Need Brake Pad Recommendation

[GSJoe]

Several weeks ago I removed the old and well-worn brake pads from my bone-stock 1990 and replaced them with a set of new pads I had sitting on the shelf. The new pads are the carbon-metallic type made by Performance of Clover, SC. Well, the new pads felt terrible right from the get-go for normal street use; and now, after about 500 miles of street driving, they don't feel much better. They're awful when cold, but even when hot I still have to stand on them to get the car to stop well. The old pads worked much better! OK, folks, tell me: what is the best, most grippy brake pad I can buy online or at the local NAPA etc. store? This car is used only on the street and can almost be considered a "daily driver".

[Paul in VA]

Hi:
My personal favorite pads are the Hawk HPS. They stop like crazy all the time. Best brakes I have ever had! Once I used these pads, I no longer had the urge to upgrade my brakes. Only negative is they produce lots of brake dust while giving you great brakes.

I have friends who have gotten the Hawk ceramic pads (30-40% less stopping power but less brake dust [and the dust is a lighter color]). If you are super concerned about looks/cleanlieness of your wheels and don't want to clean them, get Hawk ceramic.

Just my opinion... GL... Paul

[gbrtng]

Go with a brand-name OEM pad - NAPA, Carquest, etc. ACDelco should be OK too.

You probably have Performance Friction Z-rated which have really poor bite when cold.
They're OK when up to temperature, but then there's the dust ...

[mike100]

Don't get ceramic pads unless you and the speed limit get along. They don't transfer heat through the pad very fast (compared to a semi metallic) and the rotor temps will be higher with ceramics if you drive them hard.

These are parts store Wagners. They are decent daily drivers, but don't think they will handle a buch of 120 mph to 10 mph drag racing stops without getting baked. (C5 pads and rotors on my car)

[jcruz]

Hawk HPS for me too...I don't find the brake dust to be that bad.

[GSJoe]

Thanks, guys. I think I'll order a full set of the Hawk HPS pads and give them a try.

[ZZZZZR1]

Originally Posted by GSJoe

Thanks, guys. I think I'll order a full set of the Hawk HPS pads and give them a try.

Great choice!

[Z51JEFF]

Ive got a set of Akebono pads that put off almost ZERO dust and work pretty good,Ive also got a set of Vortex pads with next to nothing for miles.The reason I replaced these were too much pad dust.Ill sell the set for alot less that what a new set would cost.

[GSJoe]

Thanks once again for your recommendations. I ordered a set of Hawk HPS pads yesterday.
Hopefully my stopping power will be restored and even improved upon by the end of next week.

[JThomas]

I know it's late, but I used the Hawks HPS on my '92 ZR-1 and felt it was a very good pad for street use and the ocassional autocross. When the time comes to change pads on my '95, I will be using the Hawks pad again. I didn't notice too much brake dust.