5BW - am I crazy for wanting more initial brake bite on the iron rotors?

[Champale]

I am wondering if anyone has gone with different brake pads to make the initial bite a little stronger? I have tried the brakes extensively in all 3 pedal modes but none of them really improve that initial feeling when getting on the brakes. Yes, the pads work well when you are really on them but I prefer the overall brake feel of my GT350R and now-departed FK8 Type R (both with stock brakes). And for those wondering - I burnished the pads appropriately when the car was brand new.

If you have changed your pads, please give us some feedback. I have used Ferodo 2500s on multiple other cars with great results so maybe that is the direction I will head.

 

[A Blackwing]

I have DTC-60 brake pads, much improved bite, still no where near as responsive as an FK8. and the dust, its almost comical

 

[Champale]

Very interesting, thank you for the feedback.

 

[sleepys4]

I have DTC 70 front and DTC 60 Rear, but I wouldn't run them with stock tires.

I also have Hawks 5.0 I have used on the street. They had more initial bite than factory.
I have recently changed to CCBS for the street.

 

[Champale]

Thank you for the feedback. Looking at the Hawk charts, I feel like maybe one step up from the 5.0 might be what I am looking for.

 

[sleepys4]

If you have time, give Ken @ KNS brakes a buzz. He has a wealth of knowledge on brake compounds that will work with these calipers.

 

[Champale]

Yes, thank you - I have bought many pads from him over the years for a bunch of cars. He really is a great resource.

 

[Champale]

Update: installed Ferodo 2500 front pads from KNS Brakes. Did the burnishing this morning and they immediately have more bite than the OE pads without being grabby. Will report back after a doing some more driving. The Ferodos have the slot for the OE brake pad sensor, too, unlike some pads so that's nice.

And, as is typical of Brembo brakes, these were super easy to do. 45 minutes total with just a floor jack and that was being extra careful to not chip the caliper paint and I also cleaned the wheels extra well.

 

[MookdocOE]

Update: installed Ferodo 2500 front pads from KNS Brakes. Did the burnishing this morning and they immediately have more bite than the OE pads without being grabby. Will report back after a doing some more driving. The Ferodos have the slot for the OE brake pad sensor, too, unlike some pads so that's nice.

And, as is typical of Brembo brakes, these were super easy to do. 45 minutes total with just a floor jack and that was being extra careful to not chip the caliper paint and I also cleaned the wheels extra well.

You always give something up when ditching the OEM. They are usually the best all around performers when everything is considered. Hope these work for you.

 

[G.Newt]

You're not crazy. My '23 Audi A4 has some incredible initial bite. It's actually too much lol. But it makes my 4BW's initial bite feel like a teething newborn puppy lol. I want something in between. Looking at Carbotech 1521's. At the very least I'll get less dust. I may look into the Ferodo 2500's that you picked up. How's the noise/dust? Thanks.

 

[Champale]

I have run 2500s on several other cars over the last 10-15 years and they are superb for my needs. Not a full track pad although they do get even stronger with a little heat in them. They are known for giving a firm pedal feel and having good progression without being grabby. The dust is usually a little more than OE but not crazy like race pads and they very rarely squeal. If they are squealing a little, that can normally be fixed by shooting compressed air or a water nozzle at the calipers.

The 5BW is capable of over 200mph but Cadillac put brake pads on them that bite like something more appropriate for a luxury car. I am willing to accept a little dust and occasional noise for better braking!

 

[Champale]

After about 500 miles, I can state that the Ferodo 2500 front pads are an excellent match for performance of the 5BW. The pads have more initial bite than OE without being grabby like AutoX hero pads (like the AX6) or the OE pads on my old Focus RS. Dust isn't completely crazy, either. I haven't washed the car since installing them and the wheels are dusty but not completely covered in dust. Also, zero squeal at this point - and I didn't use any anti-squeal paste at all (OE pads had none, either).

I might order some rear pads, too, to see if that makes the braking even better but honestly I cannot complain. The brakes bite like I wanted and the stopping power is fantastic.

 

[G.Newt]

After about 500 miles, I can state that the Ferodo 2500 front pads are an excellent match for performance of the 5BW. The pads have more initial bite than OE without being grabby like AutoX hero pads (like the AX6) or the OE pads on my old Focus RS. Dust isn't completely crazy, either. I haven't washed the car since installing them and the wheels are dusty but not completely covered in dust. Also, zero squeal at this point - and I didn't use any anti-squeal paste at all (OE pads had none, either).

I might order some rear pads, too, to see if that makes the braking even better but honestly I cannot complain. The brakes bite like I wanted and the stopping power is fantastic.

Thanks for the feedback. This is exactly what I was looking for in my 4BW as well: more initial bite. Looks like I'll be choosing these over the Carbotech 1521's. Was looking at the AX6's but didn't want an autox pad.

 

[Champale]

I can't imagine anyone being unhappy with the 2500s. As I stated in an earlier post, I have used the 2500s in several cars and have always been very pleased with them. Plus, the nice thing about pads is if you dont like them they are easy enough to replace.