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Home GlossaryBrake Pad Compound

Brakes

Brake Pad Compound

The friction material formulation used in brake pads. Street pads (organic, low-metallic) are quiet but fade quickly. Track pads (semi-metallic, ceramic) tolerate heat but can damage rotors when cold. Common JDM track pads include Endless MX72, Project Mu HC+, Ferodo DS2500, and Hawk DTC-60. Compound choice depends on use case and brake operating temperature range.

Related Terms

Big Brake Kit (BBK)

An aftermarket brake upgrade replacing OEM calipers, rotors, and pads with larger components. BBKs reduce fade under heavy track use and shorten stopping distances. Popular brands include Brembo, AP Racing, StopTech, Endless, and Project Mu. Properly sizing a BBK requires matching wheel clearance and brake bias to the vehicle's weight distribution.

Brake Bias

The proportion of total braking force distributed between front and rear axles. Most JDM cars run 65-70% front bias from the factory. Adjusting bias rearward (via proportioning valve or pad compound choice) can improve trail-braking rotation but risks rear lockup. AWD platforms like the R32-R34 GT-R typically retain factory bias to leverage AWD weight transfer.

Brembo

Italian brake manufacturer that supplies OEM brakes to most JDM performance cars including the R34 GT-R, S15 Silvia Spec-R, FD3S RX-7 Type RS, and Subaru WRX STI. Brembo monoblock 4-pot and 6-pot calipers are also a popular aftermarket upgrade. The yellow-painted calipers became a recognizable performance signal.

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