Street Pad Recommendation

[02rsxpilot]

Did some searching but mostly found specific pad reviews. Basically wanting to know what the community has found as a good OEM replacement pad for STREET driving. I have track pads so dual-functionality/brake fade tolerance is not a concern.

My biggest complaint about the OEM pads is their lack of responsiveness. Some might call this lack of bite, others might call it lack of feel. Since the terminology might vary from user to user, what I am talking about is how much more I have to press the pedal with the OEM pads to get braking response than I do with my Hawk DTC-70 track pads. I used to think this was air in the brake lines since it felt like it took so much pedal travel, but since my track pads exhibit none of that, it's definitely the OEM pad.

So, I'm looking for a low dust, no noise pad with better responsiveness. I don't care about rotor wear (anything will be easier on rotors than the track pads) and I don't care that much about pad life. My budget for street pads would be in the $250-300 range for all four corners.

I've used EBC Yellows and Hawk HPS and HP+ pads on other cars. Yellows were too dusty for street, HP+ were too noisy and dusty, and HPS were dusty (and the dust was red/brown).

I'm leaning towards EBC Redstuff given the price and performance value, but also intrigued by Stoptech Street or possibly Ferodos.

Anyway, again, just looking for community feedback on what you've found works for street use in terms of feel, noise, and dust.

Thanks.

[mechavore884]

the stoptechs are made by Axxis/PBR if Im not mistaken. But I'd go with ferodo out of the list

[Pig Farmer]

If you think the OE pads have no bite, avoid cool carbons or any other ceramic pads at all cost. I run stoptech street performance pads on the road (but with the ST-60 BBK up front). They're pretty decent street pads. About half the dust of OE pads, no noise, and good pedal feel/modulation. I have black wheels so the dust does look reddish brown, but this is pretty normal on black wheels. The dust requires a little more elbow grease to remove (compared to the OE pads) but I use normal cash wash soap and my wheels have a satin finish.

[_Ryan_]

Originally Posted by Pig Farmer

If you think the OE pads have no bite, avoid cool carbons or any other ceramic pads at all cost. I run stoptech street performance pads on the road (but with the ST-60 BBK up front). They're pretty decent street pads. About half the dust of OE pads, no noise, and good pedal feel/modulation. I have black wheels so the dust does look reddish brown, but this is pretty normal on black wheels. The dust requires a little more elbow grease to remove (compared to the OE pads) but I use normal cash wash soap and my wheels have a satin finish.

another vote for Stoptech street performance

[yllwwgn]

After years of research and trying different brands, I practically swear by Porterfield R4-S pads. I've used them on everything from WRX's to old-school Foxbodies, and to me they are the best "all-around" street/high-performance pad. My favorite part about them is their "initial bite". They remind me of my old e46 brakes, where they grabbed as soon as they made contact, and were super easy to modulate, even with ABS. I know there are some charts/graphs out there on the google-machine regarding their initial bite, and their broad temperature range.

Just my $.02. http://www.porterfield-brakes.com/search.php

[Pyrat 2]

Stoptechs +1 EBC redstuff have no bite -1

[02rsxpilot]

@yllwwgn that describes exactly what I want. That might be what I have to try, but it's also good to know folks are happy with the Stoptechs.

I'm probably going to run my OEMs until they wear out these last few mm, then when BMW replaces them under the maintenance agreement, I'll swap them out for one of those two options and sell the new OEMs.

[ASPEC135i]

+1 for Stoptechs. Zero complaints whatsoever for daily driving.

[Grinchxvx]

Hawk pads are so dusty, my car and wheels get dusty super fast just from hard braking and its getting annoying especially right after you wash your car

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by _Ryan_

another vote for Stoptech street performance

Stoptech Street Performance pads are one of the best pads around for street use.

[_Ryan_]

Originally Posted by HP Autosport

Stoptech Street Performance pads are one of the best pads around for street use.

I've bought two sets from you for that reason. Better on rotors than RB74s, better bite than Endless SSS. Only issue is I do not recommend them for even an 80% track day!

[Elsabor67]

Stoptechs is what I use now after using Cool Carbons. Excellent bite and very good specially in the cold weather here right now.

[DSSG]

If Akebono made a pad for the car, I'd use it. Funny they make a pad for every other model!

Anyway, I put on the Hawk Ceramic pads, yellow and black box. They aren't dust free, but they are better than the OEMs. They also stop better.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by _Ryan_

I've bought two sets from you for that reason. Better on rotors than RB74s, better bite than Endless SSS. Only issue is I do not recommend them for even an 80% track day!

They are not track pads, but could stand a very light track day.

If you have access to Ferodo, try their DS2500 compound.

[_Ryan_]

Originally Posted by HP Autosport

They are not track pads, but could stand a very light track day.

If you have access to Ferodo, try their DS2500 compound.

It was a light day, but Sandown is hard on brakes. DS2500 will be going on next.

[Ginger_Extract]

I came in here to recommend EBC Yellowstuff, but you beat me to it. If low dust is your thing, look for ceramic pads. What about Wagner brand ceramic?

[mr.fabulous]

If I go to TireRack and select my car (2011 BMW 135i Coupe M Sport Package Built Before 9/10), I find *no* pads available. No Akebono, no StopTech, nothing. Anybody have a similar car and where the heck do I go for street pads (no dust!)?

[02rsxpilot]

Originally Posted by mr.fabulous

If I go to TireRack and select my car (2011 BMW 135i Coupe M Sport Package Built Before 9/10), I find *no* pads available. No Akebono, no StopTech, nothing. Anybody have a similar car and where the heck do I go for street pads (no dust!)?

I pick the pad I want, and google search for that pad + "BMW 135i" to bring up as many merchants as possible so I can price shop. Once you've found a few vendors, I always check for coupons/promos as well. Auto parts is a hugely competitive business. Consumers win.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by mr.fabulous

If I go to TireRack and select my car (2011 BMW 135i Coupe M Sport Package Built Before 9/10), I find *no* pads available. No Akebono, no StopTech, nothing. Anybody have a similar car and where the heck do I go for street pads (no dust!)?

No dust pads typically don't have the same friction levels as OEM pads. Stoptech Street Performance, although not "no dust", it does have less dust than OEM and will outperform OEM pads on the street and a light track day.

[mr.fabulous]

I have to believe my issue at TireRack is my "M Sport Package". Do I have 1M brakes? I don't need bite (daily driver), I'd prefer a ceramic if I could find it.

[02rsxpilot]

Originally Posted by mr.fabulous

I have to believe my issue at TireRack is my "M Sport Package". Do I have 1M brakes? I don't need bite (daily driver), I'd prefer a ceramic if I could find it.

You don't have 1M brakes. TireRack has never had much of a brake pad selection, in my experience. Try ECSTuning, or I'll probably be buying the Porterfield's mentioned in this thread from LPIRacing.

[_Ryan_]

Buy them from HP A.