Replacement Brake Pads, read too many threads, can't decide which to go with...
 

Well I have searched and searched and searched about replacement pads. I almost just said to hell with it, I'll just go with OEM, but from infiniti-parts.com the fronts alone are $160. I think I can save a lot of money by going with something aftermarket.
My most important concern in the replacement pads is that they stop my car at least as well as the OEM pads do, beyond that, I don't want any noise. My current OEM pads make zero noise, and any screetching or squeeling would not be acceptable. Beyond that, limited brake dust would be a very important aspect as well...
Having said that, I have looked at Project mu and Hawk HPS. I seem to be getting the same feeling about both. Sometimes they are noisey, sometimes they are quiet. Some say they stop like crap when wet/cold, some say they stop better than OEM pads all the time... you get my point.
I have not found much about Carbotech or Satisfied Pro, other than a few mentions here and there...
Does anyone have any other input? Its frusterating to read about experiences that range all over the spectrum, from excellent reviews to poor reviews - all for the same set of pads!

btw, I have the Brembo brakes on my G

i dont have the brembo,s but i used stillens metal matrix pads.no noise at all an no dust,and they actually stop better then the factory,s.

Thanks, I just looked at the stillen website for their brake pads, and I dont think those Metal Matrix pads are for the brembo brakes at all! DOH! Ah well, thanks for the input though...

Just read about EBC Pads. EBC Greenstuff I think? I read they were made out of a Kevlar material, which performs better at all temps (doesn't suffer on cold/wet days like the typical ceramic).
Anyone have any experience with these?

First of all, I have an '04 5AT coupe, so NO Brembos. I use the Carbotech Bobcats as my street pads. The Bobcats are a ceramic-based performance street pad, and I have found them to be at least equal to OEM in terms of street performance, with low noise and dust. I would not recommend them for the track unless you plan on taking it really easy. For your application it looks like they run $124 for the front and $99 for the rear (listed as 350Z Brembo in their application guide).

www.carbotecheng.com

How are they in cold and wet conditions? The whole marketing language saying 'low noise' bothers me. Maybe I'm just interpreting it wrong, however to me, brakes should make "NO Noise" when working properly. They should start to squeek when they get low maybe, but thats it!

Well, I live in Portland, OR so I should know from cold and wet ;). Performance-wise, I never tested stopping distance or anything but I can't tell a difference between the Bobcats and OEM. There's maybe the slightest decrease in the initial "bite" if they're completely cold, but nothing that bothers me at all. And for me "low noise" has meant virtually no noise. Maybe a little squeak once in a while, but no different from OEM.

I haven't seen much discussion either about Carbotech on G35s or 350Zs. I started using them on a friend's recommendation -- he likes them on his WRX.

Hawk Pads!
 

I have hawk pads on my rears and I don't get any noise from them. As far as performance, hard to tell because again they are on rear disc, But there cheaper and fit perfectly, so I will def. get them for my front brembo replacements. Brembos pads are great but they wear quickly and give off plenty of dust.

Anyone here ever change Rotors on there brembo setups? I am researching which combo of pads and rotors to get for my next service @ 41k miles. I am pretty sure my brembo factory rotor fronts are done. Thanks for any info...

I'm too in the same situation. I've researched a lot and read a lot and these are the feedbacks I've got from other users.

Dust Rating: 1-10, 10 = OEM dust

Project mu NS Pads is about the same as the Endless VN (which costs a lil more). Good for street/spirited driving and low dust at reasonable price. 6-7

Project mu B-Fore - Very good handling, better than oem. But Dusty too: 8

If I have the cash, I'd go for Endless SSS, lower dust than those above; better performance - comparable to B-Force. Dust = 5-6

Hawk HP+ are good when hot, OEM performance quality, but their initial bite/brake isn't good as OEM. Pricey compared to Axxis Ultimate with lil -> no extra performance. Dust = 7-8
Hawk HPS - Not as good as HP+, less dust: 6-7

EBC Green stuff has mixed reviews about dust & braking. I think they're about the same as the HP+ and Axxis Ultimate - Almost as good bite as stock, but dust is almost there as well. Breaking-in can be confusing. Dust = 7

EBC Red Stuff - I haven't found anything detailed info about them.

On a low budget side, Axxis Ultimate is okay, but more dust - as much as OEM. Dust = 8-9

Axxis deluxe is low dust, but not as good performance as stock. Dust = 7-8

Therefore, in the mean time, I'll give the Project mu NS a try. Reasonable Price, Good Performance, Low Dust.

I got the Stoptech Stage 2 Upgrade (direct replacement, not aerorotors) and couldn't be happier with it. It comes with 4 slotted rotors, Axxis Ultimate pads F&R, Motul brake fluid and stainless steel brake lines! MSRP is $800 but I got mine for under $700 without even shopping around much. As I said, so far they are great and I have no complaints!

Here is the part number incase you wanted it: 86-646-06224

IMO if guys do the job wrong any pads can squeal and make noise. I bought the Hawk HPS and they work awesome with no noise whatsoever. I read posts after I bought them and got worried. I did the job properly and they have been great! I wouldn't worry about which pads you pick as much as I would worry about doing it right. Here are some brief but important things people miss. Remeber the shims are stuck to your old pads! Pry them off, clean them and coat them with anti squeal along with the back of your new pads. You shouldn't have a problem. It's really an easy job.

Rotors!
 

I now have 46k miles on my 03 G w/ brembo setup, must repalce rotors this spring. I am still undecided on rotors, so many to choose from. My budget is around 400 pair at the most. Anyone have the stillen Rotors they are crossed and drilled, the hub is gold and they look great. The stillen's are going for 400 per pair. My other option is $260 per pair for slotted Stop Techs, not as pretty but just as good, i think.I have seen Brembo rotors out there but im not sure of price anyone know? Any others im missing please list price.