There are plenty of good pads out there, but I believe the reason so many folks have gravitated to the BrakeMan's and the EBC pads is economics and performance. Hawk Blues will stop very well, but time has shown that as you get faster they seem to wear the heck out of rotors, and they don't have as progressive a feel as some of the others. The BrakeMan pads have a smooth, linear feel, are easier on rotors than most pads, and they make a pad for the rear
calipers of the 2001-2002s. Cost is important, but it also is key in how long the rotors last, and though a pad may last a long time, if it destroys rotors, many drivers would prefer to change pads more often , than go to the expense of frequent rotor replacement. The EBC pads showed alot of promise with their Blue and Yellow series , which drivers started trying 6 months ago. Unlike Mr. National Champion, Tom Glenn, very view folks have had good luck with green pads in the rear ( in fact EBC recommends no track usage ), but then Tommy is alot smoother than many drivers on the Viper Days curcuit. I have had great luck with both pads , whereas I found the Hawk Blues to be very abrasive on the rotors. The initial clamping force of the Hawk is tremendous, though I prefer a much more progressive pad for trailbraking. Driving style often dictates the pads one uses, and the choice for most drivers running in Viper Days, seems to be primarily among the three listed below.
1. BrakeMan - medium price , very progressive pad, and available for rear fitment on 2001-2002s.Sizes for StopTech BigBrake System
2. EBC - medium to low price, both Yellow and Blues good for the fronts, and Reds or Yellows good for the rears. Did not have rear pads for 2001-2002s recently.Fits stock systems only, at present.
3. Pagid -- very expensive, but very long lasting and in various sizes. Used by alot of the wheel to wheel competitors, and somewhat hard to get at times for stock vehicles. Available through StopTech Brake company.
Hawks and PFC, though well known , are not used nearly as much , as they are perceived by many as being ******* rotors as speed increases. Many drivers do like the Hawk instant clamping force, but this also makes the car harder to modulate brake pressure,which is very important on the old,prone to front wheel lock-up, non-ABS cars. As stated before, driver preference is the most important key, and these are my personal observations , only.
