Performance oriented brake pad options

[hal9000]

I spent far to much time over the last few days looking for performance brake pad options. I did not see any other threads about this specific topic. I'm happy to add / edit this as I get more info or people share.

In this case I'm defining performance as track rated, or aggressive friction for autocross. Realistically though, performance is very broad and a pad you get at rock auto or amazon could be a performance pad. I'm not going to try to hard to differentiate them all at this point. I'm just trying to capture the pads that are harder to find.


Single Piston D84 (Slider) Performance Brake Pad Options

Manufacturer	Makes pads	Notes
Hawk	No
EBC	Yes, Green,Yelllow and Red	PN DP2678, DP4678R, DP4678R
Porterfeild	No (per website)
Carbotech	Yes	8 compounds
Ferodo	No (per website)
Power Stop	No (per website)

Single Piston D39 (Pin) Performance Brake Pad Options

Manufacturer	Makes pads	Notes
Hawk	No
EBC	Yes	Yellow DP41176R
Porterfeild	Yes	4 Carbon Kevlar compounds! "AP D-39 R-4", R4-1, R4-E, R4-S
Carbotech	No
Ferodo	No
Power Stop	No

4 Piston D11 Performance Brake Pad Options

Manufacturer	Makes pads	Notes
Hawk	Yes	5 Compounds, HB471 family
EBC	Yes	Green DP21157 Yellow DP41157R Red DP31157C
Porterfeild	No
Carbotech	No
Ferodo	No
Power Stop	Yes	Z26-011, have to look up the ford part
Willwood	Yes	150-D0011K
Bear	Yes	D0011

NOTE: I recently learned that new pads which are DOT approved have to have a friction code listed on them! Which is very interesting, it potentially allows an easy option for adjusting front rear bias if you have 4 wheel disk. The Right Stuff rear disk kit, uses the GM 80's Camaro front calipers, and you can get friction coefficients between about .25 and .5 for them. Or if you want to decrease pedal effort you can get a higher coefficient of friction front pad. I only browsed images of pads on Rock Auto, I did not see any codes listed on the pictures of the old mopar stuff there though. If anyone has any real numbers from pads they purchased, I think it would be worth documenting that too here!

 

[4spdragtop]

Not sure if my oem KH style pads are "performance", but I can post part # anyway if you want?

 

[hal9000]

Not sure if my oem KH style pads are "performance", but I can post part # anyway if you want?

Thanks, while it would be great to have a list off all pads etc, I wanted to keep it to the stuff you would not find on an online reseller like rock auto for example. I'm happy to expand the list, and add the other two caliper types, and I'm happy to add part numbers of other compounds into one place. Your absolutely right though, I said performance in the subject, not race, or autoX, what does performance encompass? I guess it could encompass just about anything that is not an older organic style pad. There is no forum "Wiki" system for community editing and note take on a subject is there? If so, this data could be moved over there and more easily group edited.

 

[Murray]

High performance pads= lots of brake dust.

 

[BrianT]

From the EBC website about their Yellow Stuff pads The dust rating is similar to OEM parts.

I was considering these pads but don't want to be constantly cleaning the front wheels. Does anyone have experience with these pads?

 

[Demonracer]

Find a pair of shields, if the bc is 5x4, you will have to modify them. Back when there wasn't the selection there is today, I too got tired of the dust. I put a set of shields on and there was very little if any of the dust to deal with.

 

[YY1]

It might be nice to specify what the different "color" pads actually mean.

The last time I looked into this, I noted that ceramic pads were available for Mopar sliders but not for the pin type that I have.
I do not remember the MFG.

 

[hal9000]

It might be nice to specify what the different "color" pads actually mean.

HA! I wish I knew or could distill down what the marketing material says into something succinct that I could believe in, or trust would steer someone else right, given that I think I'll let others explore it. I added the other types of factory calipers and what I think is an interesting note about new pads to the list.

 

[Mattax]

I recently learned that new pads which are DOT approved have to have a friction code listed on them! Which is very interesting, it potentially allows an easy option for adjusting front rear bias if you have 4 wheel disk.

