when you replace the pads it is necessary to replace the rotors? how do you know -i was told my pads are 25% - also where do you recommend to buy these parts? this is my first go round with these - any info will be great, thanks, larry

 

not necessarily. i'd recommend either suncoast porsche in Fla (a board sponsor) or jeff at sunset porsche in oregon.

 

not really. usually rotors last twice long as the pads. depends on how hard u drive though.

 

How many miles do the front brake pads last?

 

You can see how much pad is left without even taking off the rims. if you are down to 3mm of pads left, you are close to getting a new set. By 2mm, you should change ASAP.

If you like the OEM setup, get the OEM pads from your dealer. You don't need to change rotors unless they are too thin or warped (you get a vibration when braking).

 

Depends on how you drive and how you use your brakes. I know some people go through brakes in less than 20,000 miles. You should be able to get 40,000 miles on you street driven Porsche. I currently have 45,000 miles on mine with about 30% left. No track. Your mileage will probably be less with a TIP.

I will be replacing them with orginal Porsche pads when needed because I am very happy with the stock performance.

 

OEM pads are perfectly fine, even at the track.

 

I just saw the Car and Driver long term test results for a 2003 C4S, and one of the comments they made (given that they track the car and have run it through the ringer hard) was to do with the longevity of the brakes (pads and rotors alike)

I drive (and more importantly) brake pretty hard, and with 20k miles and 9 hours cumulative track time, the pads are at about 80%, and the rotors have plenty of life left in them.

C&D also got a 4.5 0-60, and a 13 flat in the 1/4 @108, which made me feel good. They abuse the clutch so I don't have to.

And I'll second (or third) the endorsement of the stock pads. You have to go long and hard to outdo the stock braking system.

 

I used to run stock pads on the track all the time, and I had excellent wear on them. But, compared to Pagid Orange pads there is a huuuuge difference in stopping force, and vary little fade with the Pagids. The main problem with the Pagids, being a race pad, the will sqeal a lot on the street ( sounds like a dump truck).