Guys,
Thanks for the prompt and informative responses to my brake pad questions.
The parts reference link that Sci-Fi posted was excellent! Definitely something to bookmark for future use. The content dividers are a nice touch, too.
Gunner, thanks for posting your specific experience about the big dust reduction for the Akebonos wrt the OEM pads. That is the main thing I am looking for. In general, it is my understanding that the ceramic pads don't give any performance advantages and may actually fade more quickly under harsh (mountains or racing) conditions. I think they are offered mainly to reduce dusting.
All, take a look at this thread from Feb/March 2004 -- the GT front pads are actually a bit different from the normally aspirated ones. Look at MX5's post in this thread for details:
http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/forum/...rchTerms=brake
The description in the above thread is a little unclear, but it appears that the GT front pads may be 5mm thicker than the n/a pads. Since Gunner was able to use the Akebono ACT841 pads with his GT, the shape, length and width of the n/a front pads must be very similar to the GT's front pads.
Gunner or anyone using Akebono front pads on a GT, can you verify that ACT841 was the part number you used?
I have tried both the Mintex pads and the PBR/Axxis MetalMaster pads on the GT front pads. They both offer some reduction in dusting, but neither set is really dust free, so I am still searching.
Steve