By Tuan M. Nguyen
Last Updated: 07/11/96

Since these products were installed at the same time, I will evaluate the performance of the entire brake system as a whole. On the most part, any conclusions I reach will be based upon the system performance, but wherever I can, I will try to distinguish the individual components.

The test car is a '94 GS-R coupe that is already mildly modified.

SPECIFICATIONS

Friction Tech Brake Pads

• Semi-metallic brake pads
• 60% metallic
• small percent of Kevlar
• non-asbestos
• about $80 per set

Analysis
Brake Warehouse's brochure states, "The friction material blends extra fine soft steel wire with powdered sponge iron for maximum heat transfer, and silver virgin graphite for smooth, quiet performance. The resulting friction material (60% metallic) reduces vibration which causes squeal, and runs virtually dust-free, eliminating the common problem of 'black dust' on the wheels."

I can attest to the somewhat smoothness and quiet operation of the brakes. Slight sanding of the pads revealed the graphite that was impregnated into the pads. Varying pedal pressures failed to cause the pads to squeal. While I won't say it _eliminates_ black dust on the wheel, it dusts about the same as stock. It's still a far cry from the dusting that I've seen some carbon/metallics do though.

The use of 60% metal, makes for a pad that is easier on the rotors and cheaper than the 70% Metal Masters/Max pads. However, I suspect that the ultimate bite and fade resistance may be less than a higher metal content pad, which is an understandable compromise.

Z.Speed Brake Lines

• braided stainless steel
• clear plastic protective shielding
• around $120 per set

Analysis
This set does not have the colorful braiding that others have, but the lines serves its purpose well.

Lucas Girling Brake Fluid

• synthetic brake fluid
• non-silicone based
• DOT 5.1
• compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4
• compatible with ABS brakes
• around $18 per liter

Analysis
The yellow color allows you to better see when the new fluid is starting to bleed out. This is one of the higher priced brake fluids, but the synthetic base and high boiling points makes the fluid last much longer even under extreme conditions.

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