bee0818

iTrader: (4)

I know alot of people have had great experiences with Akebono’s ProACT™ Ceramic Pads, but I noticed that tirerack now carries "Akebono Street Performance Pads". Has anyone on here ever used these before? The ratings on tirerack show an increase in stopping power over the ProACT's. They're also $31 more than the ProACT's, so I'm assuming there is an improvement over the ProACT's.

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

good question, i'd also be interested to know as well.

also, is there really a significant increase in stopping distance when using Akebono (or any other aftermarket pads), to justify the cost?

is there also considerable less brake dust?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I haven't used the street performance, but my guess is that it's more aggressive, but may give you more brake dust than the ProACT.

There is no significant improvement in stopping distance. What you do get is better resistance to fade, better better, etc. As long as they're good pads, you'll be okay. Even BBKs do not give you better stopping distance. Stopping distance is yielded through the weight of the car and the traction of your tires. Those two ultimately determines your stopping distance.

Even OEM pads have enough bite to stop your car. The difference is the OEM pads will probably smoke after doing some hard stopping, and you get a good amount of brake dust.

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

^thanks for your info.
for me, sounds like an upgrade in pads may be justified with my mesh wheels. i remember you suggested akebono's recently as well. i may have forgotten, whats the cost of them?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I got mine for about $70 shipped or so from tirerack.com

Barely any brake dust. Ceramic ftw

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

^$70 for all 4 corners? if so, thats not too bad.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

actually its $70 for the front Rears are about $65. Good pads dont come cheap. Even OEM pads are about 50ish for the front already.

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

still sounds like it could be a well justified purchase.

bee0818

iTrader: (4)

Yes, the ProACTs are $64 plus shipping for the fronts and the street performance are $95

PushinLEX

iTrader: (9)

I was thinking about doing this as well. My breaks are squeeking like crazy when i break. Are there any potential problems with running ceramic aftermarket pads w/ a stock break system? Does anything else have to get upgraded or will this be a straight OEM swap?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

oem rotors are fine. That's what I'm using right now. It's just an OEM replacement pad, not a race-spec.

Ceramic is the new thing. The days of Organic, semi-metallic, full metallic is gone.

bee0818

iTrader: (4)

Per the tirerack description:

Akebono Street Performance Pads for sport compact cars and street tuner applications are carefully engineered OEM replacement components featuring Akebono Ceramic Technology™ (ACT). Akebono Ceramic Technology (ACT) helps to reduce the brake noise (squealing and grinding), vibration and harshness (NVH) problems associated with some aftermarket brake products. The friction material produces low dust for cleaner wheels and tires and fosters minimal wear on the brake rotor.

Designed to compete on the track, on the street and at the show, Akebono Street Performance Pads are 100% shimmed, chamfered and slotted. They are powder-coated with high-impact color paint for corrosion resistance and enthusiast appeal.

Additional advantages of ACT ceramic brake pads include:

Unrivaled "initial effectiveness" with no required break-in period
Ultra-quiet, positive and smooth braking performance
High resistance to fade with fast recovery
More consistent pedal feel for driver confidence
All Akebono ceramic disc pads are asbestos-free.

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

i'm so gonna go for these when i need pads.
should suit me well, since i'm not a racer, keeping stock engine and brake setup + low dust!

bee0818

iTrader: (4)

Just placed my order, I hope to put them on in a couple weeks.

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

let us know how they perform vs oem pads and post pics please!