[G2Turbo]

A couple months back I posted information about upgrading the brakes. As you might know, not much is available in the market performance related.

To add some context I am used to high end European cars, which have great power and don't warp the rotors. The pedal modulation really aids in feeling what the tires are doing, too. My standards are very high, and with the amazing density of poor drivers on the roads nowadays (If you're 30+ you'll relate), extra stopping/slowing ability is helpful, to say the least.

I've had a few near panic stops in the Ridgeline at highway speeds-thanks to "rubber neckers" and the sort stopping to watch the carnage, or just due to poor traffic flow. Under heavy braking the pedal becomes a bit soft and vague. The feeling leaves me to think I'm running out of brakes. Granted for a truck, these things stop great.

Also, the brakes warped a bit, which was remedied by the dealer. Now less than 3K miles later I can feel it returning. Quite annoying. We lightly use the brakes, and don't tow much other than a 1,000lb utility trailer on occasion.

It was apparent to me that better brakes were on my 'to-do' list. There wasn't anything available that appealed to me. Having used EBC brakes for years I thought of them for a trust worthy source.

Anyway, this post is a follow up.

After months of waiting the new specially made "yellow" pads finally arrived. These are the first set into the US. I orderd them from a retailer but they were 'back ordered'. Apparently they were not yet made.

It took a lot of effort on their behalf. The president got involved and coordinated this mini-project. For example the backing plates are made in Canada, then shipped to the UK for the next steps. Keep in mind EBC is HUGE, and at first i really though this guy was pulling my leg. Turns out I was quite wrong.

They even provided rear pads too. I have full set for all wheels. I'll be using EBC front rotors and the stock rear rotors. Depending on how they look I'll have them turned for a new surface. EBC does seems to allow unfinished rotors to be used with their special brake in surface treatment.

I am not sure when these pads will be officially offered. I may be able to add some sway since communicating so much with EBC. The owner/president seems to enjoy engaging me in emails.

At this point I'll try to post some pictures to start with. This weekend is packed full but will get to changing them soon and documenting it with pictures. It should be easy as the rotors are floating types, unlike a normal 4x4 with locking hubs, and will come right off.

I'll try to post some pictures of what they look like.

I'd like to test the stock brakes from a couple different speeds to see if there's any improvement. I'm hoping for maybe 5%-10% shorter distances from at least 60mph. If the pedal feel is better, and rotors don't warp so easily, I'll call it a success- stopping 'faster' will be a success.

Anyone want to temporarily donate a G-Tech Pro or similar in the name of scientific testing?

Note: The black finish is not paint ( ) on the rotors. It is embedded into the metal, like an oxide or other industrial coating such as nickel cadmium.

The Big pads are for the front, and smaller ones for the rear.