I'm no brake expert but definitely don't go stock on the brake pads. I know HAWK is a big name on Performance Brake pads but I have never used them personally. It's just like anything else though, everyone's got their opinion on why brand \"X\" is the best when in reality they are all made in the same factory in China and you are really only paying for the name. I would look for something that says \"High Performance Street\" or similar that's designed to work properly with stock rotors / ABS / Etc.
You might just try a pad upgrade first. I've never been impressed with 16v brakes but I recently tried some Hawk HPS pads and now I can't believe how quickly this car stops. And I'm really picky about things especially brakes.
Hawk HPS pads -ECS Stainless brake lines.
Hawk HPS 5.0 HB544B.628 HB625B.760 Edwin Mangune from Hawk Performance Products Group recommends these for our Golf R.
I've always had great luck with NAPA HD blanks and Hawk HPS pads. Been my go-to for replacement/upgrade for years.
I have had my set up on for about a month now. Stopping power is significantly better as well as way increased pedal feel. Bite is fantastic just with the Hawk HPS that I run on the street and even better with the DTC-30's that I run on the track.
Hawk HPS for the street. Hawk Blue for the track.
ECS Big Brake kit Stage 2 v2 with Porsche calipers and Hawk HPS pads
R32 Front Brakes w/ Adam's Rotors (slotted pattern), Hawk HPS Pads, and TyrolSport brake stiffening kit GLI Rear Brakes w/ Adam's Rotors (slotted pattern), Hawk HPS Pads Stainless Steel Brake lines
I have tried the following pads (and still have them on my shelf): Stock Pagids, Mintex Reds, HPS, HP+, Ferodo DS2500 (fronts), Carbotech P+ (fronts). I have used each for several thousand miles after breaking each in per manufacturers' recommendations. And yes, this means I was changing brake pads at least every few weeks. Rotors too, I also have 3 sets of front rotors. This was all in pursuit of GREAT braking at autocross, then on track. I don't know if the HPS are the best street pad, but they're decent. That's how I meant it. Call them a 7 of 10. They aren't what I want in a street pad, but for someone that never does autocross or track days - they're good. Personally I thought they were very similar to the stock 20AE Pagids. (I originally went from Stock to Mintex to HPS to Stock and back to HPS again, btw) The HPS dusted as much as the stockers and had similar bite. I didn't test their fade resistance. With a stock braking system, I think HP+ and DS2500 are both IFFY track pads. The HP+ are great as long as you don't overheat them and replace them every 2 or 3 events.
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