This past weekend I installed new centric slotted rotors (aka PowerSlots) and StopTech Street Performance pads (aka 309 pads) on my OEM-Brembo coupe. Obviously going from original rotors with 73-k miles to new makes a huge difference, but I would have to say the biggest difference after the pressure change is the faster bite the StopTechs have over Hawk HPS. The StopTechs are also more affordable as well.

I've been doing what I could to get a good feel for the whole setup since I installed them, driving like a mad man to and from work and so far I am all grins and popping eyeballs. With the wet weather we have been having here lately it is nice to be stomping on slotted rotors again, there is definitely a huge improvement in wet braking performance compared to the OEM-rotors.

I would surely recommend this setup to anyone looking for added performance, but looking to maintain streetability as well. So far I have not heard a single squeek from the pads and they perform a lot better in emergency or cold braking than the Hawk HPS do. Too soon to comment on dusting vs OEM vs HPS, I'll update as use continues.

Next up will be lines and fluid.





04-01-10 update:
As of the last few days, the pads do let out a squeal when I back out of my parking spot in the morning. Only in the morning and only upon immediate-introductory braking, once that squeal is out of the way its all quiet throughout the remaining day.

My guess is that it might be related to morning moisture on the rotors/pads as we are still in that transition here on the East Coast Mid-A.

Well worth it for the added braking performance I have been experiencing.

 

Thanks for the writeup. Where'd you buy from and what was the total bill if you don't mind?

 

^^ X2. "Go Hoosiers" By the way!

 

I got the rotors from RockAuto and the pads through an ebay seller (Grip-Force). The rotors are $96-each for the front and $88-each for the rears. Pads were $130 front and rear, but I think you might be able to get them a little cheaper through a vendor like Concept Z Performance or maybe Z1-Auto. So i paid around $500 after shipping.

 

Thanks man! Although I'm going to be a bandwagon Butler fan this weekend.

Checked centric's website and it looks like they don't offer drilled or slotted upgrades for the non-brembo folks. Disappointing because 'dems some nice rotors.

 

I'll add something else today. As of the last few days, the pads do let out a squeal when I back out of my parking spot in the morning. Only in the morning and only upon immediate-introductory braking, once that squeal is out of the way its all quiet throughout the remaining day.

My guess is that it might be related to morning moisture on the rotors/pads as we are still in that transition here on the East Coast Mid-A.

Well worth it for the added braking performance I have been experiencing.

 

the squealing is normal. my car squels when i reverse in the AM too. it is due to the moisture of the nor east

 

Yeah I figured. My OEM pads did the same thing, the HPS didnt though. I wasnt worried about, but I figured I'd comment on it since it was a review thread and people might be interested to know.

 

I have a 2006 6MT, therefore non-brembo. Do you know if StopTech make different pads for this application? These specifically say they are for Brembo replacement.

 

Thanks for the review. I have been running the Centric Premium rotors (also bought from Rockauto), which are basically the non-slotted version of what you have, and have been very pleased with them. I am running OEM Brembo pads and the combo feels just like OEM. I ran Hawk HPS on a prior car and found them to be a very poor choice for the street in the Northeast so don't plan to run those again. Good to know the Stoptech pads may be another choice to consider.

 

Also, as a follow up to one of the prior posts, when I went to RockAuto and selected a 2006 G35 there appear to be Centric slotted rotors available.

 

sorry alex...i dont know if the pad is available for the non-brembo, find a vendor like concept-z-performance and see if they have them available.

 

idrive - it sounds like the wet and cold performance for the Stoptech Street Perf pads is much better than the Hawk HPS, but can you comment as to how they compare to OEM Brembo pads?

Also, is there any difference between the first stop or two and the next set of stops (i.e. after the pads have warmed up a bit)? I'll be curious to hear how they perform in the winter too.

 

Can anyone confirm that StopTech rotors are the same as Centric rotors? I have heard they are identicle and these are a little less expensive especially when you add shipping at Concept Z.

https://www533.ssldomain.com/concept...20100430060134

 

Yes they are. Centric owns Stoptech. Also check out Rockauto.com