My first post isn't showing, so I'm trying again...

I'd like a brake pad upgrade to shorten stopping distances as well as reduce pedal effort. I don't mind a little brake dust or even a little squealing, but cost is a factor as is performance and durability.

Is there a Honda brake upgrade? HFP?

 

Hawk HPS....

 

ditto, had them on my last wrx with SS lines and ATE Super Blue fluid. Nice upgrade!

 

I was doing some surfing around last night and not even finding any information as to whether the '09 Fits use the same brakes (disc/drum) as the earlier Fits. Anyone know?

I have had very good luck with EBC Green and Red, and they are relatively inexpensive, too. The Greens dust a bit, but have the friction to stop sticky tires even when they're cold. The Reds can have a tiny squealing, but much less dusting than stock. Also, the Reds work good cold, but not as good as Greens. Both are pretty linear with temperature. They also make a new Yellow which I've seen getting some good comments among track junkies used to using Pagids, but I will probably use Greens. EBC also has a new Ultimate pad or something which might be half good. It is dirt cheap. I will be putting on some max performance tires soon, so I'll see if the stock brakes/pads are up to the task.

 

I know in Japan.. the Brake Pads for the front have changed over the previous model GD chassis.... they actually call for a pad that crosses with the DA/DC/EF/EG that used the 10.2 front disc rotor... not too ssure what the states has.. if someone can get me a part # for the brake caliper used on the USDM model.. I can get you the brake pad you need to use up front... and as for the rear drum... it`s the same as the GD fit..

 

You aren't going to shorten stopping distance with a more aggressive front brake pad. Without a corresponding increase in rear brake torque, a more aggressive front pad may actually result in worse panic stop distance, since you will saturate the front tires before the rear tires and engage ABS earlier.

The limitation here is the grip between the tires and the road. If you want to make a huge improvement in panic-stop distance, then swap out your all-season tires for summer-only maximum performance tires, such as Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 or Michelin Pilot Sport 2.

Under repeated heavy braking, a more aggressive brake pad with a higher maximum operating temperature can shorten stopping distances, compared with the stock brake pads that would otherwise be fade limited. However, there is no advantage in single-stop panic braking distance by installing aftermarket front brake pads. If your goal is to shorten panic stop distances, you should look to different tires.

 

Excellent commentary, and I'm not finding anyone listing aftermarket shoes!

 

Yes, I was kinda aware of this, as I am considering 205/50/16 summer tires. If I don't upgrade the tires, at least I'll have more friction during braking, so it's still worth it.

Thanks all for the input.

 

Thanks.

Would it makes sense in my case to even bother with the rear drum?

 

I generally try to increase rear brake bias, if practical--sometimes swapping out brakes entirely. You can get some measurable improvements, and DZeckhausen is right on the button about bias and ABS. For the Fit, I don't think I'll go to extremes of changing brakes (unless I get some solid JDM disc brake retrofit info), but I would strongly prefer to match any friction coefficient changes front and rear.

On our last Honda, with sticky tires, you could not lock the tires unless you literally stood on the brakes. With the higher friction compound EBC Green (mu = 0.55), it was much easier to modulate, but it had front and rear disc brakes, and fitting EBC Greens all around was no problem.

CrystalFiveMT, if you wait a week or two, I can give you my impressions of the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s -- what a ridiculous name -- I have to look it up every time

 

Thanks. Look forward to it.