Hi guys,

I've used the Ferodo DS2500s on my Z for various track days at the Nurburgring and around the UK and they've never disappointed (managed 1 'ring trip + Cadwell and only starting to go low-ish now). However, they're now £205 a set of fronts + rears.

I've been recommended the Stoptech Sports (309.09600 + 309.09610) and I can get these for front and rear for only £150 (or £120 if I import from the US, inc duties - half price).

Does anyone have any experience of these? Thinking that if they're decent and I can save 50% per set - I'd be happy with this (unless I just burn through them twice as fast - in which case I'd prefer better performance and less hassle of changing).

Anyone got any experience?

FYI I drive a few times a week and track maybe twice a year.

 

I've run the DS2500s many years ago and thought they were a decent track pad. But I've never tried the StopTech Sport pads, but would suspect they are balanced more towards the street/autocross side of the equation. There's never a great compromise between a great street pad that also functions well on the track at MUCH higher temperatures. Typically, track pads eat rotors when cold, and dust quite a bit. I've always suggested my Z school students use a separate pad for track days only.

 

Thanks a lot @dkmura , I've got the Stoptechs just because my mate in an MX5 has been using them for a while and said good things. I'll give it a go to see what the difference is (given they're half the price I thought it's worth a shot) but I suspect they're going to have to give in some respect. If it's reduced performance on the day I think I can handle that - I just don't want to mash through them at twice the speed.

I'll report back with results when I use them.

Out of curiosity, how quickly can you change a set of 4 pads on the day?

 

I can change a full set of pads and bleed the brakes in about 90 minutes. But that's usually not necessary, as the Brembo rear pads don't take nearly the abuse that the fronts do. I usually replace two sets of Cobalt Friction's XR2 compound pads on the front for every rear set on my HR-powered Z.

 

What caliper do they make 2500's for?

I had basically them on my Camaro SS 1LT and I loved them, the Stop techs aren't really track pads.

 

Pretty they do them for non-brembo too but I have them for brembo. I have a feeling I should potentially take a set of front ds2500 with me in case I get through the stoptechs in a day...

 

That would be smart

I didn't see them available for the 14" Akebono set? Thats the 370 brakes right?

 

Ah - I'm in on the 350z brembos. Would have thought they'd have them for the 370?

 

DK is correct, StopTech sports are a street performance / autox pad. You could track them on a stock power miata on street tires, but any more weight/grip/power and you'll find their limit pretty quickly.

 

Okay, horror story. I tracked my car at Bedford on the weekend:

- ESP was off
- Rear pads were nearly as new by around 3/4 of the day
- Fronts were half worn by the end of the AM

Went for a few stints in the PM and thought I'd have bags of pad left still - the front left was maybe 1/3 left. However, front right was completely gone and must have fallen off in the pits.

End result
- Stoptech slotted discs scratched (need replacing or skimming)
- Car was NOT safe to drive home
- Didn't have spare pads
- Had to get a tow home
- RAC figured I'd been tracking (I was a few miles from the venue but tow guy was ex-Ford RS technician so I had no chance)

Cost
- £250 for tow back to London
- £175 disc may need replacing (not even sure if I can buy them in singles - could be £350 for a pair

Total cost of failure = £425-500.

NEXT TIME JUST GET THE DS2500!!!!!!

 

Nice! Do you use a power bleeder? I take much too long to change mine...

 

Yes- I use Griot's Garage power bleeder to bleed all four corners. You can also get a shop to do a power bleed, but bring in a few cans of high quality DOT4 brake fluid (ATE Gold 200, Motul RBF600, etc) to make sure they install the right fluid.