Carbotech is the way :) Seriously though, I have XP-12 front and XP-8 rear on my Elise and had XP-12 on my Focus ST and they are great. Tried the Hawks on one car, and hated them. Downside of the carbotech is the insane squealing on the street.
Second the recommendation for the Carbotech 1521 compound, good choice for the street.
I've had very good results using Carbotech pads. Their street pad compount 1521 is comparable to OEM but without the brake dust and their various XP track pads have been very consistent and predictable.
I'm using Hawk HPS pads on mine, and Raybestos Advanced rotors. It's a good sharp stop.
The OEM pads on my R create more dust than my Hawk HPS pads on my GLI. I’d rather have pads that perform and are kind of dusty. Honestly the dust is easier to clean off than the stock pads so it’s a wash lol.
And yeah the 5.0 is the newer version. As per Hawk: Hawk Performance said: The HPS 5.0 compound is similar in application with a strong focus on improving the already great properties of HPS. This compound offers stronger fade reduction, increased stopping power, easier modulation, and a decrease in wear, noise, and dust. In short, this compound can take more abuse while maintaining great street friendly performance characteristics!
Just replaced my PP pads & rotors. Hawk HPS & EBC RedStuff are both decent ceramic pad options. Shopped around quite a bit and never had the Brembos recommended. I went with Zimmerman blank rotors & Hawk HPS pads. No complaints + expecting less dust!
I have the 1521’s, and will add another data point - less initial bite, great modulation. No dust, No noise. Overall I’m happy with them, but will continue to experiment - next round of braking components - floating/2 piece rotors and new calipers.
I used up 40% of brand-new Hawk HPS pad in the front in 1 track day, so I only have 1 or 2 more track days left in them.
I used Carbotech brake pads, but they dust and squeal like crazy, so other options may be better.
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