comparing brake pads

[Alan Goettel]

Since I bought my 86 911 in 8/02 my mode has been to spend my $ on seat time, repair, and upgrade by need. I finally began modifications with seats, struts, roll bar and track rubber.

I had been using Porterfield Pads at about $100/ axle, but I tried Hawk HP+ at $55/axle for cool spring events, and after two days of open lapping, I really did not notice any large differance in fade.

What other performance advantages are gained by a higher grade pad? I also seem to get more brake wear in the rear pads than the front. I replaced the master cylinder and the wear seems about even but most experience about 2/1 front wear.

Any Ideas or suggestions will be appreciated.

Alan

[IROC]

A "higher grade" pad won't really affect "fade" as that is really more a function of the heat dissipation capacity of your braking system than the pad. In my very amateurish dealings with brake pads, the real noticeable difference in "higher grade" pads is the coefficient of friction. The "racing" compounds really have more of a "bite" and will really slow the car quicker with less pedal effort.

If you're getting more wear in the rear, you've got something amiss as the front should really be doing the lion's share of the braking.

If your calipers haven't been rebuilt in awhile, I might start there (along with the obligatory fresh brake fluid, etc.)

Mike

[conquest]

My '78 SC is a daily driver, but also used for high-speed autocross (8-10 events a season) and track (5-8 days a season), and I instruct at local driving schools. My SC is bone stock with the exception that I have removed the brake dust shields, have fabricated some brake cooling ducts on the front, and run R rubber for autocross and at the track.

I recently installed Hawk HP+ pads (the "N" pad material) on all four corners and they are performing very well. They require a wee bit more pedal effort when cold, but torque improves dramatically with even a little bit of heat. At the track, I am able to brake later than most without being concerned, and am able to modulate the brakes quite easily to achieve good threshold braking (which is pretty important without ABS). I have experienced absolutely no fade.

The trade off for better torque is always more noise, and the HP+ pads are a bit noisy when they heat up. However, the occasional squeal is all I hear when they are relatively cool on the street.

Overall: I wouldn't have any concern recommending HP+ pads to others who want a dual purpose (street/track) pad for a 911.

[conquest]

P.S.: I would agree with the rebuilding the calipers recommendation. If your calipers haven't been done in 28 years, you should expect to find things are pretty brittle inside.