Hawk HPS life expectancy?

[Calvin_1976]

What kind of life should I expect from the Hawk HPS pads up front? I have about 30 autocross runs and 4 months street duty on the front pads and the pad material is about the same width as the backing plates.

Also I am thinking about going with a more aggressive pad that still has good bite at low temperatures any recommendations? I was looking at just moving up to the HPS+ but I know I can get good input here from people that have tried different pads.

[sn8kbit]

maybe it's just my driving, but i have roughly 70% of my pads left after 20k miles and 3 open track events. other than a ton of dust, i'm pretty satisfied with them.

although, i am going to try the carbotech pads next, i'm gonna have to hit shugg up for PN's...

[redsnake99]

I run the Hawk HPS pads for everyday driving, on front and back. They have good stopping power, last a good while for me. My 99 has 63,000 mile, I'm on my third set on front, second set in back.

On track days, I replace the fronts witrh Hawk HPS+ and am very pleased with them. I have Brembo brake upgrade and cooling ducts. This combination usually keeps pads from fading after a 20-minute hard run. This pad does give off lots of dust, however. Still running my original Brembo rotors (slotted) since about 40,000 miles ago.

:D

[johnbasf]

Originally posted by Calvin_1976
What kind of life should I expect from the Hawk HPS pads up front? I have about 30 autocross runs and 4 months street duty on the front pads and the pad material is about the same width as the backing plates.

Also I am thinking about going with a more aggressive pad that still has good bite at low temperatures any recommendations? I was looking at just moving up to the HPS+ but I know I can get good input here from people that have tried different pads.

I would replace those pads. They sound like they are worn past the groove in the center. HPS+ sounds like your best bet. Not bad wear considering they weren't new when you got 'em.:D :D

[Calvin_1976]

Originally posted by johnbasf
I would replace those pads. They sound like they are worn past the groove in the center. HPS+ sounds like your best bet. Not bad wear considering they weren't new when you got 'em.:D :D

I did get a great deal on those pads :D

I will be replacing them asap. Doing some more reading I was wondering how the blacks compare to the HPS+ for pad and rotor wear. Being as I am still driving it on the street and for autox would the black have to much wear?

[johnbasf]

The +'s would be the limit. The blacks would be rough on rotors.

[Calvin_1976]

+'s it is. Thanks everyone.

[Dean95CobraR]

Originally posted by Calvin_1976
+'s it is. Thanks everyone.


Just be prepared for possibly a little more noise and dust.

[Calvin_1976]

Noise and dust dont bother me.

I am switching to poly motor and trans mounts soon also. For some reason LT headers made my exhaust alot quieter so I figured I would add some NVH to compensate.

[svt_coupe]

Originally posted by Calvin_1976
Noise and dust dont bother me.

Noise doesn't bother me either, but these are VERY loud, in my experience. Louder than any race-only pad I've every used. And they are fairly aggressive on rotors.

Also, if memory serves me correct, the dust they emit is fairly costic. Make sure you clean your wheels or they will pit the paint in your wheels.

[Calvin_1976]

I clean my wheels after events or twice a month as it is but I will stay on top of it if its going to be that bad. What type of rotor life should I expect? If the rotors will last a full year that’s good enough for me. A friend of mine let me drive his M3 last week and I just realized he said that he was using HPS+ pads. They squeal alot but I didn’t mind it because it really stopped the car.

[Calvin_1976]

Ok I have my flame suit on......
No one local has Hawk pads and I really prefer to buy parts localy. Having another look at the pads this morning I decided to order EBC Reds from a local shop when I got to work so I can have a set decent set of pads by Wed. If they cant cut it for autox duty I am going to order blacks (or HPS+s) and swap them on and off the car for events.

[johnbasf]

EBC Reds??? What are these,who makes them?

[Calvin_1976]

http://www.ebcbrakes.com/

Its a company from Europe. Several local shops carry them. That doesnt make it a good pad just something I can get easy to try. I might have to just find a track pad I like and swap on race days. Its hard to find a good street/track pad.