Sourcing performance brake pads for a 230SL (Girling calipers)

[[CatchMe]]

Hi all

As above, I'm seeking some performance pads for my 230SL in readiness for a road rally later in the year.

Can anyone recommend a quality, high performance pad for the Girling caliper, and a supplier?

Sourcing quality pads for the early calipers seems difficult and I currently run some economy pads from RockAuto - that while "fine" are not suited to multiple, heavy braking applications.

Thanks
Sanjay

[Shvegel]

Sanjay,
I would consider the factory Mercedes pads.  They are designed to stop well hot or cold as well as wet or dry.  More important than pads is making sure your brake fluid is renewed.  Even a small amount of moisture can drastically alter the boiling point of the fluid.  I have seen more than one car go off road do to brake fluid boiling.  ATE Super Gold if it is still available would be my choice.  They also Make a Super Blue so you can alternate colors and make sure you get a complete change of fluid but if you are into correct looks the blue fluid doesn't look right.

[hauser]

Performance Pads

http://www.ctbrakes.com/

[Shvegel]

I would read these and form your own opinion as to the knowledge level of the guys listed above.  Of particular interest is their opinions on what brake pads are made of and how Carbide cutting tools are formed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_pad

http://todaysmachiningworld.com/magazine/how-it-works-making-tungsten-carbide-cutting-tools/

I will offer one more piece of advice.  A brake pad is only as good as the bond between the steel backing and the pad material.  Lose the bond and you can lose the pad or worse the brakes.  Personally I would feel better trusting someone who has the research department to support the manufacturer of literally millions of brake pads.

[[CatchMe]]

Hi all, I thought it might be helpful to close out this thread for anyone who might be facing the same dilemma.

I discovered Jaguar and Aston ran same the size pads and that high(er) performance compounds were available. I ran the Mintex MGB522-M1144 pads from Merlin Motorsport and they were perfect for fast road / light rally and hillclimb use. Industrial Friction in the UK were also very helpful and, in addition to the Mintex pads, had alternatives including the EBC Yellowstuff and Ferodo DS2500.

[Tyler S]

Sanjay, For future reference there is a guy in your neck of the woods that carries quite a bit of stock for our cars.

https://www.mcstarparts.com/

[Ulf]

I believe that Aston Martin DB 4/5 used the same pads, that might be the way to go https://www.mintexclassic.com/product/aston-martin-db4-gt-front-pads/

:-)

[Infanterene]

Hi all, I thought it might be helpful to close out this thread for anyone who might be facing the same dilemma.

I discovered Jaguar and Aston ran same the size pads and that high(er) performance compounds were available. I ran the Mintex MGB522-M1144 pads from Merlin Motorsport and they were perfect for fast road / light rally and hillclimb use. Industrial Friction in the UK were also very helpful and, in addition to the Mintex pads, had alternatives including the EBC Yellowstuff and Ferodo DS2500.

Thank you for researching this. Are you changing springs too?