Not really. The rating system is very coarse and doesn't address subtleties of braking response. For those manufacturers participating it was supposed to provide a level of information for the technician that they shoe or pad was in the same ballpark as the originals. For extreme example one might think an FF rated lining is pretty good, but if its real grabby on initial contact then that would be a poor choice on a shoe (drum brake).

Brake Lining Edge Codes

Edge codes were a practice established by manufactures. In general they don't seem to be government mandated, but something the industry found helpful for themselves and maybe because the OEMs wanted it. However, since I last looked at this two states have mandated a phased reduction of ...

board.moparts.org

If the brakes on the vehicle are decently sized or oversize, then one can get a wider range of use out of a lining before it gets hot. In other words a street oriented pad will have a better chance of holding up in a road course type event. The one track type event I participated in didn't even get the factory 10" disks, 10x1.75" drums hot. In part thats because the way the event was run. My point is you may be able to start with something good for 'cold' and as you go along, switch the fronts, if/when you start to ge tthe fronts (or fronts and rear) above their operating temperature range.

Porterfield will put their linings on pretty much any pad or shoe you want. They also will arc the shoes. My Barracuda currently has their R4S on the D11 pads and 311 shoes. Its a good all round lining. It works OK even dead cold. While it may not be shown on line, they had the D11 pads and 311 shoes in stock. D11 pads are also used by the 'other pony car'. ;)

A few people on FABO used EBC Red D11 and wrote favorably about them. My recollection is the Green is not appropriate to our cars with steadily deacreasing bite as it gets hot, and Yellow is for hotter track use but may be harder on the disks.

 

[4spdragtop]

Here's what we have for our 67 cuda factory kh.
The Napa Proform are on it now and they were pricey, i think $70-80. I bought Bendix SBC 11 and they look like junk lol

 

[jbc426]

I use Firm Feel's carbon-metalic pads, and love them. I was going to attach a link, but don't see them on their site anymore. I sent a notification to find out if they are still available.

It is my understanding that high performance pads require significant warm up time before they reach their rated friction coefficient. On the street, that can be an issue.

 

[hal9000]

Thanks all. I'll try and digest some of it and update the chart. I had never heard of the FMSI ID system for brake parts before, and the related D11 pad type for the KH 4 piston units.

Looking around I see Pegasus (and Summit) offers a few options for the D11 pad, and if I put the PN from them into the Hawk website, they come up as valid Mopar (but not for other KH applications of the same vintage).

I found an old FMSI catalog and will look up the slider calipers and see what designator it has, I doubt it will open any doors for more pads, as they are a one brand caliper, but worth a look! This is great info, please keep it coming!

 

[hal9000]

Ok, so the new FMSI catalogs dont have any data on stuff that old, and older catalogs are not easy to find online. But in piecing together some data from others Raybestos Bendix, etc catalogs it looks like the following are the 3 standard ID's we need to worry about.

D11 is the KH units. (thanks Mattax)
D39 is the Pin type units.
D84 is the slider type.

This seems to open up the pad options, in a quick check I see a crazy pad for only! ~$200 Porterfield R4-E Carbon Kevlar Endurance Brake Pad AP D-39 R4-E for the pin's... but nothing for the D84 sliders.

 

[hal9000]

Porterfeild emailed me back and said they make pads for the D84, and will get there website updated.

 

[S'cuder]

Wilwood sells a d11 pad:
Wilwood Disc Brakes - Brake Pads for Brake Pads

So does Powerstop:
https://www.powerstop.com/product/power-stop-z26-street-warrior-brake-pads/

Baer:
https://baersport.com/Baer-Sport-Pads-D0011.html

Hawk:
https://www.hawkperformance.com/par...e=78366&model=78513&note=&search_type=vehicle

One thing to remember is that the D11 pad also fits the early Mustangs. So if it seems like slim pickens on the pads listed for your 1965-72, head over to the Ford parts.

I don't know if all of these meet the standard of track rated, but they're certainly better than the organic pads from 50+ years ago. Maybe alright for autocross, but maybe not on a track with a 120 MPH straight. For that I'd be using the high zoot EBC or Hawk stuff.

I use semi-metallic pads. Priced low and stops better than the new OEM ceramic stuff. Louder, dirtier, and chews up rotors but stops well.

