The Best Performance Brake Kits of 2023

The Best Performance Brake Kits of 2023

Aug 01, 2022Austen Wageman

Your vehicle is a reflection of you and your driving experience. Powerful, sophisticated, yet elegant and refined—it's the epitome of modernity—a machine designed for efficiency and speed that can take you wherever you want to go. But what makes it safe for actual driving? The braking system, of course! Yeah, not the sexiest part of your car, but definitely one of the most important. Without it, you'd be driving on ice, which can lead to accidents and injuries, not to mention the possibility that you'd be facing criminal charges. With a good braking system, however, you can enjoy peace of mind and the confidence that your car is capable of stopping on a dime.

But with the market flooded with 100's of brands and their endless variations, it can be tough to find the right product for your needs. That's why we're here! In the following sections, we will introduce you to brands that make some of the best brake pads on the market. We've done all the hard work for you by researching and testing products from a wide range of brands so that you can spend less time reading reviews and more time enjoying your car!

5 Best Performance Brake Pads

Braking is an often-overlooked aspect of performance driving, but it is just as important as accelerating. The correct brake pads can make all the difference in your lap times. They will allow you to brake later and harder, which is vital for fast cornering. They will also give you more confidence in your car's braking ability and help prevent lock-up or skidding, which could lead to an accident. And, if that wasn't enough, they can improve the life of your rotors by reducing wear and tear! If you spend a lot of time driving your car, then it is essential that you invest in good quality brake pads, and the following are five brands that we think are worth considering.

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1) StopTech Brake Pads

Getting the most out of your car's brakes is a lot like getting the most out of your body.

You wouldn't run a marathon without stretching or lifting weights without warming up because you know that you'll be more likely to get hurt if you do. But just like we tend to take our bodies for granted, we often don't treat our cars with the same kind of care and attention we give ourselves.

But it doesn't have to be that way. With StopTech Sport Performance front brake pads (and rear brake pads), you can get the most out of your brakes and keep them in top condition. StopTech's pads are made from para-aramid composites that offer linear response regardless of how hard they're pushed—so whether you're going fast or slow, they'll perform no matter what. They also have a uniform friction material density and low dust formulation, which means that when your brakes are working at their best, so are you! Plus, these pads come with an enhanced initial cold effectiveness to make sure your stopping power is still there even when it's cold outside.

stoptech brake pads by maperformance

And finally, StopTech Sport Performance brake pads are guaranteed asbestos-free formulas created by an American company committed to making sure their products aren't harmful to anyone who uses them. StopTech Sport Performance Front Brake Pads are designed to provide you with the best possible performance and durability, so you can trust that they'll work no matter what kind of driving–whether it’s performance or commuting–you're doing.

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2) Ferodo Brake Pads

When you're out on the track or just driving around town, you want to be able to stop in a hurry. And when it comes to your brakes, that means getting a great set of performance pads.

For example, Ferodo DS2500 Front Brake Pads are made for the street/club sport driver who needs brakes that can stand up to the heat and friction of daily driving while still providing an excellent level of stopping power. They're semi-metallic, which means they have a high coefficient of friction and are less likely to squeal or fade than other types of brake pads. They also have a max operating temp of 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit—which is hot! But this means that these pads will stay cool even under extreme conditions.

ferodo brake pads by maperformance

Ferodo’s brake pads, both front and rear, are designed for moderate to high pad wear and moderate rotor wear—so if you're looking for aggressive braking power that doesn't come with noise or juddering from your rotors, these might be the perfect choice for you.

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3) GiroDisc Brake Pads

GiroDisc is a company that's been around since 2003, with the goal of creating high-quality brake products that make driving safer and more enjoyable. You can see from their website that they're committed to offering only the best in performance, quality, and customer support—and we think that's pretty awesome! GiroDisc brake pads are a great option for drivers who want to upgrade their brakes but don't want to spend an arm and a leg on them. These pads are made from a high-quality, semi-metallic composition that gives them high resistance to heat and corrosion. They also feature magic pads, which are designed to prevent noise by using specially formulated material to dampen vibration and reduce squeal.

girodisc brake pads by maperformance

GiroDisc magic front brake pads, along with all GiroDisc brake pads, are easy to install, and they come with everything you need to get your brakes back up and running in no time. Further boasting unparalleled initial bite and performance in any weather condition, the GiroDisc brake pads are the perfect upgrade for drivers who want to step up their braking performance.

