tmc2k1

iTrader: (4)

I am looking to replace the break pads for the Firebird. Should I get these..

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par..._116848_16108_

or these

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...582225_0_3773_

I will be getting them for both the front/rear. I just wonder if the more expensive ones will truly be quieter.

Is there recommended brake pads besides these ones? My car isn't an LS1 unfortunately if that matters. It's the V6. It's a DD that gets about 1k miles a month.

Engine_HP

iTrader: (1)

i have HPS, no complaint other than squeeking noise while heavy breaking.

Shockwave179

iTrader: (7)

Doesn't really matter that you don't have a V8 car. I also run Hawk HPS's on the street (have been for 5 years) and they are pretty awesome, no noise.

blade2222

+1 for the HPS pads.

Wesmanw02

iTrader: (4)

Here's the difference:

Semi Metallic Pads:

Pros:
Better stopping power
Less likely to fade
Better at dissipating heat

Cons:
More brake dust

Ceramic pads:

Pros:
Less Brake Dust
Quiet

Cons:
Don't dissipate heat as well (rotors run hotter)

LaBLKv6Z

iTrader: (13)

I ran the duralast golds on my 95 and they worked great, grabbed good, running the hawks hps on my 98 and love them also.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

I recommend HPS, and use them myself on my car.... I have them in stock, and they are $159.99 shipped to your door. http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...D=17&ModelID=7

chaman

iTrader: (5)

I went with Hawks pads and Baer rotors.

Carter Hays

You don't need 150 dollar brake pads on your daily driver. The duralast golds will be just fine.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

You don't need an LS1 for a daily driver either. If you opt for one, you certainly don't *NEED* more power than stock in a daily driver... do you? I mean who cares about stopping well? And I know $159 for a car set of proven, excellent brake pads. Damn! That's about 3 tanks of gas that you could burn up in a day on a long trip.....

I find it odd you feel you can make such a statement. One could just as well say to you you don't need Duralast Golds and you should go buy the cheapest thing AutoZone has. All a matter of perspective my friend.

libertyforall1776

iTrader: (2)

In recent years I have been using ceramic, which seem to last longer than the semi-metallics, and it's nice to have less brake dust.

It's all about compromises... I may go back and revisit some better stopping power next, though.

Carter Hays

My apologies sir. To the OP with the V6 commuter car that sees 1k a month forget what I said and order the $159 pads as they are proven to work. The pads from Autozone will not work. I was wrong

subobo0411

iTrader: (8)

I had Duralast pads before. I don't know what it was but, they would squeak all the time. I now have Hawk HPS pads and couldn't be happier. They are worth the extra money. Like Sam said, the cost of the HPS pads is only a few tanks of gas. When your durlast brakes are squeaking, you're going to wish you bought the Hawks

HoLLo

iTrader: (17)

I had Duralast golds on my old 97. They worked pretty well for me, but I had some pretty damn bad brake fade a couple times slowing from 120..

I have Hawk HPS on my current 01 and have not had an ounce of brake fade, even with hard stops from high speeds. They throw out less dust and never squeal either. Better stopping power for sure.

With all these considered, Duralasts are just fine for a DD, but it all depends on how hard you like to stop, and how often you like to clean your wheels..

tmc2k1

iTrader: (4)

Are these Semi Metallic or Ceramic?

Thanks for all your input guys!

Also, how long would it take someone to change brake pads on both axles?
I haven't done it before, but I am sure there is nothing to it. Does the caliper need to be completely removed to change the pads?

Zlow28

iTrader: (11)

the guy also asked for suggestions. Even though youre right, that duralast pads works, hes more than likely going to be recomended to get a better quality brake pad. Especially since hes in a performance car forum...

to the OP, those look like semi metallic. Ive got ceramic and even though i have no problem with dust or noise, im going to try semi-metallic next time around.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

HPS's are a carbon based semi-metallic pad. http://hawkperformance.com/performance/hps.php

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I think I'm gonna try the Hawks out this time around.

ZYA_LTR

I would buy the best pads you can afford, i am always surprised how "some" please note i say SOME people will spend thousands on there car to make it go faster, but cheap out on a couple hundred to help stop all that power. It's your brakes that will save your *** one day, not your HP #'s. I would suggest a set of the Hawks like Sam or others have suggested, or another set of quality pads. Unless your in an emergency situation, and can't wait for delivery time.

Carter Hays

He has a DD V6. Hindsight is what it is therefore I should of said the parts store stuff will work for your car and work well with no problem.

I said "you don't need." After that the vendor pulled the old hard sell technique. I am not a smart *** I was just trying to help a working man with a commuter car save some money. . From now on all questions should be answered with... call SAM. Peace and good will