I've been using the old-formula Cobalt GT Sport pads as a dual-purpose (street and autox) pad. From the various threads recently, it seems clear that the new GTS compound, whatever its strengths may be, is not suitable as a street pad.

I get annoyed enough changing tires at an autocross; there's no way I'm going to change brake pads also (I'm happy to change pads for a track day, but not for autocross).

So, with the GTS no longer being a viable option, what's the best dual purpose (street and autox) pad out there, and is it really "good enough" for autocross (meaning at least as good as the old GTS pads)? I don't mind squeaky pads, and dusting is not a big deal (my annual wash gets rid of the accumulated dust well, so far), but it's got to work cold, not be hard on rotors, and still easily engage ABS on a concrete surface using huge V710s (the old GTS qualifies under these criteria).

 

I use Carbotech Panther Plus on both street and autocross/track and have been very happy with them in all three situations. (Although they dust a lot.)

 

I would also recommend Carbotech Panther+. Good initial bite, minimal rotor wear and even XP10s dust less then AP2 OEM front pads.

 

Mark, I am in the same situation. Carbotech has replaced the Panther Plus with a new product called AX6. I don't know how similar it is, but the Panther Plus was similar to the old GT-Sport. They needed a little more heat to start working. Sam Strano recommended Ferodo DS2500 pads for autocross and street. I've emailed him to ask about them, and I might be trying those next.

 

Thanks. I don't think I'll need new pads before autocross starts in February or March next year, but I'd love to hear your impressions.

I use the Carbotech XP10/XP8 on my race car (and I used them on my S2000 after Cobalt stopped making the Spec VR/VX), and I like them a lot. In addition to being easy to modulate under hard braking, they're quite streetable, so I'm not at all worried driving my race car on the street when necessary, without swapping out pads. Perhaps the other Carbotech products share that trait (in addition to being easy on rotors). I'll ask Danny at Carbotech for his opinion, and post it here.

 

I use the Hawk Racing HPS+ pads and love them. Used them on my last 2 cars and they work great.

 

I'll be putting in some Hawk HP+ pads on Saturday and autocrossing on Sunday. The guy I bought them from said they are VERY grabby and he came from an AP2 with Hoosiers I believe, so I dont think they should have much trouble overpowering my Toyo RA1's. I'll post back how I think they compare to the OEM pads.

I too was going to get the Cobalts when it came time for new pads. With all the problems being reported now though, and the HP+ coming up for sale locally at a good price, I figured I'd go with what I've used on other cars before with good success.

 

My friend has those pads on his Evo and I love them, I think they are a great pad, but I can't find them for the S2k. Anyone know where I could get them?

 

raceshopper sells the ferodo 2500/3k/3500... the 2500s squeal like stuck pigs on my daily commute, I absolutely cannot stand it. They are fine after a few hard stops, but on the day to day they drive me insane. Also, see my thread a couple pages back for what track duty did to these pads (road course known for heavy braking). I am sure they would hold up to autoX, but DO NOT use them on the track. As for daily driving, they bite and grip awesome but the squealing is just too much.

 

Thats weird, on the Evo they barely make any noise at all.

*edit*
I went back 5 pages but could not find your thread. Would you mind linking it? Thanks