Recommended brake pads for 1990 300zx N/A?

[BrianZ32]

Hello forum, here i am with another search for advice

Its time for a brake change, and not just my brake pads but rotors as well. I have not changed them while my 300ZX has been in my possession for exactly a year now, and my brakes are extremely loud and annoying. Im a college student so im looking for something not too expensive but quality. I was looking into Hawk HPS but i read mixed reviews that they are dusty and squeeky. I hear decent reviews on Wagner Perfect Stop so im leaning more towards them because they are cheaper and seem better bang for buck. But this is why i am asking you guys. What can i get thats good quality, or atleast good enough, for my Z. I am not Turbo (sadly) and i dont hit the track or race, strictly for street use. Was looking at spending around $200 for everything which may seem like very little to most people but again, college problems.

[rgregoryb]

I installed Stop Tech pads and Stop Tech high carbon rotors, what a difference it made. I think I got the pads through Amazon and rotors through Summit Racing

[DCaff300ZX]

Although the stoptech's are nice, our college friend here would not have the capitol for that venture.

First off, two ways to go- add more aggressive pads to your existing system, with the cost of greater wear for the rotor over OEM. Pros are cost and performance, cons some noise and the wear. Best for just wanting a "little more" stopping power and with an existing well-maintained system.
Second way is upgraded calipers and rotors, definitely not going to happen with a $200 budget so we'll stop there.
My Z guy swears the 1991-1996 Z32 30mm brakes are fine for the car up to racing, and even then with correct pads and high temp fluid...and he convinced me to go with some relatively inexpensive semi-metallic pads (sorry, not sure what brand) to go with my GTR brakes (very minor upgrade over Z32 OEM) and I have been VERY satisfied. They also are not noisy at all and so to me, they act just like OEM but actually stop quickly EVERY time...I recommend you go this route especially considering your budget.

[BrianZ32]

Although the stoptech's are nice, our college friend here would not have the capitol for that venture.

First off, two ways to go- add more aggressive pads to your existing system, with the cost of greater wear for the rotor over OEM. Pros are cost and performance, cons some noise and the wear. Best for just wanting a "little more" stopping power and with an existing well-maintained system.
Second way is upgraded calipers and rotors, definitely not going to happen with a $200 budget so we'll stop there.
My Z guy swears the 1991-1996 Z32 30mm brakes are fine for the car up to racing, and even then with correct pads and high temp fluid...and he convinced me to go with some relatively inexpensive semi-metallic pads (sorry, not sure what brand) to go with my GTR brakes (very minor upgrade over Z32 OEM) and I have been VERY satisfied. They also are not noisy at all and so to me, they act just like OEM but actually stop quickly EVERY time...I recommend you go this route especially considering your budget.

A little confused on what your recommendation was lol sorry. But so you simply recommend replacing the brake pads? what was the alternative

[NolimitZ32]

Any NHTSA approved semi-metallic pads will do. Given the opportunity spend as much as you can on the rotors and stay away from anything drilled or slotted in your price range.

[BrianZ32]

Any NHTSA approved semi-metallic pads will do. Given the opportunity spend as much as you can on the rotors and stay away from anything drilled or slotted in your price range.

Semi-metallic? I heard ceramic would be better regardless that OEM or semi-metallic

[NolimitZ32]

Better is relative, for street duty on a budget I would argue that semi-metallics are better because they are cheaper than cermaics and therefore give you more bang for your buck, full ceramic and carbon compounds are used in racing because semi-metallics can't stand up to the heat cycling abuse of the track although the SMs generally have a stronger initial bite, if this is for a daily driver SMs are just fine, especially if you are on a budget, if you can find comparable quality ceramics for a comparable price then by all means jump on it but as I said above, better rotors are much more important than crazy bad a** pads when it comes to street duty if for no other reason than longevity. Mind you this is assuming you drive like a human being on city roads with school zones and other drivers.

[DCaff300ZX]

Although the stoptech's are nice, our college friend here would not have the capitol for that venture.

First off, two ways to go- add more aggressive pads to your existing system, with the cost of greater wear for the rotor over OEM. Pros are cost and performance, cons some noise and the wear. Best for just wanting a "little more" stopping power and with an existing well-maintained system.
Second way is upgraded calipers and rotors, definitely not going to happen with a $200 budget so we'll stop there.
My Z guy swears the 1991-1996 Z32 30mm brakes are fine for the car up to racing, and even then with correct pads and high temp fluid...and he convinced me to go with some relatively inexpensive semi-metallic pads (sorry, not sure what brand) to go with my GTR brakes (very minor upgrade over Z32 OEM) and I have been VERY satisfied. They also are not noisy at all and so to me, they act just like OEM but actually stop quickly EVERY time...I recommend you go this route especially considering your budget.

A little confused on what your recommendation was lol sorry. But so you simply recommend replacing the brake pads? what was the alternative

Correct, simple brake pad changes will most likely get you what you need, and for the best costs.
Everything NoLimit said applies as he said it, I agree completely with his thinking and have done so with my own 400+hp car.