Hawk Performance offers a range of brake pad compounds for the Nissan 370Z with Akebono brakes.

Choosing the right pad depends on your driving style, whether it's daily driving, spirited road use, or dedicated track time. Below is a breakdown of Hawk's compounds to help you make an informed decision.

A. Road-only brake pads

For daily driving and spirited road use, these pads provide good stopping power, comfort, and low dust production while being gentle on rotors.

HPS 5.0 (HB601B.626 Front | HB602B.545 Rear)

• Aggressive torque
• Smooth and predictable control
• Excellent pad and rotor life
• Designed for high deceleration rates

HPS (HB601F.626 Front | HB602F.545 Rear)

• Smooth braking feel
• Great for spirited driving
• Extended pad and rotor life
• Improved stopping power

Performance Ceramic (HB601Z.626 Front | HB602Z.545 Rear)

• Extremely quiet operation
• Ultra-low dust output
• Gentle on rotors for extended lifespan
• Stable friction output

If you drive your 370z primarily on the road and want a balance between performance, comfort and longevity, the HPS 5.0 is the best option. The Performance Ceramic pads prioritise low dust and quiet operation but with a trade-off in outright performance.

B. Track-only brake pads

These pads are designed for high-performance use in motorsport and track day environments. They offer high friction, fade resistance, and excellent modulation but are not ideal for daily driving due to increased rotor wear, noise and dust.

ER-1 (HB601D.626 Front | HB602D.545 Rear)

• Consistent medium-to-high friction
• Emphasis on modulation, release, and pedal feedback
• Designed for HPDE, track days, and time trials

DTC-60 (HB601G.626 Front | HB602G.545 Rear)

• Superior release and torque control
• Very low abrasive rotor wear
• Popular in high-performance motorsport applications

DTC-70 (HB601U.626 Front | HB602U.545 Rear)

• High-torque compound for extreme braking conditions
• Excellent modulation and release characteristics
• Used in professional motorsport applications

DTC-30 (HB601W.626 Front | HB602W.545 Rear)

• Smooth, consistent braking
• Good cold effectiveness

HP+ (HB601N.626 Front | HB602N.545 Rear)

• Low to mid-temperature range
• Fade resistant
• Ideal for autocross

For pure track use, DTC-60 or DTC-70 are the best choices. ER-1 is a strong option for track days and time trials with good longevity.

C. Best dual-purpose (Fast road & track) brake pads

If you want a pad that can handle both road and track use, without excessive rotor wear or noise, HP+ is the best compromise. It provides strong braking performance for aggressive driving and occasional track days while still being usable on the road.

Recommended combination for mixed driving:

Front: HP+ (HB601N.626)

Rear: HP+ (HB602N.545)

This setup provides predictable torque, fade resistance, and solid performance without being overly aggressive for street use.

Choosing the right Hawk Performance brake pads for your 370Z with Akebono brakes depends on how you use your car. Road-only drivers should opt for HPS 5.0 or Performance Ceramic, while track-focused users will benefit from DTC-60 or DTC-70. If you need a pad that works well on both the street and track, HP+ is the best all-around option.

Need help selecting the right pads for your setup? Contact us for expert advice and recommendations!