I think I'm about due for a brake job. I'm not sure what kind of pads I have on there now, but I'm not very satisfied with them. They are very messy and I think wore faster than they should have. When I wash my car it takes FOREVER to clean the wheels, and then they only stay semi-clean for a couple days (I was a little hard on the brakes when getting used to the car, but now I rarely use them since I've gotten used to being able to downshift to slow down). There is always brake dust all over them. Please suggest a brand for me to buy. My biggest concern is that they work well, but it'd be nice if they could be a little less messy too. Thanks!

 

We have Great luck with the EBC's and the Carbotech's
http://www.waymotorworks.com/home.php?cat=286
Both have less dust and work well.

Feel free to call for further advise.
WAY
317.201.8670

 

I have used the EBC Green stuff pads and they were great on the street (a little messier than stock)...just don't "track" them. One day at Laguna Seca cooked them... I'll be taking carbotech to the track next time and switching there...

 

thanks for the advice. are there any good ones for mostly daily driving that could be used for a track day here and there? i need to see what kind mine are right now, because if they're stock, messier than stock would be horrible.
edit: how are the carbotech's for daily driving?

 

I actually ended up with the Akebono pads...a few Mini sites out there sell them (don't remember which ones). I had never heard of the brand, but I am VERY happy with them. They stop better than stock and I'm thrilled at how LITTLE dust they leave. I was in the habit of cringing every time I had to brake after I washed my car...cause I could just "see" the wheels already getting dirty. With the new pads, by the time I wash the car again they hardly look like they even need it! Great stuff!

 

if there are I'd love to hear about them...but I think it's just a fact that track days get the brakes hotter than ANY daily driving (unless you commute thru the Dragon, maybe)...it has been my assumption (some xp & reading postings) that pads that are made for the track will have horrible stopping power & noise on the street since they have to get so hot to perform...and the street pads just overheat and then fade on the track (within the first session for me).

My next set of pads will be Hawk Ceramics, for the street (they say way less dust) and then Hawk HTxx for the track (or might try EBC Yellow stuff or the Carbotech's track pad)...still not sure abt the track pads yet. the extra $200 for the track pads and swapping at the track will be worth it (I'm told).

Hopefully some other folks will reply with their xperience with the Hawk ceramic pads? ...I'd love to hear some feedback!

 

A couple of months ago, I installed Akebono Euro ceramics on my car ('02 MCS), and am very pleased with them. No dust, and the stopping is at least as good as OEM, if not better. Highly recommended, but the right brake pads might be different for you.
Kinda like asking which oil is best.

 

i will definitely research pads mentioned. thanks for all the replies! the akebono are sounding pretty promising.

 

I went with Carbotech from AutoXCooper and like them. They lack the initial bite of the stock pads, but they do have more "feel" once you push the pedal a little further. Plus, they don't dust like the stock rotors and the dust seems to rinse off easily. I don't know how they would do on a track, but AutoX could tell you, I'm sure.

I think Helix sells a stage 1 kit with the Akebono pads, with a new shot of a glowing caliper to boot.

If you stick with stock rotors, get them from Outmotoring, their price is great!