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Brake Pad Recommendations: Organic, Semi-Metallic or Ceramic

Old Apr 7, 2019 | 08:30 AM
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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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Old Apr 7, 2019 | 10:32 AM
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Hawk HPS. No noise,great performance,very low dust
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Old Apr 7, 2019 | 10:47 AM
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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.
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Old Apr 7, 2019 | 10:57 AM
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Ferro Carbon?

Don't drive my RX7 very hard.

So semi-metallic would be OK then?
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Old Apr 7, 2019 | 03:26 PM
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EBC Red Stuff or Yellow stuff sounds up your stream.
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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 05:44 AM
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I agree with the Hawk HPS pads. Extremely streetable with low dust and noise. Avery good buy!
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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 11:24 AM
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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.
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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 11:33 AM
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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?
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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 02:47 PM
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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.
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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 02:52 PM
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wow, even with slotted rotors. That's encouraging . . . .
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Old Apr 9, 2019 | 08:21 PM
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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.

Last edited by mikey D; Apr 9, 2019 at 08:23 PM.
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Old Apr 9, 2019 | 10:22 PM
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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 :-)
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Old Apr 11, 2019 | 09:29 AM
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From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Originally Posted by austinrx7bill
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
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Old May 5, 2019 | 01:02 AM
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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. 😉
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