 

[mobileparts]

hal9000,
Tried to P.M. you —- your inbox is full….

 

[RustyRatRod]

Wilwood sells a d11 pad:
Wilwood Disc Brakes - Brake Pads for Brake Pads

So does Powerstop:
Z26 Extreme Performance Brake Pads | PowerStop

Baer:
https://baersport.com/Baer-Sport-Pads-D0011.html

Hawk:
https://www.hawkperformance.com/par...e=78366&model=78513&note=&search_type=vehicle

One thing to remember is that the D11 pad also fits the early Mustangs. So if it seems like slim pickens on the pads listed for your 1965-72, head over to the Ford parts.

I don't know if all of these meet the standard of track rated, but they're certainly better than the organic pads from 50+ years ago. Maybe alright for autocross, but maybe not on a track with a 120 MPH straight. For that I'd be using the high zoot EBC or Hawk stuff.

I use semi-metallic pads. Priced low and stops better than the new OEM ceramic stuff. Louder, dirtier, and chews up rotors but stops well.

They're mighty proud of um, but I tell you what, at least they're available.

 

[S'cuder]

They're mighty proud of um, but I tell you what, at least they're available.

Yup. I'm pretty sure we can thank Ford for selling all those Mustangs with Kelsey-Hayes calipers.

 

[hal9000]

S'cuder​

Thanks for the info, I've added up top.

That also really great info I didn't know that Willwood had a bolt on caliper to a KH system!

mobileparts​

Thanks for the note, cleaned up now.

 

[S'cuder]

S'cuder​

Thanks for the info, I've added up top.

That also really great info I didn't know that Willwood had a bolt on caliper to a KH system!

As far as I know, Wilwood's bolt on calipers are only for Ford K-H brakes systems. The calipers are similar, but not interchangeable with the K-H calipers used on our A-Bodies. The pads are the same, though.

 

[bjkadron]

Talked with Porterfield more about their compounds today. They do make a slider style they just call it the ADP 84: APD-84
I did confirm they are bonded only and don't use any type of mechanical attachment (rivets, hooks, holes etc).

Here are some useful bits of information I got from the conversation All their quotes in Italic and blue for Clarity:

"We do not note specific friction levels. R-4 and R4-E are around .5 and R4-1 hits peaks of .6 but at the lower temps and R4-S is .4"

R4-S temp limit: "Its a street pad so street temps which are usually always under 500F and peaks over 900F would be rare."

"The AP D-84 is made to order in the race compounds due to low demand. Please allow 10 business days" - Race compounds meaning anything other than R4-S

When asking for specific recommendations:
"I'm a little confused on the crossover between the R4-S and the R4-1 when it comes to light track use. The S says not for track use at all but the 1 says not for street use. So do you have a recommendation for a Street car that gets used for Autocross and track days or do you recommend changing pads for track days?" - Me

"The difference between Street and autocross temps is doable. Its the track days that makes it less suitable. Track days while not "competing" you are still simulating track speeds/conditions and thus really need a track worth pad." - Porterfield Customer Service

**Also a side note if anyone is using a Ford explorer disc rear you can get the matching compounds which is nice: AP667

Found a friction/temp graph for the Porterfield pads:

 

[bjkadron]

Here is a similar chart for Hawks pads:

 

[bjkadron]

For EBC:

Also uses Nucap NRS hooks on backplates for mechanical attachment.

 

[bjkadron]

Carbotech
Bob Cat 1521 40-900 .45 Good performance street pad.
AX6 150-1250 .45-.56 AutoX, light track day, noisy for the street.
XP8 1108 250-1350 .58-.6 Race use only. Easy on rotors & paint does not mix well with other pads.
XP10 1110 250-1400 .6 Race use only. Easy on rotors & paint does. not mix well with other pads.
XP12 Race use only, Easy on rotors & paint, most bite. does not mix well with other pads.

