is a solution to not having brake sensors...you can just short the circuit...I had to do this with my Brembos so I bought new sensors, used one end and shoerted them so I do not cut any of the original wires on my TT....

 

To change the pads all you need is a pair of needle nose pliers to pull out the pin holding the bar that holds the spring in place. And a tool to spread the calipiers...you can you use a wrench or buy one of the these which are $20 or $30.....

http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=26249

which you can get from California Tool CO 1929 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 747-6211

Since I change my pads regularly I just pulled out my sensors and zip tied them in plastic bag to the control arms. My light doesn't come on the dash.

When you have changed the pads.....pump the break pedal to push the calipers back on to the pads....then you will need to do a few (5) high speed stops from 90mph to 50 mph to bed the pads.

BTW I concur with JP's comments about pad squeel, it drove me crazy....Personally I would go with two sets of pads: a street pad, I like the Mintex pads ($45 a set and quiet) and the pagid blacks for the utlimate stopping power on the track.

Ryan, either way, if you want when you buy the pads, stop by my house (I live in LA) and I'll show and help you change the pads.

 

You can also just get new sensors and tie-wrap them to the strut rather than installing into the pads.

D

 

Peter thanks so much for the offer. I'm not sure how soon I'm gonna do this, but I will definitely keep you in mind.

 

I have the S pads, and I just drilled a hole using the correct size bit and at the correct depth. Easy and works fine. As per the vibration dampners, if you want to swap them in and out i.e. track pads buy new ones and leave them on each set (also Make sure to label each pad in and out left right etc.). I actually bought new clips but ended up reusing the old ones after a bit of cleaning with brake cleaner and a light chissel to get the gum off. I then used the red rtv to adhere it to the S pads, works fine. Bedding the pads is the biggest thing to follow religiuosly or you will have annoying squeal.