Hawk's Performance Ceramic compound, which the manufacturer codes "Z," is aimed at owners who want quiet, low-dust street braking from a GT-R's rear brakes. The manufacturer lists a 100-450°F optimal temperature range and a 100-650°F operating range, and describes stable friction output and improved stopping power. All Hawk Performance compounds, this one included, are not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors, and Hawk pads are designed to work with iron/metal rotors.
The case for this pad over a stock or budget rear set rests on the compound itself. The manufacturer describes it as extremely quiet and ultra-low dust, and gentle on rotors for extended pad life. Fitment deserves careful checking. Compatibility listings for this MPN disagree on model years and trims across the GT-R lineup, and the product name points to 2009-2011 applications, so confirm against your VIN and with the manufacturer before ordering. Shoppers searching for R35 GT-R rear ceramic pads, Hawk Z-code street pads, or a quiet daily-driver GT-R brake upgrade are the intended audience.
Because the GT-R rear caliper has to come off for a pad change, plan for a moderate job rather than a quick swap. Proper break-in matters as much as the install: the manufacturer's bed-in routine calls for 6-10 stops from roughly 30-35 MPH at moderate pressure, followed by 2-3 hard stops from about 40-45 MPH, without dragging the brakes. Pads should be bedded against clean rotors, since new pads on used rotors need attention before bedding-in is attempted.
Owners on user forums report that a new pad set can usually go in without bleeding the lines, provided the caliper pistons are pushed back slowly so brake fluid does not overflow the reservoir.
No. The manufacturer states that its compounds are not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors and that its pads are designed for iron/metal rotors.
The manufacturer recommends 6-10 moderate stops from about 30-35 MPH, then 2-3 hard stops from about 40-45 MPH, without dragging the brakes. Allow about 15 minutes for the system to cool before normal driving.
Compatibility information for this MPN varies by source. Confirm your year, trim, and brake package with the manufacturer or by VIN before ordering.
Owners on user forums describe GT-R brake work as a simple procedure for anyone with basic knowledge, and a pin punch and small hammer are the usual tools for driving out the caliper pins. Be careful not to ding the caliper while punching the pins out. Before pushing the pistons back, check that the brake fluid reservoir is not full, because pushing the pads back too far can overflow the brake fluid reservoir. Tighten the caliper bolts to the vehicle manufacturer's specification, and follow the bed-in steps above before any hard braking.
