Need help with brake options

[Jcas]

Hey guys, so I’m thinking about upgrading my brakes a little bit nothing to crazy but I just need some help. So I like the stock brakes they stop me pretty well but I’m just looking for something with a bit more bite! So I was wondering do you suggest maybe just get some different pads? If so which ones do you guys like personally for spritited backroad type driving not really track use. And if I get brake pads should I swap the stock rotors for some drilled or slotted rotors?
Any info is helpful and thanks in advance!

[JIM THEO]

First in my list for spirited road driving suitable for track use are the following with this order:
Project mu 999, PF 011, Carbotech XP10-12, Ferodo DS3000, Carbon Loraine RC5+
I think very high initial bite gives Project mu but this isn't always good for low quality tarmac, CL RC5+ is more progressive...

[BigTuna]

I got a set of Winmax W2 pads over the summer and used them for a few autocross days and spirited driving. I really like them.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by Jcas

Hey guys, so I’m thinking about upgrading my brakes a little bit nothing to crazy but I just need some help. So I like the stock brakes they stop me pretty well but I’m just looking for something with a bit more bite! So I was wondering do you suggest maybe just get some different pads? If so which ones do you guys like personally for spritited backroad type driving not really track use. And if I get brake pads should I swap the stock rotors for some drilled or slotted rotors?
Any info is helpful and thanks in advance!

If you want more bite, it will have to be the compound of the brake pad. You'll want something more towards performance which is not OEM. Stoptech 309 pads is a good step up, but you might get a little more noise. Stoptech 308 is going to feel pretty much like stock.

The slotted rotors will give you a better initial bite but it will eat brake pads a little bit faster. If you like to have the "race car look", drilled and slotted is the way to go and since you're not tracking, you don't have to worry too much about the drilled holes cracking.

Stock rotors should be fine with a more aggressive pad compound, but I would stay away from any track only pads since those only really work when they are up to temperature. Also, you might want to resurface your rotors (if you can depending on thickness), to try to minimize any vibration or squealing. Note, more aggressive pads may cause additional/quicker wear on rotors.

[Shark_Bait88]

Since you didn't mention anything about track days or autox I'm assuming this is all street driving. Upgrade to a slightly more aggressive compound, you won't need much for daily/spirited driving. Something like Winmax W1 or W2, Project Mu Type NS or HC+800, or Cabrotech 1521. I'd say the pads mentioned by @JIM THEO are way too aggressive if you aren't tracking.

As for rotors, simply replace with something like Centric blanks. No need for slotted/drilled.

[finch1750]

Winmax W2 or W3 would be good for street/spirited driving.

Project Mu HC+ 800 would be my choice as the initial bite is amazing, but they dust like hell and only last about 30k miles for the fronts. They are cheap though so it kinda evens out. I rant them for 100k+ miles. Trying stoptech sports now but the bite isn't as good and will likely switch back when these wear out.

Carbotech tend to have a more linear feel imo, not the hard initial grab of Winmax or Project Mu.

OEM rotors are fine and way cheaper then slotted/drilled.

[ichitaka05]

Winmax W2 with Non slotted or drilled & upgrade brake fluid is efficient.

[Sapphireho]

I've been running the Ferodo DS2500. Just street and canyon driving. I haven't had any noise and work fine cold.

[strat61caster]

Like everyone else said, sporty street pads or mild hybrid pads, leave the OE rotors unless they're worn down (which is unlikely, these rotors are sturdy as fuck), drilled and slotted is a gimmick imo. Winmax W1/W2, Stoptech, TRD, PMu NS400, Hawk HPS 5.0, Carbotech 1521, Gloc GS1 etc. Follow bed-in procedure and call it a day.

Your car is 5 years old now (or more), also get a brake fluid flush. Anything up to DOT spec is probably fine, Castrol DOT4, ATE Typ 200. Motul RBF600 if you want to get fancy.

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

I've been running the Ferodo DS2500. Just street and canyon driving. I haven't had any noise and work fine cold.

I have a set on order thanks for assuaging my fears about noise.

[FirstWinter]

Winmax W3 would be my pick because I've used them. Project Mu, G-loc, etc., all have suitable alternatives as well. You can contact a vendor/distributor to find something which suits your use. I would probably upgrade brake/clutch fluid. OEM rotors or blank Centric replacements are fine.

[teetsdownlow]

I was stuck between Project Mu HC800, Winmax W3 and Carbotech AX6. Ended up with Carbotech AX6 and very happy with them. They are not ceramic compound so they will make noise in stop and go traffic but it's definitely not annoying to me or other drivers.

I am not a fan of Hawk or EBC pads so I ruled those out. I think AX6 would be what you are aiming for

[Jcas]

looks good!

[Teseo]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Like everyone else said, sporty street pads or mild hybrid pads, leave the OE rotors unless they're worn down (which is unlikely, these rotors are sturdy as fuck), drilled and slotted is a gimmick imo. Winmax W1/W2, Stoptech, TRD, PMu NS400, Hawk HPS 5.0, Carbotech 1521, Gloc GS1 etc. Follow bed-in procedure and call it a day.

Your car is 5 years old now (or more), also get a brake fluid flush. Anything up to DOT spec is probably fine, Castrol DOT4, ATE Typ 200. Motul RBF600 if you want to get fancy.



I have a set on order thanks for assuaging my fears about noise.

But the bling effect of those "race" rotors... i want them

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by Teseo

But the bling effect of those "race" rotors... i want them

I actually have the Wilwood Drilled and Slotted BBK, they do look pretty awesome -- Especially in Red and through my Work Wheels