Pads recommendations for Toyota 4x4 calipers?

[240ZMan]

I'm getting ready to put the Toyota 4x4 calipers on my 73 240z. I'll be keeping the stock solid rotors. Given that the Toyota truck isn't what I'd call a "high performance vehicle", I'm wondering what others have done for brake pads? Are there any sources for something better than stock?

My driving is mostly agressive street, with a few track days each year for good measure!

[zed240au]

you will find well in australia that is bendix ultimate are about the best good value street pads $120 aus

Other wise i have just looked up pad backing plate in a bendix catolgue and ordered through a speed shop semi racing materials on backing plates to suit $250 aus

did have some all out racing carbon material on one set but it wore the discs out in 1200 km

My car is used for weekends and club race days so i find the semi racing ferodo pads work best for me

Mick

[Ed]

You should be fine with stock semi-metallic pads. Don't get the lifetime pads because they have larger quantities of metal in the pads and will wear out your rotors.

[240ZMan]

Ed, your comment leads me to another question: before my last track day my pads were nearly gone (I'd used up about 1/2 their total thickness on the previous track day). Knowing I plan to switch calipers I put whatever Napa had available, which was as you suggest, some generic semi-metallics. Actually, once they were seated, they did much better than I had expected. Only cost about $15 or so.

So my question is this: what do you get when you buy the expensive pads? I know they don't last as long, so do they tolerate the heat and still produce friction when really hot? Seems to me the limiting factor on 240z's are the limited heat capacity of the solid discs and the limited ability of them to dissapate the heat they create.

I hope I'm not opening up a hornets nest...

[2ManyZs]

Performance Friction makes some good street pads that should do OK for the occasional auto-X.

Hawk and Carbotech make the best race pads (or at least that's what most people I know are using) and Hawk does make a decent variety for street/race use.....

[zed240au]

when i was running solid discs i used metal kings then black flash pads which worked great dont think they are made anymore but you should be able to get reasonable pad for street and race use the main difference im told i may be wrong but is race ones will take higher temperatures and still work the carbon ones i had on my vented dics where good for 0 to 800 c but as i said way to harsh on the falcon discs im running the ferodo pads i now have work to 750 and last well been running them in rally car for 2 years

mick

[240ZMan]

Thanks Mick, so if I get what your saying, the racing pads sacrifice pad life for the ability to generate more friction at higher temps?

[Ed]

So my question is this: what do you get when you buy the expensive pads? I know they don't last as long, so do they tolerate the heat and still produce friction when really hot? Seems to me the limiting factor on 240z's are the limited heat capacity of the solid discs and the limited ability of them to dissapate the heat they create.

I think you answered the question yourself. I don't know a whole lot about the different materials available in pads. The more expensive pads use better materials to be able to tolerate the heat, thus preventing brake fade. You should replace your pads before you hit the track, or atleast inspect them to make sure they will last. You don't want to chew-up a rotor.

[texasz]

I have a 4Runner and get my performance parts for it from Performance Products, I know that they cary performance pads so you may want to check them out.

[redneckz II]

:bandit: Try using semi-metal pads in the front. Most are pretty rotor friendly and you can get good life out of them. Do at least two good heat cycles to them before using them on the track. Good Luck, Rich.