96+ brake upgrade, Which pads to use??

[LeddZepp8687]

Like the title says, do I need pads for my 94 calipers or for the 96-99 SHO or 01 and newer taurus calipers??? I bought the brakets from an 01 taurus off rockauto.com for like 15 bucks each, And I got slotted rotors coming, But when I buy pads do I get them for a 94 SHO or a 96-99 SHO/01 taurus?? Also what a good brand of pad?? I was thinking about hawk pads, I want something really agressive. Thanks!!!

 

[SHO Continental]

putting those brackets and rotors will give you 11.6s.. you'll use '01+ brake pads, (just to be safe) So if you buy any pads at autozone, they're for your '01 taurus. If you get any at autozone make sure the part # is 598, not 601, and have them special order some morse ceramic pads. But I'd recommend carbotech bobcats.

 

[marbs]

When I did the up grade I used my same pads that where already on my 94. I spent quite a bit and wasn't about to spend more. They where still like new.

 

[LeddZepp8687]

putting those brackets and rotors will give you 11.6s.. you'll use '01+ brake pads, (just to be safe) So if you buy any pads at autozone, they're for your '01 taurus. If you get any at autozone make sure the part # is 598, not 601, and have them special order some morse ceramic pads. But I'd recommend carbotech bobcats.

How much for the morse ceramics?? And also someone told me that ceramic has less stopping power, Thats not entirely true is it?? I really want something that will GRAB....If the ceramics dont grab well then I will get the carbotech's, where can I find those at?

 

[Lupo]

Using stock 94 pads will make the pads miss the top 1/2 inch or so of the 11.6 rotor, which negates the leverage effect of getting bigger rotors in the first place.
Just use the 96-99 pads with the 94 calipers.

 

[Bob Gervais]

Using stock 94 pads will make the pads miss the top 1/2 inch or so of the 11.6 rotor, which negates the leverage effect of getting bigger rotors in the first place.
Just use the 96-99 pads with the 94 calipers.

^^ What he said.

Autozone sells Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads for the 96-99 SHO for around $50. They're great pads for the street, and occasional track usage. They dust a little more than ceramic pads do, but it's a tradeoff I'm willing to live with.

Also, those brackets from Rock Auto aren't going to fit. If you check the part numbers Rock Auto, and every other aftermarket parts supplier, lists, they're the same brackets they list for the smaller 94-00 SLO sized brakes. The only place to get the correct 11.6" caliper brackets is Ford (dealer, www.fastautoparts.com) or RCM Automotive (RCM is the best on pricing)http://home.earthlink.net/~rcm_automotive/

You may also be able to find them used. The correct brackets will have "FN74" stamped into them.

 

[marbs]

So are you saying I really need to get new pads?

 

[Bob Gervais]

So are you saying I really need to get new pads?

Yes. The main reason for the upgrade is the larger pads. The larger rotors won't really do much with the smaller 601 pads. The ones you want are 598 pads.

 

[Shoaz]

I'd disagree with that a bit. The larger rotor provides more braking torque even with the 601 pads because the caliper has been moved out to accomodate the larger rotor. I used my old 601s when I had the 96 upgrade and I think even did a track event with them.

Since the caliper is still mounted the same distance from the edge of the rotor I don't see how it could leave a gap in swept area to the edge of the rotor. I don't recall ever seeing that when I had mine mounted.

The 598 pads are definitely larger and preferrable over the 601s for the 96 upgrade, but the 601s will still work and still provide an improvement over the stock brakes.

 

[SHO Continental]

I'd disagree with that a bit. The larger rotor provides more braking torque even with the 601 pads because the caliper has been moved out to accomodate the larger rotor. I used my old 601s when I had the 96 upgrade and I think even did a track event with them.

Since the caliper is still mounted the same distance from the edge of the rotor I don't see how it could leave a gap in swept area to the edge of the rotor. I don't recall ever seeing that when I had mine mounted.

The 598 pads are definitely larger and preferrable over the 601s for the 96 upgrade, but the 601s will still work and still provide an improvement over the stock brakes.

Very well said.. when I did the 11.6" upgrade on my '95 I first just used the same pads.. there was a nice difference with just swapping rotors and brackets. The 598 pads were another step up after that too.

About pads.. if you really want performance.. a story I frequently mention.. I watched two gen2s do some brake testing 80-0, one on 13" cobras with FR pads and one with 11.6"s with Carbotech Bobcats, and they both stopped pretty even. They did this two or three times.. and the last time we almost had a SHO-pileup because everyone else's brakes were completely faded.

 

[DDakRT]

I have the Carbotech Bobcats on my 96 upgrade as well, very nice and grabby. You can get them from Josh at SHO Nut. Great guy to deal with

 

[CALL AAA]

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=55576
This should help you out...a lot.