So I'm probably going to get sh!t for this but I've probably read through 5 or 6 brake pad threads and haven't really been able to decide on which pads to go with...

I just picked up an 08 NHBP TL-S 6MT and the brakes are the first to be changed out.

I could go with OEM brembo for pads and rotors but I figured I'd ask one more time..

My criteria:
-Best braking performance/stopping power
-Minimal to no squealing

Things I don't care about:
-Dusting. Bring it on dust! (Opti-Coat ftw)
-Brake pad and rotor life (Performance > Durability)

I'm thinking about using the OEM rotors, unless there is a reason not to.

I apologize if this topic has been covered before but through my general and detailed searching I haven't found a thread requesting for advice with my specific criteria.

 

You have to define performance. The brakes won't change stopping distances, that's determined by the tires. A better pad will resist fading better from repeated hard stops. If you've never faded your brakes, you probably don't need a better pad. Some have different bite and release characteristics. Some have different friction coefficients but I don't recommend going with a higher friction coefficient on the front. The car might stop with less pedal pressure but it upsets your brake bias. And of course there are the usual dust, noise, and wear characteristics.

 

I've always thought brake pads do affect braking performance. More so than the caliper or rotor. I understand that tires are important. Your brakes are only as good as your tires. I plan to go with Direzza Star Spec Z1s. I want better braking power than the stock Brembos. I don't care about durability or dusting. But I would really like it to not squeal. I was originally going to go with Carbotech XP10 front and XP8 rear as I have on the RSX-S but it squeels like a b!tch. Not sure if I want that on a car that I'm going to drive to the street. I'm use to driving a car that can stop from high speeds very quickly. Not sure if the TL I just picked up has problems with the hydraulic or braking system but for I find the braking performance to be poor. My 2000 Corolla winter beater can stop faster than the TL. Of course it could be that I bought a TL with bad quality pads and rotors... That is why I plan to change them immediately because braking performance is one thing I determine to be a safety modification. Not being able to stop in an emergency quickly is not fun. I have to slam the TL-S brakes to get the car to stop moderately.

 

If you can hit ABS operation which any pad will allow, the car is at it's maximum stopping ability. At that point it's all in the tires. The Star Specs are excellent tires.

I have a thread with stopping distances of two different big brake kits on my TL somewhere on here.

 

In my opinion....real good brake pads are the autozone cmax gold....I'm a spirited driver(lol) have same car as you and pads have great stopping power plus no noise what's so ever which was my priority...

I changed my rotors to drilled and slotted because the rears were shot,so I just bought all 4 with the pads

 

The car I bought could not activate ABS if it's life depended on it. I inquired to the dealership I bought it from and they said the pads and rotors are aftermarket so I'm assuming they aren't that great... I might just go for the Brembo OEMs since I know those don't squeak and have enough stopping power for the car. Does anyone have HP+ or Carbotech XP10 or XP8 on their TL-S?

 

Oh wow, that's an actual problem. I'm so used to people asking how to reduce their stopping distances with a fully functioning brake system just by switching pads.

The pads might help but I can't imagine the pads causing the brakes to be so weak that you can't hit ABS. I'm wondering if it's not the booster. How does the pedal feel? Firm, or does it slowly sink to the floor, or spongy like it has air in the system? I believe the ABS modulator can also cause issues.

This car with a decent set of tires stops extremely well. I was able to knock off 91' 60-0 stopping distances on the Nitto NT05 and Stoptech BBK. My Rotora BBK before that actually increased stopping distances because it destroyed the brake bias. For a nose heavy car it makes no sense why it stops the way it does.

The Hawks seem to be really popular around here but they're not my favorite. Stoptech makes a nice street pad with no noise, good fade resistance, and stop-like bite.

 

I just bought the car this week. Still haven't received it yet. It's at the dealer getting the brake rotors and pads replaced for free. Not OEM though.. They aren't willing to do OEM and they want $$$ if I want to upgrade to OEM. They also won't tell me what aftermarket brand they are using.. Kind of shady but whatever.. When I get it I'm going to flush the brakes and see if that helps. When I test drove it the brakes felt mushy like there was air in the lines.

Which model of stoptech would you recommend?

 

STOPTECH Performance pads have excellent performance, less brake dust than OE Brembo pads, similar low noise pad as Brembo, and a higher operating temperature. I'd couple the pads with STOPTECH/Powerslot discs.

Take a look at our brake packages too if you want front and rear rotors/pads.

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