performance brake pads and emergency stops
 

Question for those of you running mild performance street/track pads (Hawk HPS, etc.) -

So I get that cold performance may be compromised some. And if you're on the track you're typically keeping the pads warmer. I'm looking for experinces with pads like these and emergency cold stops - like cruising down the freeway for 15 minutes at 80 and suddenly having to do a complete stop. Still better than OEM cold? No issues? Or a little sketchy?

I'm looking to improve the braking some, but obviously I don't want to compromise daily safety..

Thanks,
A_J

RE: performance brake pads and emergency stops
 

HPS compound works very well cold, in fact they are as good cold as warm. We use them to autocross on because we can't build heat in the brakes and need them to work when I hit them the first time.

Link to fronts: http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...&ModelID=5 $81

Link to rears: http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...&ModelID=5 $65

RE: performance brake pads and emergency stops
 

What about the HPS +

I was told that they needed a bit of heat for optimum performance.

RE: performance brake pads and emergency stops
 

No such thing as HPS+. There are HPS's and HP Plus. Not both. So what you were told isn't true, and not just because there is no such thing. :)

HP Plus grab very hard from stone cold as well.Harder in fact than HPS's. They are dirty, and can be noisy, and frankly are more grabby than I prefer, which is why I don't personally run them (I'll deal with the other stuff if I had to).

RE: performance brake pads and emergency stops
 

You're right - HP+ , (my mistake).

That's what I have - just haven't installed them yet.

Will it have a shorter life span than the HPS ?

RE: performance brake pads and emergency stops
 

I love my HPS's!

RE: performance brake pads and emergency stops
 

My results on the HPS is they lasted 2 track days, and 20 months of driving on.
my HP+ 1 track day and a few weeks driving on are 50% worn.

I felt that the HP+ were not as effective until the 2nd or 3rd corner. Still held good when cold, just not as effective once warmed up.

This was my take on them 2 weeks ago on the road course. Sam has alot more experience than I do tho.

RE: performance brake pads and emergency stops
 

HP Plus generally wear more quickly given the higher level of friction.

RE: performance brake pads and emergency stops
 

Thanks alot. Now I have a real STUPID question. The newer pads don't have the ware indicators like the old ones do, (with the squealing noise). How do you know how worn your pads are so that you don't damage your rotors, (just bought 14" rotors F/R).

Do you go by Brake fluid level in the master cyl resov; or, do you go purely on periodic visual inspection ? Or is there a trick that I'm missing ?

(Thanks again for your help)

RE: performance brake pads and emergency stops
 

FWIW - I am using the HPS pads in combination with Powerslot rotors up front and have noticed no real difference in braking performance when cold (and this is my DD). I have noticed improved pedal response and a noticable lack of fading during hard repeated braking while street driving. I have not had it out to the track as of yet however, just as an FYI. From what I have heard, go with Sam Strano's recomendation :D. He may not always be popular, be he knows his stuff, is often honest to a fault,and I have never heard of him steering someone wrong.

~Matt