My brake pads are getting worn, so time for some new ones.

After a couple of sets of EBC Red Stuff Ceramics, which I've been pretty happy with, I thought it was time for a change, so I've ordered some MazdaSpeed units from OnlineMazdaParts. See how they go...

Anyone else use them?

 

I use the JDM Mazdaspeed ones from way back (when there is nothing good available). They are ok. Just very dusty.

US MazdaSpeed ones are likely not be the same as JDM MazdaSpeed. I wonder what they are.

MazdaSpeed JDM ones are non abestos pads with heat rating up to 600 degree.

 

Not sure Taka but I thought I'd give them a run and see how they go...

 

I've replaced my brake pads a couple of days ago with project mu and happy with the result so far.

 

I am running project Mu front disc and pads and rear discs are stock and PMu pads. So far they seem fine however, no extra ordinary jump in performance from stock. I guess it will withstand the track conditions better.

skc

 

I think your idea is a good one Dave! See how they go, I'm sure you'll report back with an analysis of what they're like.

Just for the record, I wasn't very happy with Project Mu. I think their operational capacity makes the experience too digital to be effective in situations outside of the track.

EBC Red Stuff is much better, but I'm not convinced they're the best match for our stock brake setup. I find for road use, they don't bite enough until they warm up ... and they squeel and shudder when reversing.

 

How much do the Mazdaspeed pads cost Dave?

 

The project Mu's seem pretty popular and I did consider them but thought I'd give the MS units a go to see what they're like.

I wouldn't bother replacing the rotors or calipers. Although not the prettiest examples of either, they work bloody well IMHO (and not just for OEM, I mean work well period) and have stood up well to repeated track days and hard driving over nearly 5 years now. I'd only replace them if they became worn or warped or something like that...

 

I understand the point about Red Stuff's not biting too well when cold. However, as I tend to drive conservatively while still warming the engine up, I find this isn't a problem. By the time the engine is warm enough to allow more pace, the pads have also warmed up and are fine.

Having owned two sets of them, I've also never noticed any squeal or shudder from them at all, in either direction.

To be honest I would have been happy to get another set but thought it might be interesting to compare the MS units for a change. As you say, in the interests of discussion, I'll report back - probably after the Nats...

 

Plus shipping

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...subcat2=121536

 

No no no ... I didn't mean they were bad, and the shudder is only a wakeup call on freezing cold nights/mornings (car outside for 15 minutes and there is already frost on it cold) and that issue with the brakes goes away after 10 minutes of driving in the mornings ... but I live in a very hilly area and it's very noticeable when some dafty decides to pull out of his driveway in front of you when you're rolling down a hill at 60 and you hit the anchors firmly only to find that your braking distance is an extra 1-2 metres.

I know EBC Greenstuff performs much more evenly over a larger spectrum of temperatures and is suitable for track work but I don't like replacing rotors more often than my brake pads.

 

I use Bendix.. Been great!

 

That is called good initial bite... well if you don't like it not sure why, then you can go back to stock.

I am look at the pad that is opposite to EBC, which is crap when they are cold, score your rotor and finish the last 20% awfully quickly (on the track).

What do I know about brake pads really

Nate,

Greenstuff has a lower temp range and will melt on the track. My mate finished a brand new set within 2 laps of Sandown in his R34 GTR - his lesson was learnt.

 

I've been very pleased with my Hawk Ceramic pads. They really live up to their marketing as quiet and low dust.

 

Be careful assuming that ALL project Mu's are really good. I got a set that were relatively cheap project Mu's (Bespoke something I think they are) and they are hardly better than stock. The Project Mu's that are the good ones are the HC+ Pads I am told.

 

B spec matt... They are road use only.

HC+ is good all rounder while similar pad like the new Co-mu pads are for radial tyres only and more leaning towards street driving. They are 0-650 degree carbon metal pads but give less dust and noise compare with HC+

More hardcore pads are available. I have a set of Racing 999 that I never use - or ever use because they are just too hardcore - for showroom only ^^

The slightly hardcore version is the Level max and 900 is the one to get although Level max 700 I suspect will be enough.

 

Look at what you have started Dave............

Will be interested in what you think of the Mazdaspeed ones and interesting Taka's comment that the JDM probably different to the USA spec - I thought they would have been the same.

For the record I use Endless MX72 temp range 50 - 600C friction .37 - .47. I quite like them perfectly OK for road and allow confidence when tracking. Only really dusty at the track. Used to have Endless ceramics which I think only went up to 500C but nowhere the initial bite as the MX72 and very very clean - hardly had to clean the wheels . Being Endless neither one are cheap though.......

Cheers
Alan

 

i've had the mazdaspeed on for a few events now and feel like they do perform better than stock. they're dusty but not more than oem i'd say. i've tried them on both autox and track and was happy enough. expensive though.. 265 shipped for front and rear

 

You have to be careful with pads that run hotter as the stock discs may wear out faster or warp. I had a bad warp in my rear discs just from track use. I was also very careful and did not apply the handbrake after each track session.

Someone, recently told be to roll the car forward occasionally so the hot pads don't warp the discs.

skc

 

right or just put it in gear and dont use the ebrake

 

Without wanting to sound like the great defender of EBC Red Stuff's, your statement is too dogmatic. As stated previously, I've had two sets over a number of track days now and they haven't scored my rotors at all.

As for being crap when cold, they do pull you up ok but just not as well when warm. Mind you, the same goes for the oil in my gear box and my tyres. When they all warm up, the car is great - till then you're dumb to push it anyway (dafty's aside, lol).

As for the "last 20%", I've found them very progressive and to be honest I'd have thought if you're not stopping by the last 20% you'd want to! This is the sort of analysis which is subjective in my view. Different people like different things, depending on how they drive.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm not that bothered by dust - it's nearly unavoidable. My wheels are black after a track day with EBC's, so if the MS pads produce similar, c'est la vie - I'm more interested in performance and avoiding squeal, etc.

 

Agreed you need to be careful. I haven't had a warping problem but then I'm very careful to do a full warm down lap in which I barely touch the brakes and also do a lap or two of the paddock sometimes when it's hot. Of course, the handbrake is always avoided...

 

Alan,

Yes they have been different from many products.

For start the front strut bar is 2 point in US and 4 points in Japan. And they have cold air intake that Japan does not have in their inventory. I am talking about MazdaSpeed department.

Also the MazdaSpeed aero kit is prepainted in Japan and not painted in US.

 

No I mean the track material crumple and fall apart after 2 laps of Winton on a wet track day few years ago. I had about 40% before I started and down to nothing (rotor touching back plate) when I go home. I just don't want that to happen to any other car. Glad you have good experience with them coz I don't. I just lost confedence in them due to my and my mate's experiences.