The Hawk HPS is a street-oriented rear pad built on Hawk's High Performance Street compound, aimed at owners who want more stopping performance than stock pads without a race-pad noise and dust penalty. The manufacturer describes HPS as a compound that cuts fade and dust while giving a smooth, durable pedal feel. The manufacturer lists an operating range of 100-700 F, with a 100-500 F optimal temperature range. That makes it a good fit for spirited canyon runs and occasional autocross, though Hawk does not position it as a full race pad. Because the manufacturer states Hawk pads are designed to work with Iron/Metal rotors, pair it with iron rotors, not carbon-ceramic. Owners on user forums who ran HPS pads on other performance cars report they are quiet on the street, though they can still squeak under some conditions.
Corvette-specific fitment is the detail to verify before ordering. Sources disagree on which C5 and Z06 years are covered, so confirm the application with the manufacturer against your VIN and caliper type. Rear pad changes on the C5 are a manageable driveway job. The usual approach is to remove the caliper's bolt, swing the caliper aside on a wire or bungee support without disconnecting the brake hose, swap the pads, and compress the piston with a C-clamp. Owners on user forums recommend a 15mm socket and a 16mm open-end wrench for the rear caliper bolts. Check the brake fluid level after you finish, and follow Hawk's break-in guidance. Search terms: Corvette C5 Z06 rear HPS brake pads, HB248F.650 install, low dust street pad, Hawk HPS C5 rear pad upgrade.
No. The manufacturer states that Hawk pads are designed for iron or metal rotors and are not compatible with carbon-ceramic rotors.
Sources disagree on Z06 coverage across model years, so the manufacturer should be contacted with your VIN before purchase. Owners on user forums have reported that these pads fit C5 applications.
Rear pad replacement on a C5 is a moderate DIY job for someone comfortable with basic brakes. Owners on user forums typically use a 15mm socket and a 16mm open-end wrench on the rear caliper bolts, plus a C-clamp and screwdrivers. Remove the caliper bolt, swing the caliper out of the way, swap the pads, then reseat the caliper and compress the piston as needed. Keep tension off the flexible brake hose and do not disconnect it, or you will need to bleed the system. Check the brake fluid level when you finish, and follow Hawk's break-in guidance before hard stops.
