I think my stock pads are on the verge of going, and I'm going to be replacing them with Hawk's HP Plus pads. So far the best prices I've found are ~$117 for the fronts and ~$80 for the rears. I understand that good pads like this are going to be more expensive, but has anyone found better prices?

 

http://www.pmpparts.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=202
http://www.pmpparts.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=203

Dont need the plus really, these are plenty good.

 

I am bouncing back & forth between Hawk Performance Ceramic and Akebono. Both look to be great pads.

 

might want to check out EBC brake pads too, they have pads for competition and dail driving...

 

I don't intend to turn you away from Hawk's products, rather, I will share my experience with EBC's "Red Stuff". I put about 95 miles a day (over 67K so far) on my blown '05 and my daily commute takes my through mountainous terrain. One portion of my drive contains a 3 miles long, 6% grade, climb up and down a 1000' (MSL)mountain. I REALLY noticed the fade trying to slow down going down the mountain; so, a few years back, I did my homework finally settling on EBC's Red Stuff. It was almost like night and day going down that hill. The fade was g...o...n...e! And not just gone but my braking was now rock solid, non-stop,from 95 to 0 which often occurs over this southern california mountainous toll road. Prior to these pads, I found myself pumping my brakes, hoping the pads would cool a bit so I could continue to brake/slow. That was over 40K miles ago. My second set is just now going on. I'm pleased that I got about 45K miles off the set. I've also elected to go with stainless steel, braided brake lines. I can certainely notice the quicker grab on the brake pedel.

I don't recall why I ended up going with EBC over Hawk. I suspect anything other than stock pads is probably better.

 

I belive EBC offers red stuff, green stuff, and yellow stuff....mild street, performance street, and race, respectively.

 

Hawk HPS plus is more geared for aggressive driving and autoX. They will be rougher on the stock rotors than the Hawk HPS pads. What I have heard is since the rotors usually can't be turned that since the HPS plus pads are tough when they wear out you will have to get new rotors too. Plus the HPS plus need to be heated up before they quiet down and stop well, which might not work well on the street.

 

The biggest issue with the HPS and Plus series from Hawk has been noise and dust. Go to tirerack's website and look at customer reviews. I did this, and wound up choosing Akebono ACT Ceramic and couldn't be happier. Very little dust and totally silent.

 

how many miles are you guys getting out of the stock pads?

 

You should be able to get quite alot......most just get the better pads because they want better, its not that they are worn out and need to be replaced.