Hawk HPS Pads smaller...

[Frank3]

I am in the process of replacing the front brake pads on my Stage 3. I ordered the Hawk HPS pads from Stage 3 Motorsports, great service, but when I compared the original pads to the new Hawk HPS, I noticed the disk contact area is greatly reduced. I do plan on more open track time and do not want to sacrifice braking performance. I am real concerned with downsizing the pad contact area this much and really don't want to wait until they are 50% worn before the contact area it maximized...



Does anybody know pros/cons of going to the Hawk HPS with the reduced contact area or should I seek a performance pad with full size contact area like the Roush supplied pads? Any comments welcome...

[RED ROUSH WA]

That Hawk pad is scuffed that way so it wont cause vibration and seats properly.It also helps on keeping it from glazing.These pads are made of a higher heat resistent compound but will seat much faster after a couple of race laps on them.As with any track time warm up laps is best but dont heat up your car by high rpm's.Some drivers will slightly drag there brakes half a lap to seat them or brake in courners long and out long.
I'm not saying all drivers do this but I have and had more break in the long runs by doing this.

[06Roush_st_3]

The rear pads I have used, both HP+ and HT-10 were the same as the stock type.

I am not sure why they would reduce the contact area like that. If you are changing for track only the HT-10 pads would be better for you, but will create a lot of dust and wear on the rotors. You would be best off with track only rotors.

The grip on the Roush pads is supposed to be comparable to the hawk HP+ pads. So by changing them for track you are not gaining anything. If they are worn out then I say put them in and give them a try like they are. hawk is a good company and I am sure there is a reason for the difference.

[Blkstg2x]

Most "performance" aftermarket pads are just like the HP pad mentioned above. They serve they purpose. IF you have serious concerns I would contact Hawk and ask their technical staff to help answer your questions. I've used the Hawk pads for several years now, and I think they work much much better than factor y pads.

[Frank3]

Alright... Finally got to try out the new brakes at the track yesterday. I went ahead with the Hawk HPS' and they worked good. I don't think the Hawk HPS' gave me the same great feeling as the original pads that came with the Roush big disks on my S3 (maybe it is the modulation feeling that is not quite as good, not sure) but it is good to have good dependable brakes again. And the rears did not melt like the OEM pads did...