Hey, I'm new [Real new] to working on cars, and I'm going to try to change my own brake pads for the first time. I have a 35th Anniversary Z with the Brembo brakes, and I was wondering what kind of pads I should get and where I could get them. The ones the AutoZone has are semi-metallic Duralast pads for like $35 a piece. I'm sure there's got to be better quality brake pads than these, and I'm sure there's a thread on here all about them, but I did a search for them, and 248 topics showed up in the results. Any help would be awesome. Thanks guys.

 

to avoid flaming, i would strongly suggest you thoroughly look through those 248 topics. there are numerous threads all about brake pads.

 

For everyday driving, you can't beat the value of Axxis Ultimates. They are $40 plus shipping for the fronts and $50 for the rears from 350zmod.com. That's what we run on our ZR for DD. They are a piece of cake to change - easier than the non-Brembos. There certainly are more expensive solutions (Hawk HPS and a dozen others), but all at a cost. We even autox with the Axxis Ultimates since they give great initial bite, but don't even think about ever taking them to an open track event.

 

Actually, those Autozone pads are fine for everyday driving. If you're not going to take the Z to an autocross or track day, you don't need anything better than generic pads.

 

Thanks scott and dave. I appreciate it.

 

Try looking into the Nismo S or R pads. I had a set of R's and loved them (non Brebmos). Nismo is chopping down the prices so they go for about $70 per set. They have a good life and are pretty easy on the rotor which is important for the Brembo kit because of the replacement value.

 

I have the exact same car as you and I just ordered Hawk HPS brake pads. I'm really really new to automotive work but am thinking on installing the brakes myself also. I drive aggressively so I thought I would try out the Hawk pads. I remember reading that a number of folks were having issues with the Axxis Ultimates (squeaking and losing their bite quickly) and the Stoptech BBKs so I went with Hawk. Found front and rear for $145 total.