Just Me

I personally advise against Hawk HPS pads, since they are very fussy about bedding, and the chemistry does not play well with others'. This is from Hawk diagnosing an un-fixable vibration that developed on my car.

Highest temp pad that will work without issue on the street - stoptech 309.

OEM are actually very good, but not all that high temp.

I cant speak for the akebono ceramic. Get the MOT spec. Many ceramics are designed for low dust, but not high temp. Sloop, do you have an MOT for the akebonos (stoptech is 1200deg+) OEM is likely 400 deg or so.

Audi rotors are of course good. I prefer Zimmerman Z-coat. They appear to be identical to OEM except they have a non-rust coating ont he hat and edge. If oyu can find them, Brenbo and Balo are also excellent.

G

SloopJohnB@mac.com

One source indicates hawk ceramics around 600-700F?? Still higher than OEM....
Unable to find anything from Hawk...

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1740420


http://www.essexparts.com/shop/brake...ura-honda.html

Just Me

Thanks. 600-700 for a ceramic pad, which should be quiet and low dust, is really pretty good. For the Big Fat Pig i would seriously consider such if they existed, although for my use the OEM-equivelent pads in it are IMO great.

I take issue with the statement that most OEM pads, including mintex red box, are int he MOT 600-700F range. Most are closer to 400-450. red box melt in heavy sunlight, although they are very quit and rotor friendly.

Finally, did he suggest that AutoX is a tougher environment than street use? AutoX is EASY on brakes. a couple of hard stops, but no chance to get really hot. In fact, many national-level competitors run UNDERSIZED brakes to save weight, since heat absorption is basically moot. Really.

If you need a real track pad, i suggest a serious look at Pagid Yellow. Some noise on the street, but usually livable.

Hawk HP+ were not livable. Noise actually irritated other drivers; dust was so caustic some is STILL on my wheels, even after cleaning with light cleaner/wax, light wheel acid, etc. I can only scrape it off with a pick.

note there is no Hawk ceramic for our cars (no HP2 application). They were trying to send me some to replace to POS HPSs. No go. Likely exists for regular C5s.

ST309s are > 1200 though, rotor friendly, and quiet ( at least on my boxster). Relatively low Cf for those who equate friction with braking ability (which, of course, is untrue).

G

Just Me

ps: on another topic - you [strongly] suggested replacing the rear strut mounts. I have a set (OEM). What about the fronts? Are they also dicey? They are a lot more work to get out.

RSVP!

G

4Driver4

LOL at replying to your own posts!

SloopJohnB@mac.com

I have over 160K on the fronts of the 02A6 4.2...no problems with upper rubber mounts. I have a pair of new ones that I'll put in just on GP the next time, if ever, I put in shocks on the front. The fronts are pretty cheap, the rears are relatively expensive at $125 2-3 years ago. You'd think the rears would be a lot better....

SloopJohnB@mac.com

LOL even worse...I understood what he wanted. (sigh).

Just Me

thanks very much. I bought all 4 lemforderer, saved quite a bit off that $122.

I think i'll keep the fronts ont he shelf.

G

Just Me

if you really want to experiment, i have a set of S6 rear rotors, factor, that i took off my car a year ago. They are VERY rusty and ugly, but hardly worm at all. A light sanding and cleaning and they should be fine.

G

SloopJohnB@mac.com

IIRC you have to change calipers to use vented rotors. The vented rotors are quite a bit thicker overall.