PRODUCT	DESCRIPTION	USE

1521	The Carbotech™ 1521™ is our high performance street compound. The 1521™ compound is known for its release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. 1521™ is also a very low dusting and low noise compound with an excellent initial bite. This compound’s excellent linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Carbotech™ 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 800°F (426°C+). 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle or fleet vehicle. Carbotech™ 1521™ is NOT recommended for ANY track use.	Street
AX6	The AX6™ is specifically engineered for Autocross applications. A high torque brake compound delivering reliable and consistent performance over a very wide operating temperature range of 50°F to 1000°F + (10°C to 537°C+). The advanced compound matrix provides an excellent initial bite, high coefficient of friction at lower temperatures along with very progressive brake modulation and release characteristics. NOT FOR STREET USE!	Auto Cross
XP8	A high torque brake compound with a wide operating temperature range of 200°F-1250°F+ (93°C to 676°C+). Carbotech™ XP8™ is the first of our racing compounds. It provides good initial bite at race temperatures, high coefficient of friction, excellent modulation and release characteristics. XP8™ offers extremely high fade resistance and is very rotor friendly. It’s perfect for track day use with any tire. NOT FOR STREET USE!	Performance and Racing
XP10	When Carbotech™ unleashed the XP10™ to the general public it immediately gathered multiple regional, divisional, and national championships. The XP10™ has a very strong initial bite with a coefficient of friction and rotor friendliness unmatched in the industry. Fade resistance is in excess of 1475°F (801°C). XP10™ still maintains the highly praised release, excellent modulation and rotor friendliness that have made all Carbotech™ compounds so successful. NOT FOR STREET USE!	Performance and Racing
XP12	Another highly successful XP™ series compound with an excellent initial bite, torque and fade resistance over and above the XP10™ compound. XP12™ has temperature range of 250°F to 1850°F+ (121°C to 1010°C+). The XP12™ has that excellent Carbotech™ release and modulation that has made all other Carbotech™ compounds so successful. The XP12™ is more rotor aggressive than XP10™, but compared to the competition the XP12™ is still very rotor friendly. NOT FOR STREET USE!	Performance and Racing
XP20	XP20™ is the latest iteration of the highly successful XP™ series of compounds. With an extremely aggressive initial bite, linear torque curve and excellent fade resistance the XP20™ is another major step in progression of the XP™ series of compounds from Carbotech™. XP20™ has a temperature range of 275°F to 2000°F+ (135°C to 1093°C+). Carbotech™ XP20™ maintains our tradition of having the outstanding release and modulation that has made all other Carbotech™ compounds so successful. NOT FOR STREET USE!	Performance and Racing
XP24	XP24™ is the pinnacle compound of the extremely successful XP™ Series of compounds engineered by Carbotech™. This compound is based on the same fundamentals that exist in all other Carbotech™ formulations. XP24™ has even more initial bite, more overall bite, and more torque along with the most linear torque curve we have ever offered. The thermal characteristics are of the highest Carbotech™ offers along with one of the highest coefficient of friction ratings offered by anyone in the braking industry. This compound is the longest wearing compound Carbotech™ offers as it was originally engineered for endurance applications at the highest pro racing levels. This revolutionary new compound has been extremely successful with open wheel, closed wheel, sprint and endurance applications. XP24™ has a temperature range of 400°F to 2000°F+ (204°C to 1093°C+). NOT FOR STREET USE!	Performance and Racing
RP2	The RP2™ compound was engineered for endurance racing based on our highly successful XP™ Series formulations. RP2™ has strong initial bite, a little less modulation than our XP12™, but still maintains the rotor friendliness of our XP™ series compounds. RP2™ has great fade resistance with a temperature range of 250°F to 1450°F+ (121°C to 787°C). RP2™ is as rotor friendly as our XP™ series compounds. NOT FOR STREET USE!	Endurance Racing
913	A D.O.T.-approved high-performance compound for brake shoes on high performance street vehicles and race cars. Carbotech™ Kelated Metallic (CKM) achieves a very high coefficient of friction (approx. 0.48 to 0.50) by taking advantage of a chemical reaction within the friction mass, which creates a tri-alloy metallic film at the liner/drum interface when subjected to heat and pressure. Designed to overcome the shortcomings of other liner materials, CKM is very versatile and provides excellent braking performance in a wide variety of applications. This compound demonstrates excellent wear characteristics and a very high resistance to lock-up under hard braking. Optimal recommended operating temperature range is from ambient to 750°F.	Brake Shoes