EBC's Yellowstuff is a front pad built on an aramid-fibre friction compound, aimed at fast road driving with occasional light-track use. The pad surface carries a brake-in coating meant to speed seating against the rotor, and the compound is designed to bite from cold while holding grip as heat builds on a hard run.
Compared with stock Vanquish pads, the reason to buy is a firmer, more progressive pedal feel when the brakes are worked hard. The pads are also rated for high operating temperatures, which matters on a heavy grand tourer that gets used on mountain roads or at a track day. The trade-off is a longer bedding process than street pads need, and EBC's guidance for this compound is stricter for track use than for everyday driving. Friction-level figures differ between sources, so confirm specs with the manufacturer before relying on one number. Search terms: EBC DP4042R, Vanquish 5.9 front track pads, Yellowstuff aramid brake pads, Vanquish S front pads.
The application is listed for the AP caliper version, but caliper type varies by year and model in the sources I could check. User forums report AP Racing calipers on some Vanquish S models. Confirm your caliper type against the manufacturer's application data before ordering.
Yes. The manufacturer's bedding guidance for Yellowstuff calls for Fade 1 and Fade 2 procedures, with Fade 3 optional if the pads will see track use. The manufacturer also advises against coming to a complete stop while the brakes are hot, unless in an emergency.
This is a front-axle pad swap, so it suits a home mechanic who is comfortable with caliper removal and reassembly. Check your caliper type and the included hardware before you start, and follow the vehicle service manual for caliper bolt torque. Do not sand or scotch-brite the pads to speed up bedding, since owners on user forums report that this leaves the pads off-flat and the brakes feel dull for hundreds of miles. Instead, follow the staged bedding routine above, and avoid heavy braking during the first 100 miles of street use.
