[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by LateBrakeU2

I think they give you less. This was an anamoly for the SS1LE guys as GM got caught out with the two states mandating them and they just opted to upgrade to the top shelf hardware. What a gift and in short time will be seen as a rare gift for the SS crowd fitted with them.

Some folks got lucky indeed, assuming one can actually get non-copper free replacements from Brembo or another high quality source with the exact same dimensions.

[cdb95z28]

We are early in the process of these copper frees. It is my hope that Ferodo will step up to the plate and offer some of their material in the correct pad shape. I'm going to try a few different things but it may be some time before I can give feedback. I will say though, with the right pad, they are going to feel amazing.

If we look at the actual SAE Standard J866 friction codes of the BCDs and the Ferodo HP1000, the BCD actually has a higher mu code (GG) vs the HP1000 (FF) at both the low temp and medium temp that the codes represent (200-650F). But these codes do not represent the higher temps seen on track.

[Mountain]

Originally Posted by cdb95z28

I wonder if it was just a pad change with no other changes to the system. GM in part increased the rotor diameter to help with the brake torque. A larger diameter rotor with the caliper further from the axle centerline will create more brake torque.

You can only go so wide of a rotor, as you are constrained by pad thickness and the “street” Brembo calipers. So, you are forced to go with increased rotor diameter to gain thermal mass. Thermal mass is the main concern with the copper-free pad switch. Brake rotor and caliper temps. Increased diameter doesn’t significantly impact brake torque. The hydraulic system does A LOT more there (piston sizes for the master and calipers).

[cdb95z28]

About 2 weeks ago I put the ZL1 HP1000 pads on my BCD SS 1LE. There was improvement over the copper free pads. I immediately felt better initial bite, a more firm pedal and better friction. I did a track day on Monday and a TNIA yesterday with the HP1000s and they have a better friction curve than the copper free pads. The friction did not fall off like the copper free pads. The ABS was happy. GM was forced to make this change to develop the copper free system. They did pretty darn good with the options they had. I never had any problems on track with the copper free pads, I just wanted a certain feel more than anything. Some drivers might not care or even notice the copper free performance difference. Especially if they had never driven a Gen5/6/Corvette with the HP1000s or a race pad. I drove 5 years or so with ST43s on my Gen5 1LE, so I was spoiled.

YMMV on the HP1000 swap. This does not come without risk. As noted in my previous posts in this thread there is a difference in the annulus between the copper free and HP1000 front pads. The resulting larger cold ring may create stress at the rotor due to the temperature gradient. This would be an even greater concern with something more aggressive then the HP1000s. I will monitor my rotors. But as it stands right now. I found my pad of choice for my style and track (Pitt Race). The HP1000s had zero issues and look to be wearing better than the copper free pads.

If Ferodo could just come out with the correct pad shape in the DS2500 and DS1.11, that would be perfect.