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4) EBC Brake Pads

If you're looking for the best performance street pads, look no further than EBC, and specifically EBC RedStuff Brake Pads. These pads are specifically designed for performance cars and trucks and are engineered to give you the most stopping power with minimal dust.

ebc redstuff brake pads by maperformance

The RedStuff brake pad is a street pad that offers 15% more stopping power than other standard street pads. The unique thing about these front pads is that they don't cause "fall-off" as you run them down—they keep getting better as they wear down! This means that as your brakes wear down, they still perform well without any issues like fade or disc damage.

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5) Hawk Brake Pads

Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads are the perfect solution for drivers who want to add some excitement to their daily commute. Calling these brake pads "smooth" is an understatement—they're more like a luxury car than a set of brakes. The ceramic compound is designed to provide a long wear life and excellent stopping power in wet conditions, while the pad's top-grade materials ensure that they won't fade or discolor over time.

hawk hps brake pads by maperformance

And because these brake pads are ultra-low dust, you can rest assured that your wheels will stay cleaner and last longer. That's not all. Hawk Ceramic Brake Pads have a stable friction output—they don't wear out quickly, and they won't fade. That means you can trust them to keep your car going strong for miles and miles ahead. You can also rest assured that Hawk Ceramic Brake Pads will never rust or corrode your wheels. Why? Well, because they're made of a material that's free of iron. That makes them extremely unlikely to cause damage over time, even if you drive through salty conditions every day.

So, whether you're looking for a replacement for your factory brakes or just want to improve their performance a bit more, Hawk Performance brake pads are an ideal choice. They deliver superior braking power while also extending the life of your rotors—making them great for spirited driving!

Browse Hawk Performance brake pads

5 Best Performance Rotors

The rotors are one of the most important components, as they are responsible for stopping the wheels from turning. Performance rotors are designed to improve braking performance by helping to disperse heat and brake dust, prevent glazing of the pads, and add bite. These features can be especially beneficial in wet and dry conditions. Performance rotors are also designed to withstand high levels of stress—a typical outcome of high-performance driving —and therefore offer a longer lifespan than standard rotors. They are also available in different sizes to optimize your vehicle's performance. To help you decide which performance rotors are right for your vehicle, we've compiled a list of the best ones available today.

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1) Premium Centric Brake Rotors - Evo X Rotors

When it comes to performance-focused cars, brake rotors are a pretty big deal. They're what help you stop when you need to, and they're what keep you from crashing into other people when you don't mean to.

By now, we all know that Centric is a well-established brand known for high-quality parts and workmanship, so it makes sense that they would have some of the best brakes in the business.

But what really sets Premium Centric Brake Rotors - Evo X Rotors from any other brand is that they are made with a special manufacturing process called split-core symmetric process. This process allows the rotors to be made from a single piece of steel, which creates a stronger product that can survive even more severe conditions than other brands' brakes. It also means that there's no need for you to worry about the rotor cracking or warping over time. Further boasting electrostatic coating, these brake rotors are guaranteed to perform in any weather condition, from dry and sunny to wet and rainy. The coating protects the surface of your rotors from scratches and rust, so you can rest assured that they'll last for years without needing to be replaced.

Premium Centric Brake Rotors also features a non-directional finish that helps to reduce the amount of dust that builds up on your rotors. This means that you won't have to worry about having to clean them as often, which saves time and money in the long run!

All these amazing features, combined with mill balancing and directional vane design, ensure that these rotors are a perfect fit for your Mitsubishi Evo X.

View Premium Centric Evo kit

2) StopTech Slotted Rotors

When you're looking for the best brake rotors for your vehicle, you need to make sure that they are going to be able to withstand the heat generated by the friction of braking and provide the bite you need. If your rotors are not up to par, you could find yourself in an accident or even worse!

Stoptech slotted rotors boast a unique design that's all about improved performance. The slots on the rotor surface allow them to bite down on the pads more effectively, so you can stop quicker and stay safer. They also boast an electrostatic coating, which provides protection against rust and corrosion on the surface of the rotor.

And then there's the fact that they're made with advanced high carbon metallurgy, which means they're extremely effective at even higher temperatures than other brake rotors. This means they won't fade when you're driving through hot weather or engaging in hard braking—they'll just keep working hard for you every time.

Other features include crack resistance for maximum durability and quiet operation so you can focus on driving instead of trying to figure out whether your brakes are making noise or not!

View all StopTech rotors (includes this kit)

3) RotorPros Performance Plus Brake Rotors

When you're out on the track, every second counts. You need to be able to stop on a dime and turn it around at a moment's notice, which is why RotorPros is so much invested in developing the best brake rotors for performance cars. Their Performance Plus line of rotors are built from high-grade cast iron that's harder than other brands and provides better stopping power and fade resistance. And RotorPros Performance Plus Brake Rotors are no exception to the rule.

