I will be doing rotor and pad replacements in May on my '01 and wanted feedback on these ceramic pads. They are only made for the front (P# ACT841), but the company powdercoats the backing plate for improved vibration resistance... and good looks. They are also reasonable in price ($66 at rockauto.com) and claim to be rotor friendly. These pads can be found at
http://www.akebonobrakes.com/afterma...ads/index.html and are also known as the ProACT brand.
The PT takes 841 front pads and 759 on the rear. I will need suggestions on rear P#s for other brands. I want to give ProACT a try. They will be mated with black-plated, drilled and slotted rotors from Japan.
MX-5: You have mentioned NAPA ceramics, but they are $88 and they too do not have an accompanying backend pad set. What do you recommend for the rear? I'm aware the rear brakes only do about 30% of the braking, so are ceramics still the best choice there?
I also see many folks have the Wagner MX-841 ThermoQuiet (not ceramic, but has matching MX-759 rear pads) and Raybestos QuietStop PGD841QS (front only). While quiet operation, dusting & rotor wear are all issues, what about recovery time when you "get on them"? I don't think I need a Hawk or EBC or Axxis pad at this point, however I will be doing some more intense braking from time to time.