Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community - FT86CLUB - View Single Post

ZDan · 06-21-2012, 07:11 AM

Regarding the HP+, I can only compare them to Carbotech XP8 and XP10 (and OEM and HPS). Compared to the Carbotechs, the HP+ give WAY more initial bite and have a higher coefficient of friction. Some complain that they aren't as easy to modulate, but for me, I never had a problem and I found that I more consistently get to maximum braking sooner in the braking zone, as they really GRAB on initial application. With the Carbotechs, to get the same initial braking I would have to SLAM on the brakes, which I don't feel comfortable doing and probably can't do well consistently. This is purely driver preference and what works for the individual.

The HP+ don't need to warm up at all, full grip when cold. Big advantage on the street. XP8 and XP10 aren't too too bad in this regard, but definitely need some warm-up. This would make HP+ great street/track pads, but...

They dust a ton, and can squeal like mad. The Carbotechs dust a bit less, and it's easier to clean off. Carbotechs seem to make noise only until tracked, then after beaten on for a couple of track days, they go quiet. HP+ seem to continue to squeal some, and loudly.

HP+ have a lower operating temperature range compared with dedicated track pads, but I've never overheated them at the track on my bone-stock '01 S2000. That said, I won't even bother trying them on the 500+hp RX-7 even with big StopTech brakes. I went with XP10s all around for that car.

The HP+ last pretty well (~4 2-day track events) and aren't too hard on rotors, similar experience I've had with the XP8s and XP10s even. I am pretty easy on brakes though.

Different drivers, even in the same car turning similar lap times, can put a different amount of heat into brakes and experience different rates of brake wear, so what pads will work for a specific individual is *never* a foregone conclusion. IMO there is no one "right" brake pad for a given car, the best pad will be highly dependent on the driver.

HP+ gave performance characteristics I like a lot, and had no issues with track days in the S2000 or in the 240Z (street/track suspension, 250hp).

But NEVER be tempted to try HPS pads! Utter garbage. I've honestly never experienced anything like as awful, on the street or track.

06-21-2012, 07:11 AM	#46
ZDan Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Drives: '23 BRZ Location: Providence, RI Posts: 4,672 Thanks: 1,439 Thanked 4,011 Times in 2,097 Posts Mentioned: 85 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Regarding the HP+, I can only compare them to Carbotech XP8 and XP10 (and OEM and HPS). Compared to the Carbotechs, the HP+ give WAY more initial bite and have a higher coefficient of friction. Some complain that they aren't as easy to modulate, but for me, I never had a problem and I found that I more consistently get to maximum braking sooner in the braking zone, as they really GRAB on initial application. With the Carbotechs, to get the same initial braking I would have to SLAM on the brakes, which I don't feel comfortable doing and probably can't do well consistently. This is purely driver preference and what works for the individual. The HP+ don't need to warm up at all, full grip when cold. Big advantage on the street. XP8 and XP10 aren't too too bad in this regard, but definitely need some warm-up. This would make HP+ great street/track pads, but... They dust a ton, and can squeal like mad. The Carbotechs dust a bit less, and it's easier to clean off. Carbotechs seem to make noise only until tracked, then after beaten on for a couple of track days, they go quiet. HP+ seem to continue to squeal some, and loudly. HP+ have a lower operating temperature range compared with dedicated track pads, but I've never overheated them at the track on my bone-stock '01 S2000. That said, I won't even bother trying them on the 500+hp RX-7 even with big StopTech brakes. I went with XP10s all around for that car. The HP+ last pretty well (~4 2-day track events) and aren't too hard on rotors, similar experience I've had with the XP8s and XP10s even. I am pretty easy on brakes though. Different drivers, even in the same car turning similar lap times, can put a different amount of heat into brakes and experience different rates of brake wear, so what pads will work for a specific individual is never a foregone conclusion. IMO there is no one "right" brake pad for a given car, the best pad will be highly dependent on the driver. HP+ gave performance characteristics I like a lot, and had no issues with track days in the S2000 or in the 240Z (street/track suspension, 250hp). But NEVER be tempted to try HPS pads! Utter garbage. I've honestly never experienced anything like as awful, on the street or track.