These rotors boast a slotted design that helps prevent pad glazing and rotor "wearing." They also boast zinc plating with custom coloring for personalization. This means that if you're looking to make your Evo X look as unique as it drives, these are a perfect choice! The corrosion-free rotor design also means that you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your rotors will last longer than ever before.

This performance brake rotor is extremely effective, and its quieter operation makes it safer for everyone on the road. Its crack resistance helps keep you safe from dangerous accidents caused by worn-out or broken parts. And finally, three patterns are available: F hook, J hook & C hook—meaning there is a pattern that will fit your needs perfectly!

View all RotorPros rotors (includes this kit)

4) Girodisc Front Slotted 2PC Rotor Set

Having performance brake rotors on your Mitsubishi Evo X is an absolute must.

ABS systems are designed to help you stop your vehicle safely—but they can only do so much. When you have a performance brake rotor, like Girodisc's Front Slotted 2pc Rotor Set, you can make sure that your car is working at its best and getting the most out of its braking power.

Performance brake rotors aren't just about boosting ABS efficiency; they're also about preventing damage to your brakes. A large part of this lies in the rotor's design. This rotor set features lightweight, high-performance cast iron discs, with a central hat made from U.S.-sourced 6061-T6 aluminum for extra strength and durability. The hub is built with Girodisc's proprietary cast iron floating mount system, which eliminates rattle and ensures smooth operation over time and miles.

The anti-noise spring washers ensure that you won't have any rattling or vibration while driving—so if you're looking for an easy way to keep your car running smoothly without having to worry about breaking down unexpectedly, then these are a great option! They come with a standard manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, so you can rest assured that your set of rotors will last as long as possible.

View all GiroDisc rotors (includes this kit)

5) DBA 4000 Series XS Rotors

When you're looking for brake rotors, it's easy to get caught up in all the different options out there. But when you're talking about performance brakes, there are a few things that are most important: thermal stability profiling, improved heat handling, and thermal stability. That's why we've developed the DBA 4000 Series XS Rotors—they have all of these features and more!

The first thing you'll notice about our new rotors is their increased thermal stability. The Thermo-Graphic paint that covers them changes color when they reach a certain temperature, so you know exactly when your brakes need to be replaced. That means no more guessing about when you need new rotors—you can just look at your car and see at a glance whether or not it needs new ones!

But even more than just knowing when to replace them, these rotors have been engineered with improved heat handling in mind. That means they'll last longer and perform better than any other rotor on the market today. And because they were designed specifically for Mitsubishi Evo Xs, there's no risk of them not fitting right into place—they'll fit perfectly right out of the box!

View all DBA rotors (includes this kit)

The Best Brake Calipers

Performance brake calipers are designed specifically for those who are looking for superior stopping power. They are made to handle the stress of high-performance driving, which makes them ideal for those who drive their vehicles frequently on the track or expressway. Performance brake calipers are also lighter than standard calipers, which reduces weight by up to 50 percent. This makes them more efficient and easier to control when stopping your vehicle at high speeds. Further enriched with features like slotted and drilled rotors, performance brake calipers are the best option for those who want to upgrade their brakes but don't want to sacrifice safety or performance.

What Are the Best Brake Caliper Brands?

Power Stop is one of the most popular brands when it comes to brake calipers, offering a wide range of products and services that are designed specifically for your vehicle. Their products offer superior durability and performance while being easy on the wallet. Power Stop offers a wide range of products, including brake rotors, calipers, and pads that are made in America using high-quality materials.

Browse Power Stop brake calipers

The Best Performance Brake Kits

When it comes to performance brakes, there is no such thing as one size fits all, although bigger is better. The best performance brake kits are designed specifically for the make and model of your car. That way, you can be sure that they will deliver the best possible performance. But what exactly do you get when you purchase a brake kit? Typically, a brake kit will include everything you need to replace your existing brakes. This can include new rotors, pads, calipers, and even fluid lines. With the right performance brake kit, you can rest assured that your car will stop on a dime - no matter what the situation may be. Performance brake kits are designed to deliver the best possible performance and can be used on a variety of different cars. However, if you want to get the most out of your kit, it's important to make sure that it fits properly before installation.

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1) STM Staging Brake Kit

If you're looking for a way to improve your Mitsubishi Evolution 7/8/9's performance, look no further than STM's Staging Brake Kit.

The kit comes with stainless steel brake lines, which are far more durable than factory lines. Plus, every necessary hardware comes packaged with the kit—so you don't have to worry about buying extra parts.

And did we mention that the kit comes with a Wilwood staging brake? This means that you get the braking power you need without having to change out your entire brake system. And, of course, if you want to upgrade your brakes, even more, Wilwood master cylinders are available separately!

