Note:
I am an MTX driver. I use my brakes to rapidly slow down, or to come to a complete stop. I do not use my brakes to maintain speed in traffic, nor do I use them for constant speed adjustments while driving. Any speed adjustment that isn't drastic is done through throttle modulation and downshifting.
As such I won't be posting on longevity, as I'm well over 30k miles on this set of pads, and they aren't even at the 80% mark. Keep in mind my comments about dust and noise as well.
Carbotech Bobcats:
http://www.liteswap.com/Merchant2/merchant..._Code=mazda6pad
Cost:
95 USD for fronts(or 150 USD with two new front rotors)
85 USD for rears
Installation:
OE Fitment. Some individuals have had trouble getting the pads to fit because of the excessive nipple size. This usually occurs if you don't pre-emptively press the caliper piston back prior to removing it.
Performance:
Excellent fade resistance on the street. Rear pads are sufficent for track use. Cold bite is good, and the pads (alongside with fresh fluid and lines) really help to establish good braking feel. Inital bite is clean, and becomes sharper and sharper the hotter the pads get (till they get saturated). Front pads are not sufficent for track use and you will experience brake fade.
Dust:
Less dust then stock pads. (About 40-50% less, depends on your braking style). The dust is also non corrosive to alloy wheels.
Noise:
If not installed and bedded properly, they will squeel. If everything is done right, you'll still get the occassional noise under light braking pressure, which is only audible if a car is next to you when stopping, and your windows are down.
Would buy again?:
Yes, these make excellent street pads. The rear pads are also sufficent enough for track use, though if you really get on it, they will start to fade. (Even in the relatively unused rear)
Carbotech XP9
http://www.liteswap.com/Merchant2/merchant..._Code=mazda6pad
Cost:
135 USD for fronts(or 179 USD with two new front rotors)
Installation:
Pads are insanely thick. You may need to use a dremel to slice off a bit of the nipples to wedge them in initally. This may have been changed as its been quite a long time since I purchased these.
Performance:
:drool: Want to stop? Use any brake pad. Want to stop repeatedly from 100+ mph? Get track pads. There just isn't any replacement for the bite these pads have when they are hot. They will make you think you just invested a few thousand dollars in a BBK. The first couple of times you stop, it isn't that impressive. After the pads reach operating temp...watch out, you'll give yourself and anyone in your car whiplash from the inital pedal response.
Poor Cold bite. These make poor winter brake pads. It almost feels as if your brakes are almost non functional the first time you try to stop on a 30F morning. Highly recommend moving to street or stock pads in the winter.
Fade resistance is excellent, but depending on how fast you are (not necessarily your car), it is still possible to oversaturate these on the track. If this happens, you'll want to either smack yourself for poor braking technique, or congratulate yourself on diving deep into the corners, then invest in the XP10's or 11's.
Dust:
At least 300-500% more dust then stock. You'll be lucky if you can make it to work without covering your wheels in dust.
Noise:
You know that annoyingly loud squeel that buses and garbage trucks make? Well now those drivers cover their ears when you come to a stop next to them. Loud is an understatement. If a simple rattle or "vibration" bothers you, stay a few thousand miles from these babies.
Would buy again?:
Yup. Except I'd probably go with XP10's and not run them on the street at all.
