What's the better brake material?

[underdog1924]

Now that I see that Autozone carries Performance Friction pads for the 96 upgrade, my question is, what material gives better braking performance? The carbon metallic or ceramic pads? Thanks in advance for your replies. thumbs_u

 

[sdpatt]

Only someone who has used both materials can really answer that question. I have been very pleased with the performance of the carbon metallic pads on my "little" stock 1991 rotors.

 

[RStalveyARFF]

that's cuz you're a "little" man Scott! Just kidding. For the fun of it, since my calipers came with 95 sho brackets and pads, I upgraded first to the 94/95 brakes. That was a big difference in itself!!! Maybe that's what your next mod can be Mr. Patterson. Well worth it.

 

[zak]

Carbon metallic is preffered over carbon-kevlar, which in turn is prefered over ceramic, at least if you are going to be doing drivers schools on a race track.

The "ceramic" pads were developed because too many people complained about how dusty carbon metallic pads are, and how squeaky carbon-kevlar pads are.

Look for pads that are "FF" rated on their edges, thats what you need if you want to be able to haul it down from 70+ mph with confidence and repeatability.

My $0.02, with a couple of dgrees in materials eng.

John H.

 

[RStalveyARFF]

Hey Matt, where'd you find the pads? The site doesn't list them still.

 

[Jibberish18]

Hmm honestly I probably can't be much help since I have drums in the back. But I have Carbon metallic pads from Autozone and they feel good. I gotta say though they do dust a lot and if you don't put anti seize compount stuff on the back of the pad they do squeek after time. I don't know. I'd go with Bendex or Raybestos and leave it at that.

 

[stevetatro]

AutoZone does not carry the PFCM in the correct size for the '96 brakes. They list the pad as the 601 size, which is the same as the SLO (smaller). The correct pad will have a number 598, and the PFCM is NOT made in that size.

Also, the PFCM's dust like crazy. Avoid them if you like to have nice shiny wheels all the time!

 

[DeaconBlue]

Most people who have gone with either the CarboTech or Potterfield "street" pads in the correct D598 size for the '96 front brake upgrade have liked them. Very good perfromance and low or light colored dusting.

 

[htheduck]

The Porterfield R4 pads are squeaky as heck. But they really stop the car-annoying for the street. I had the slots (96 slotted rotor upgrade from FPS) disappear after two days of a driving school in NHIS-and warped them.

 

[underdog1924]

I think that once I get the cash I'm going to get either the Carbotechs or the EBCs.