Ok. From what I've read I think I'm going to go with Stoptech brake pads when I replace my front pads on my 05 6MT. They seem less expensive with similar or better performance.

I want to stick with organic pads as the brake dust I can live with.

So what are peoples impressions when they went from oem Brembo pads to the Stoptech? Same, better, worse?

Thanks.

 

I too would like to hear some opinions..

 

I just installed them on the front of my Civic and I'm really happy. Of course that was a brake upgrade with lots of new parts so it's hard to say what was pads and what was not. I did a lot of research before I decided on this compound because I already had Axxis/PBR Ultimate in the rear and those are getting harder to find at a decent price. Most say the performance is similar or the same to Brembo. There was mostly praise for the stoptech compound on the Sti & Evo forums (OE brembos). Compared to Axxis Ultimate the inital cold-bite is said to be a little less (ultimates are supposed to be the best in this dept), but the pads really stay together at much higher temps (1200f vs axxis 900f). They definitely dust a lot less than both the Brembo and Axxis pads.

I can say that Centric makes really good stuff (they make all the stoptech stuff). The pads fit perfectly, the shims are crimped onto the pads already, and they only required a about 8 hard stops (50 to 5mph) to heat the pads and fully break them in. Much easier than the Axxis/PBR Ulitmates. Their caliper hardware kits fit perfectly as well.

Also, for the price the Centric premium rotors are really top notch. Fully machined face, black e-coating (not silver like OEM), fully balanced, fully inspected. They also make the power-slot rotors which have a better alloy and curved vanes and slots (I found them for $75ea + shipping). My premium rotors on my Civic look outstanding and have no vibration whatsoever. On some cars you can even get the curved vane alloy rotors without the slots for considerably less (called Power-Alloy rotors). They don't have these for the 6MT though.

BTW: The Stoptech pad is said to be a Ceramic Aramid mix (like Axxis). Not organic.

Pad part number is 309.10010 and cost $72 on ebay (seller is entertaining offers too).

 

Do you track your car or something? Because it seems to me that most of these brake pad upgrades are not worth it unless you do. If you are like most of the general population, yes that includes the majority in this forum, then there is no need to upgrade your pads. They may actually provide worse stopping distances than OEM or OEM equivalent pads.

Aftermarket pads often move the working temp range higher making stopping distances longer unless the pads are up to temp which it may never with street driving. The biggest improvement in braking you could get is with stickier or wider tires. The only thing that upgrading pads do is help reduce fade. If you are experiencing fade on the street you are probably going past a little spirited driving and should reevaluate how you drive on the streets.

I'm doing a front brake job on my car this weekend and I'm either going to get OEM pads or OEM equivalent pads. No need to throw money where its not needed.

 

Stoptech pads are not to be confused with track pads. They are just an aggressive street pad. If your car has brembo front calipers, you already have an extremely aggressive street pad (the proof is in the dust). If your not willing to pay the crazy high price for the OEM/brembo pads, you should probably get something damn good to put in it's place. Your VSA/ABS system is calibrated to the OEM pad friction coefficient.

The stoptech pads are not an "upgrade" from the OEM-brembo pads. It's just a less expensive alternative. The OEM pads cost $160 a set. That's over twice as much as the stoptechs at $72.

reference:
- OEM/Brembo 45022-SEP-A60
- Stoptech/Centric 309.10010

 

The STOPTECH Performance pads are a para-aramid compound. They offer better performance than the OE Brembo pad and a similar amount of dust/noise (somewhat low). The pads are designed for street and light track use.

http://www.stoptech.com/products/brake-pads

StopTech® Street Performance Brake Friction (prefix 309)

Para-aramid composites provide linear response regardless of pad temperature.

100% positive molded for uniform friction material density.

Low dust formulation is rotor friendly and leaves wheels cleaner.

Scorched to raise initial cold effectiveness and ease bed-in.

100% Asbestos-free formulas.



And there's no need to buy it on ebay. We are a Master Distributor for STOPTECH. We stock these pads and we also support Acurazine. And we actually respond to our PMs, emails and pick up the phone.

http://store.excelerateperformance.c.../i-336053.aspx

 

^excelerate took care of me and my needs!

 

^Nice commercial. I think I would rather save the $23 thanks. There are literally zillions of "Centric" distributors out there.

 

From the sounds of it the stoptech's seem like a good alternative to OEM pads. If I had more time to wait I would give them a try myself. But Since I have to get it this done by Saturday I'm going with the $60 ceramic autozone pads.

Excelerate gets a Thumbs Up on the info they provided.

 

You are welcome to purchase anywhere you want. It's your money. However, it should be know that as an Official Vendor for Acurazine we support Acurazine and help make your membership free. We also offer technical advice and actually pick up the phone unlike many other distributors who solely sell online.

 

That's a pretty high horse.

 

Decided to not get the $60 autozone pads but went with performance friction z rated pads from oreilly's. The ceramic pads from autozone didn't have that initial bite that the OEM pads had but these new pads are feeling proper. They were like $150 a set tho.

 

^ Customer service counts for more than most people know. Having ordered things online before (car and non car related), the trouble of getting a-hold of someone for support seems to be a growing problem. I appreciate Excelerate offering products with exceptional customer service. Worth a couple extra $$ to me..... IMO

Also this website and everyones combined knowledge on things is money!