Aftermarket pads for Caprice that are as close as possible to genuine?

I've found that I prefer the genuine brake pads for my Caprice, over the Bendix pads that my mechanic was using. (I don't know which particular Bendix pads he was using, and neither does he!). The things I don't like about the Bendix pads are a) the pads sort of "grab" on to the discs, and make a bit of a clunk or "groan" when I lift off the brake pedal - the genuine ones don't do that, and b) far less dusting with the genuines.

What aftermarket pads would have the closest composition to the Holden pads?

Bendix are pretty poor performers in my experience. Most people recommend the QFM HPX or A1RM pads. That's what I use and they have been great. HPX is the standard type while A1RM are more performance types.

Just buy the Genuine Holden pads if you like them so much, and if its just for everyday cruising around in your Caprice.

On the other hand, if you want Simply Awesome initial bite, stop on a dime, work from cold, performance street pads, you can't beat the A1RM's, they are awesome and quite cheap too.

But.... all the A1RM's Awesomeness comes at a price... high rotor wear, and the odd bit of a very high pitch squeal when coming to a very light stop from like 25km/h, with very light pedal pressure.

Press a tiny bit harder and the squeal goes away.

I run the A1RM's in my daily driver, I don't care about the rotor wear as the initial bite from these pads is unbeatable, compared to all the other types I've run over the years.

Bendix Ultimate's, steer 100% clear of them, useless... all they do is make ridiculous amounts of dust...

... QFM HPX would be my recommendation

better than OEM but not as hard on rotors as the other 'track use A1RM' QFM pads

Yes, just using the Holden pads is definitely a solution, but if I find another type that I like and is appreciably cheaper, I'd switch. Re QFM, even the HPX appear to be performance pads - could I try their Premium or EuroTech, given that most of my driving is very sedate and in the city?

Dont know about other people but I've been quite happy with EBC Redstuffs on my VZ Thunder

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Originally Posted by Smitty

... QFM HPX would be my recommendation

better than OEM but not as hard on rotors as the other 'track use A1RM' QFM pads

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These are next on my list to try one day :)

I second that EBC REDSTUFF. I have them on my vz clubsport and my wife's adventra now. There the best ones i ever had heaps better braking so much less brake fade especially on the heavy adventra and a lot less brake dust.

I have also used Green Stuff (street pad) on my daily in the past, pretty good improvement over OEM for sure, very slight increase in rotor wear (minimal, be none if your just cruising around) and they are the cleanest pad I have ever used bar none!!!... Extremely little dust... These would be a good option for your just cruising around requirements...

I have also used Yellow Stuff (streetable track day pad) on another daily S14a 200sx, high rotor wear, and medium to high dust, increased performance over Green.

A1RM's as I said unbeatable on street, best initial bite from cold, heaps better than Green / Yellow on street, night and day difference, Cheaper!!!... than Green/Yellow, but... high rotor wear, medium dust...

Haven't used QFM HPX, these are one step down from A1RM's from memory.

Just call up QFM, and ask what they recommend for your requirements...

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Originally Posted by skip100

Yes, just using the Holden pads is definitely a solution, but if I find another type that I like and is appreciably cheaper, I'd switch. Re QFM, even the HPX appear to be performance pads - could I try their Premium or EuroTech, given that most of my driving is very sedate and in the city?

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Let's patch this up right now....HPX is NOT a performance pad. Do some reading.

JJW