Brake Pad Recommendations: Organic, Semi-Metallic or Ceramic
 

When I search for pads for my '83 GSL, I always seem to get "organic recommended".

I have never used organic pads on any car and have has bad experiences with ceramic.

What's the view/recommendation out there? organic? semi-metallic? ceramic?

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Hawk HPS. No noise,great performance,very low dust

I've been running Hawk HP+
Noise? Yes
Dust? Yes
Stopping power on track days? Yes.

Definitely go with HPS instead of HP+ if you don't plan to make stops from 100 down to 40 over and over again. Next time around I may just put HPS in the rear and HP+ in the front since most of the squealing and chattering around town comes from the rear brakes.

Ferro Carbon?

Don't drive my RX7 very hard.

So semi-metallic would be OK then?

EBC Red Stuff or Yellow stuff sounds up your stream.

I agree with the Hawk HPS pads. Extremely streetable with low dust and noise. Avery good buy!

I've been using the Centric Ceramics from rockauto for the front brake pads. Good feel, no fade and almost zero dust. Have had these out in heavy driving in the mtns without any issues. I had Hawks on there before but the dust and noise was terrible.

I've had bad experience with ceramics, particularly how quickly they wear out rotors. How long have you been on ceramic pads? How are the rotors holding up?

Been using them for a couple years now on RB slotted rotors. No real wear beyond whats expected. Of course I have an SA and the rear drums when adjusted right do a lot of the heavy lifting when stopping at times.

wow, even with slotted rotors. That's encouraging . . . .

Check out carbotec pads. I love them.
Depending on the compound you choose you can autox/track day them and still have stock like street manners.

Thanks.

So much for the thought that organic are OEM and therefore what I should use.

Brake pads are like cocktails: everyone has a favorite :-)

factory pads were semi metallic, and not a great formula, they squeaked really bad

Hawk HPS
 

Billy sent me some Hawk HPS pads, probably 6 or 8 years ago. Lots of miles, cross country trips, and weekend autocrossing. Pads are STILL in great shape, and the rotors too. I don't need to look any further.

I used to use organic pads, but it seemed like I had to change them every couple of months. I don't miss that chore one bit. 😉