What kind of pads?

[Slick68]

OK, I'm in the process of a rear disc conversion on my 68 C10. I scored some late 70's Cadillac brakes that I'm rebuilding for it. While I'm at it, I think I'm going to upgrade the pads on the front. The question is what compound is best for my application? I currently mostly drive the truck on the street with occasional autocrossing(hopefully more auto-x this season). So, I want a mildly aggressive pad that works good on the street, but still good for autocross use. I started looking around at pads and the different compounds, but not really sure what's what, and how each compound is designed. I also don't know which brand is best. I've seen lots of advertising for EBC brake components, but never talked to anyone with experience. I also noticed Hawk brand, but again, I don't know of anyone with experience with them.

This is why I'm turning to the P-T community for help. What brand and compound do you recommend for a stock caliper/rotor setup? I'll eventually upgrade to bigger Willwoods or Baer, but for now I need to stick within budget.

[Apogee]

Just curious, but are you running manual or power brakes? If power, vacuum assist or hydroboost?

Good, relatively aggressive street pads would include the Hawk HP Plus and EBC Yellowstuff pad compounds, either of which could be decent options for your application. Auto-X generally rewards pads that work well cold and doesn't require excessively high temperature thresholds due to the short lap times and low top speeds. The inherent downside to aggressive pads is that they tend to dust like crazy and have a higher potential for noise, so if either of those is a deal breaker for you, then you might consider the next step down similar to either the Hawk HPS or Performance Ceramic compound.

Tobin
KORE3

[Slick68]

Thanks for the advice, Tobin. I'm currently using vacuum assisted brakes, but in the future, may switch to a manual Wilwood MC. Do you have a preference of EBC or Hawk? No more than I really drive the truck, I can handle a bit of brake noise. I have ridden in cars with aggressive pads and know what kind of noise they can make. That's why I only want something mildly aggressive.

[Apogee]

We stock and sell Hawk, however are pretty much fans of whatever works. The EBC 4000-series Yellowstuff pads are arguably the better of the two compounds with respect to it's max temperature rating, dust, noise and rotor wear characteristics when compared with the Hawk HP Plus, however it's also almost 50% more expensive. With that factored into the equation, the HP Plus are a great value. Since you're considering converting to manual brakes, I would definitely suggest that you stick with a "GG" friction rated compound like either the HP Plus or Yellowstuff as it should be the most rewarding when you choose to drive aggressively or hit the auto-x course or even occasional open track day.

[BBO Omega]

Are the EBC Yellowstuff Pads noisy like the Hawk HP Plus Pads are?