Anybody used them on their Toy? Normally I'd just use the $30-range semi-metallics, but w/ the bigger/heavier tires, lifted geometry etc I like the idea of something a little better.
A buddy claims tehy don't work as well when "cold". Curious is anybody can back this up.

OEM baby! All the way. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The carbon metallics that you get at Autozone should be fine when cold. It's the race level pads that need warming up.

I never noticed a huge benefit from using CM pads.

The carbon metallic pads that Autozone sells are the same ones TRD sells, both made by Performance Friction.

I've used them and from personal experience, I can tell you that they suck when cold but work well when hot. For 99% of street driving your brakes are relatively cold, so you will be much happier with stock OEM pads!

If you want a higher friction pad that works well when cold or hot, look into the Hawk HPS or Raybestos BruteStop pads.

So far that's 2 "No - use Semi metallic" and 1 "maybe".
Anybody else?

Anybody actually use the Toyota (from dealer) pads? Know who the real manufacturer is?
Although if rotors cost $100 each I can't imagine whatt hey'd want just for a set of pads...

You now have another OEM vote.

I'm a member of a TLCA-affiliated club, so I buy them for a discount from the dealer. Yet another benefit of 'clubbing'.

You can always go with a larger master cylinder and larger brake booster to increase brake leverage. That's the most bang for the buck.

i use the CM pads as well theve beeen on for a year now and they dont even look like they are wearing great stopping power

i run em on my caprice and after the very 1st stop (which really isn't bad) i have no problems with em ,i say go for it .semi mettalic is junk ,so unless you want to buy rotors before your next set of pads don't get semi's.

Depends on usage. OEMs for a daily driver. Me, who rebuilds and drives 50 times a year, maybe to help someone move; you'ld probably get by with going on eBay and finding a set of new pads (and shoes) for .99 and hopefully get 'em for that. They were labeled "organic" and about anything was better that what was found in this sitter when I towed it home. Turned the rotors for $20 and ended up paying less than $50 for new all around, but like I said, I'm gonna drive it very little. You are you! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Carbon metallic-great stopping when your on the pedal,cold stop,give yourself some room.Also leaves black dust,but they wear foreever.Just chnged a set after 60k.Ceramic seems to be the new wave of future.First stop is just as bad,but they feel good after car is warm and no dusting.I have used OEM and semi metallic,got tired of noise from both of them.Carbon and ceramic are noiseless,although I think I have some groan from ceramic when slowly coming to stop[but might be something else,i have been to busy to check it out]but no annoying sqeauk or squeal