STM also offers a manufacturer's warranty on this product, so you can rest assured that it will work as expected.

View STM Staging Brake Kit

2) Brembo 2 Piston Slotted Rear Big Brake Kit

Brembo is a brand that's known for its quality, and their 2 Piston Slotted Rear Big Brake Kit is no exception. This brake kit is designed to help you get the most out of your vehicle when you're on track. The kit features 2 piston GT Calipers which provide maximum braking force, plus they won't flex or slide under pressure, so you can be sure that your car will stop exactly where you want it to.

Brembo floating discs are made up of 2-piece Brembo floating discs which are cross-drilled to minimize heat-related stress, and everything is pre-assembled by the manufacturer, so all you have to do is install it yourself. If something goes wrong while you're installing this kit, Brembo has got you covered with their generous warranty!

But what does this mean for your performance? Well, if your brakes are worn out or don't have enough stopping power for your style of driving, then this might be exactly what you need! You'll be able to keep up with traffic as well as perform better at track events or races because these brakes were designed specifically with performance in mind.

View all Brembo Brakes brake kits (includes this kit)

3) AP Racing by Essex Radi-CAL Competition Front Brake Kit

AP Racing by Essex has been designing racing brakes for over 60 years, and the company's performance brake kits are the result of much research and development. The AP Racing Limited Warranty is a testament to its commitment to quality and excellence.

The AP Racing CAL Competition Front Brake Kit is designed with Finite Element Analysis (FEA), which is used to ensure that all parts of the brake system are as strong as possible while still meeting strict manufacturing tolerances. This makes them safer and more reliable than other brake systems today.

In addition, these performance brakes have massive stiffness increases of up to 30% over stock parts, which means they're able to absorb more energy even when they're pushed to their limits. They also offer superior pedal feel and modulation—which means you can decelerate more quickly without having to use as much force—in addition to enhanced airflow that leads to greater cooling ability.

All these factors combine to make an average enthusiast's grasp on their car's braking system far stronger than ever before!

View all AP Racing brake kits (includes this kit)

4) Stoptech Street Kit-Slotted Front

The Stoptech Street Kit is comprised of pre-selected components that are designed to be used together. The kit comes with OEM-sized rotors, enhanced modulation, and considerable mass reduction.

The Stoptech Street Kit has significant improvements over other kits on the market today. The vented design is engineered for faster heat dissipation, which means your brakes will stay cool even when you're driving fast in hot weather. It also makes it easier to clean your wheels because dust and dirt don't stick to the surface as much as they would if they weren't vented.

The Stoptech Street Kit also includes a set of high-performance pads that will last longer than those found in other kits on the market today. You can rest assured knowing that you won't have any problems with your brakes because they won't wear out as quickly as some other products might do over time after installation!

View all StopTech brake kits (includes this kit)

How to Buy Brake Pads and Rotors?

Now that we have covered the different types of brake pads, it is time to find out how to buy them. There are a few things you need to consider before purchasing your new set of pads and rotors, including the following:

1) Know When Brake Pads Should Be Replaced

The best time to purchase new brake pads and rotors is when you notice that the ones currently on your car are worn down. You can tell if the pads need to be replaced by looking at them and seeing how much material is left on them. Alternatively, the meter on your dashboard might also be a good indicator of when you need to get new brake pads. Professionals recommend that you get new brake pads every 30,000 miles. If you drive more than average, then you should consider getting them replaced sooner rather than later.

2) Features To Look for in Brake Pads

Not all brake pads are created equally. Some offer better performance than others, some are more durable, and some just last longer than others. If you want to make sure that you get the best brake pads for your car, then here are some features that you should look for:

Coefficient of Friction

The coefficient of friction is what determines how well a brake pad grips onto the rotor when it is being applied. This is important because it will determine how effectively the brakes can slow down your car. The higher the coefficient of friction, the better they will work.

Low Dust

Some brake pads can cause a lot of dust when they are applied. This is not good for your car because it can lead to other problems down the road (such as corrosion).

Low Noise

Some brake pads make more noise when they are being applied than others do. This is something that you definitely want to avoid, if possible, especially if you live in an area where there are lots of people around.

Maximum Operating Temperature

The maximum operating temperature of your brake pads will determine how hot they can get before they start to fail. If you have very high-performance brakes, then it is very important that you find something that can handle being used in hot weather.

3) Understand Different Types of Brake Pads

There are a lot of different types of brake pads out there, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. If you want to find the best brake pads for your car, then it is important that you know what these different types are and how they can affect your vehicle's performance.

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