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.
Recommended Picks
A starting point for your build, sorted by budget.
All Brake Pads (6)
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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."