Ceramic Brake Pads

[NSXCessive]

I know this topic has been disscussed in the past but I'm going to ask the question again:

My '91 is in need of front pads. OEM pads from dealer is $234 CND or about $174US. I figure for this $$$ I can upgrade possibly to something a little better than stock.

Front 25% or less left.
Rear 75% or more lots left here!

Both front & rear rotors in good condition no warping or scoring yet.

1) I would like to use Ceramic Pads (I can get Ceramic pads cheap around $56US) front with OEM brake rotors and thoughts on this vs OEM or Metalic pads?

2) Should I upgrade my rotors to slotted and cross-drilled, maybe Dali special, or someother brands like Brembel or Bradi etc... with ceramic or metalic pads?

3) Just buy the OEM and put up with semi brake fade?

 

[The REAL nsxtasy]

First, I advise avoiding ceramic brake pads. I've had poor results with such pads in the past.

There are many different choices for brake pads. Some are better than stock. Some are cheaper than stock. Some squeal more than stock. Some dust more than stock. Some may meet your needs better than others do. Do a search.

If your rotors are in good condition, there is no reason whatsoever to replace them.

The OEM pads don't fade any more than any other pads. All pads fade the first couple of times you get them really hot ("green pad syndrome"). Most quality pads, including the OEM pads, then will not fade for the life of the pad. I have never had the OEM pads fade once they had been heat-cycled a few times.

 

[j14nsx]

I don't understand why Bradi are seen as some aftermarket upgrade. They may be good quality, but Bradi make discs for all cars, and are just an alternative supplier.

I've not had pads fade, but the OEM pads don't last too long with track use. Is that what you find Ken?

I have found that you get what you pay for.

 

[The REAL nsxtasy]

I've not had pads fade, but the OEM pads don't last too long with track use. Is that what you find Ken?

I have found that the OEM pads last about as long as other pads I've tried. For front pads, I have averaged about 400-500 actual track miles (typically, around 3-4 events) on the OEM pads, and averaged about the same with the RM Racing street-track pads (allegedly Hawk HP+ pads) that I have also used. Rear pads have averaged about 600-800 actual track miles (5-6 events) for both brands. I've tried other brands of pads on occasion with similar results.

Durability of pads (any brand) can be maximized with proper bedding procedures (getting them heated up and allowing them to cool down prior to taking them out on the track, as noted here).

 

[NSXCessive]

I don't understand why Bradi are seen as some aftermarket upgrade. They may be good quality, but Bradi make discs for all cars, and are just an alternative supplier.

So does Brembo! they also make lots of aftermarket OEM replacements. As well as a performance type equipment.

It is not uncommon to see some of the bigger manufactures making performace items as well, or even producing products for other smaller companies with a smaller overhead for production.

This is the same as Honda producing SOHO engines for Cavalier, Sunfire etc... nice to see Honda sold 1970~1980s technology to GM!

But the same also works in reverse Delphi (GM owned) also produces wiring Harnesses for Civic, Accord, BMW etc....

Toyota also makes the Vibe right here in Cambride Ontario Canada, which is the Matrix, with different interior and body/fasica.

Its one interesting industry!


Ok back to my original question, there seems to be no reason for me to buy Ceramic Pads, I think I'm just going to find a reasonable OEM replacement semi-metallic or organic pad.

 

[NetViper]

I am going back to OEM after my aftermarket pads die... I don't like the sqeaking and the dusting is AWFUL.

 

[pok8rok8]

I have some metal master pads that i use...they are ok...not quite as good as the oem....and rest assured the oem is not bad...the metal master is dusty though and i can tell coz of the white rims i have on the car. Im trying this brand from napa now and havent had the chance to put it on yet....if you want you can stop by the shop and check it out....

Mike

 

[The REAL nsxtasy]

I have some metal master pads that i use...they are ok...not quite as good as the oem....and rest assured the oem is not bad...the metal master is dusty though and i can tell coz of the white rims i have on the car. Im trying this brand from napa now and havent had the chance to put it on yet....if you want you can stop by the shop and check it out....

Beware. Many of the generic brands you get in your local auto parts store will not be as good as the high-performance pads that Honda uses as the OEM pad in the NSX. They'll still stop the car, but I wouldn't want to count on them to slow down the car fast during an occasional high-speed jaunt.

 

[pok8rok8]

i know but there are people looking for cheap sht....and well my opinion.....factory rotors and pads just as good if not better sometimes

Mike