Z23 pads *updated*

The end all discussion. I just finished a 3 +/- hour trip each way to Lexington Ohio, to the Mid Ohio Sports Car Course for a track day session with the local Cincy SCCA group. Ill cover the event in another thread after i finish the video. But ill at least say i went from a 2:14.050, to 1:58:915 by the end of the day, so i was cooking

Many of you know im running Centric Rotors and Z23 pads. I chose the Centric for many of the reasons listed on the product page. I chose the Z23 pads based on pretty much everyone recommending them. As far as i remember, no one but @WoodinvilleDan runs them in any kind of racing, being autocross i was interested in them as that was my intended purpose, well and everyday driving. I wanted to get them locally, but AutoZone, Advanced and O'Reillys were all special order despite claiming to carry them. As much as i critique CarID for their search page spamming, i gave them a chance to show their mettle since they had both f/r for less than AutoZone wanted for just the fronts, and i got them 2 day UPS for free IIRC.

There was discussion on the local FB group and on here as to whether or not they would make a good track pad, well, i can vehemently dispel any doubt about that. I had 5 sessions throughout the day, ranging from 6-8/9 laps, the last session being the longest, both the straight and chicane course.

HOLE LEE KRAP. Yes. I cannot lie about this. Even my instructor exclaimed about my brake grip. I told him what i was running and he couldnt believe it. I got them smelling really good, cause on the long back straight into turn 7, i was hitting 110 and i like to brake late cause i can. Turn 7 is a 90 degree, 50-60mph corner, so you have to scrub off some serious speed and i waited till deep into the 3 cone to scrub off 20ish MPH and then at 1 cone hit them to take off the rest of the speed.

NOT ONCE did they hint at fading. Im talking hauling 3400 lbs down from 110 to 60 in almost one braking action. I reported a few days ago when i mounted my new tires, that after around 12k miles, 60-70 autox runs, i had what looked like more than half the pad thickness left. I need to rotate my tires after the beating i put them through cause the fronts were squealing like a stuck pig and im sure they are prob scrubbed towards the outside. Ill visually look at them, and if i feel like really getting some data, ill break out the calipers and measure them.


So, once more, i iterate, i CANNOT recommend ANY OTHER setup. Im honestly not even sure about the CX-9 dual pot upgrade, if its even worth it, but i highly doubt ill be looking into that.

One more thing to caution, these pads require a VERY specific break in technique and takes a little longer than any other pad ive used.

So, i hope this will settle any discussion about the viability of the Power Stop Z23 pads and Centric rotors for not just track day use, but everyday use.