I have an 08 TL-S and my brembo pads are down to 4mm, after searching and reading for the past 2 hours this is what I've come up with:

Brembo are good but expensive and don't last very long so I'm looking for an aftermarket solution.

What I'm looking for is something that is equal to or greater than the stock brembo setup that will last longer and will not dust as much.

What I'm going to get:
ET300 pads with Stop Tech slotted rotors

I was also thinking about the Stop Tech Acurazine brake package, but it looks like Racingbrake pads are the way to go.

Anyway, I just wanted some opinions on this setup before I pull the trigger, my budget is about 350-400ish. Thanks in advance!

 

stoptech pads are supposed to be pretty good

 

You may want to look into the CMAX Gold ceramic pads at Autozone. Some members have them. I think they run around $60.00 a pair and have a lifetime warranty. I heard they have very very little dust and perform as good if not better than OEM.

 

Huh? Are you talking about the pads?

 

I'd pull the trigger on the combo you listed (StopTech Rotor & ET300 pads) with no hesitation. I'm running the same rotors and the ET500 pads. 300's, I think, should be very good for daily driving and may be less likely to have any noise (noise on the ET500 is none to low, but I think the 300's would be closer to none all the time).

Beyond that, there are others to consider (as mentioned), but if you decide to go with what you've picked, you'll be fine too, I think.

 

I went with those because of the lifetime warranty. brakes feel great to me

 

Yes I'm talking about the Brembo pads.

I saw that during my research but I believe you get what you pay for, there has to be some trade off, maybe faster rotor wear?

In comparison to the stock setup, would you say the the StopTech + ET500 setup is equal or greater than stock? I'm also thinking about the ET500 pads since they're only 15 bucks more.

Thanks everybody for your responses!

 

I have that setup paired with new OEM Brembo rotors. Only thing i've noticed so far is less initial bite when braking. Other than that significantly less dusting than OEM Brembo pads. Not bad for ~1/3 the cost.

 

Yeah, the CMAX have less inital bite when braking compared to oem, that's the only thing I don't like about them, but as for brake dust, it's not too bad.

 

Yes, I'd say equal or better. My butt-dyno (and wallet) say "better" but it's hard to compare and know for sure.

I've noticed as the pads have aged some, they do squeal/squeak a little at low speed or when cold. Others have had significant noise complaints. That's why I think the ET300 might be a little better as a less agressive daily-driver pad.

FWIW - I tracked the car with that setup and it did OK (needed DOT 5.1 fluid, I think). But it also burned through a full set of front pads.

 

Be careful when removing the calipers and cross ur fingers that the calipers bolts aren't seized. This is common and it happened to me... I was forced to purchase new brembo calipers which put me back an additional $600( and that is cheap for new brembo calipers)

Search the threads...

 

Got the CMAX.. agree on initial bite and less dust.. also doesnt seem to wear the rotor out as quickly... and lifetime warranty.... I do miss the bite of my old hawks.. if you are a very spirited driver then go hybrid or non cermic.. I will go back that way once the CMAX wear down and I purchase new rotors

and to clarify.. when I say very spirited meaning a lot of off the line hit 4000-5000 rpm then break at a light within a few blocks and/or pushing it in traffic..my commute to work is all lights and I have a tendency to want to race against other cars when the light turns green.. only wish the following light turned green as well

Now if somewhat spririted driver then the ceramic (and cmax in particular) are great.. you just got to figure out what type of driver you are, how much noise you can live with, and also how much dust you good with.. then choosing pads come easy

 

I'd highly recommend the STOPTECH pads and Powerslot/STOPTECH rotors.

http://store.excelerateperformance.c.../i-304786.aspx

The packages include Powerslot/STOPTECH performance rotors and STOPTECH Performance pads. All of the rotors have a black e-coating on the hubs and vanes and an advanced alloy composition. The Powerslot slotted rotors for the front of most Acuras also have a Power Alloy composition and a curved vane construction, which helps reduce heat in the brake system. The STOPTECH Performance pads are a para-aramid compound, which has great initial bite and long-term performance and lower dust and noise than most aftermarket brake pads.

Pad longevity really depends on how aggressive you are with the brakes.

 

I got some Wagner Ultra Quiet pads at autozone. 42 bucks with military discount. About same as OEM but performing better than the Brembos I think since they are brand new. Check them out you won't be disappointed.