Brakes · Buyer's Guide

Brake Pads

Brake pads are the friction material that squeezes against the rotor. Different compounds are designed for different uses: street pads prioritize low dust and noise, track pads prioritize maximum friction at high temperatures. Upgrading pads is the cheapest, easiest brake improvement you can make.

EBC Brakes EBC Brakes Stage 12 Redstuff Brake Rotor and Pad Kit
Featured pick: EBC Brakes EBC Brakes Stage 12 Redstuff Brake Rotor and Pad KitFrom $400.77

Recommended Picks

A starting point for your build, sorted by budget.

Best ValueMost affordable in this category
API Rear Brake Pad Set (OEF3 Ceramic)

API

Rear Brake Pad Set (OEF3 Ceramic)

$20.97
Mid-Range PickBalanced price and performance
EBC Ultimax2 Rear Brake Pads

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Ultimax2 Rear Brake Pads

$94.08
Premium PickTop-tier brand and performance
EBC Brakes EBC Brakes Stage 12 Redstuff Brake Rotor and Pad Kit

EBC Brakes

EBC Brakes Stage 12 Redstuff Brake Rotor and Pad Kit

$400.77

All Brake Pads (54)

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8. BRAKES

When to Upgrade

Stock brakes are fine for normal street driving. Upgrade when:

  • Power exceeds ~450–500 HP (heat fade becomes an issue)
  • Track or autocross use
  • Consistent hard braking / mountain driving
  • Squealing, pulsation, or extended stopping distances

Upgrade Tiers

Tier Components Cost Best For
Budget High-perf pads + slotted/drilled rotors $300–$700 Street, mild spirited driving
Mid-range Big rotor upgrade + multi-piston calipers $1,200–$2,500 Frequent track days
Full BBK Complete big brake kit (Brembo, StopTech, Alcon) $2,500–$6,000+ Serious track use

Rotor Types

  • Drilled: Better wet-weather bite, but can crack under extreme heat. Street use.
  • Slotted: Wipes debris from pad face, resists fade better. Track use.
  • Drilled + Slotted: Combo — good street/occasional track.
  • Solid performance rotors: Best thermal capacity, no weak points — pure track.

Key Brands

  • Brembo: Gold standard for big brake kits. Factory equipment on Hellcat.
  • StopTech: Excellent street/track balance. Trophy kits very popular.
  • Alcon: UK-based race brake specialists. High-end.
  • EBC Brakes: Strong pad range — GreenStuff (street), YellowStuff (sport), RedStuff (track).
  • Hawk Performance: HPS (street), HP Plus (street/track), DTC compounds (race).
  • Power Stop: Best value complete kits (rotors + pads packaged together).

Notes

  • Brembo is factory equipment on Hellcat — upgrading a Hellcat means replacing the already-upgraded factory brakes.
  • R/T and Scat Pack run smaller factory rotors — more room for upgrade.
  • Bigger rotors may require wheel offset/fitment check. Some 18" wheels won't clear large BBK calipers.

Site UX Recommendations

  • Power threshold warning: when build exceeds 450 HP → suggest brake upgrade.
  • Show rotor type explanation (drilled vs. slotted vs. solid).
  • Wheel clearance note: "Check wheel clearance before buying BBK."
APIBrake Pad Set - Rear
$24.97+
APIBrake Pad Set - Front (OEF3 Ceramic)
$27.97+
APIBrake Pad Set - Rear
$27.97+