5 Top Power Stop Brake Pads for Your Hellcat: Unleash Stopping Power
Got a Dodge Hellcat? Then you know all about raw power and blistering speed. But what goes fast must also stop even faster! That’s where top-notch braking performance comes in, and for many Hellcat owners, Power Stop brake pads are a go-to choice. They’re engineered to handle the serious demands of high-horsepower beasts, giving you the confidence to rein in all that muscle.
Choosing the right brake pads isn’t just about stopping; it’s about control, durability, and even reducing that annoying brake dust. We’re diving into some of the best Power Stop brake pads Hellcat owners frequently turn to, helping you find the perfect match for your driving style and needs.
Why Choose Power Stop for Your Hellcat?
Power Stop has carved out a solid reputation in the performance braking world, and for good reason. They specialize in application-specific formulas, meaning their pads aren’t just generic; they’re designed for the unique demands of vehicles like your Hellcat. Their Z26 and Z36 lines, in particular, use carbon-fiber ceramic compounds that offer superior heat dissipation, less fade, and impressive stopping power compared to standard pads. Plus, many of their kits come with everything you need for a hassle-free install, from hardware to lubricants.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top picks.
Our Top 5 Power Stop Brake Pads for Hellcat Reviews
Here are our picks for excellent Power Stop brake pads Hellcat owners should consider:
Power Stop Front Ceramic Brake Pads for 2016-2019 Cadillac… (Z26 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic)
These Z26 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic brake pads from Power Stop are a fantastic option if you’re looking for an immediate upgrade to your Hellcat’s front braking without diving into track-specific pads. What really makes them stand out is their thermal scorched pad surface, which means a super-fast break-in period, getting you back on the road with optimized braking quicker. They’re also designed for quiet operation, ensuring your powerful ride remains smooth and free of annoying squeals.
Key Features:
– Carbon-fiber ceramic brake pad for enhanced performance
– Thermal scorched pad surface ensures a fast break-in
– Chamfered slots and premium stainless steel shims for noise-free braking
– Upgraded powder-coated backing plate resists rust and corrosion, extending pad life
– Z26 Carbon-fiber brake pad set includes brake grease and premium stainless steel hardware kit
Pros:
– Excellent street performance with enhanced stopping power
– Very quiet operation, like OE pads
– Fast break-in process
– Durable and corrosion-resistant backing plate
– Comes with all necessary hardware for easy installation
Cons:
– Not recommended for track use
– Requires confirming fitment for your specific Hellcat model
User Impressions:
Drivers frequently praise these pads for their quiet performance and noticeable improvement over stock pads in everyday driving conditions. Many appreciate the quick break-in and the comprehensive hardware kit that simplifies installation.
Power Stop Rear Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads For… (Z26 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic)
When it comes to reining in the Hellcat’s immense power, you can’t forget about the rear brakes! These Power Stop Z26 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic rear pads are specifically formulated for high-performance vehicles like your muscle car, offering extreme braking power while also being a low-dust formula. This means you get the stopping force you need without constantly battling stubborn brake dust on your beautiful wheels.
Key Features:
– Z26 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic formula for extreme braking performance
– Designed specifically for muscle cars and performance vehicles
– Low dust formula helps keep wheels cleaner
– Upgraded powder-coated backing plate for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance
– Includes premium stainless-steel hardware for hassle-free installation
Pros:
– Provides extreme stopping power suitable for performance driving
– Significantly reduces brake dust, keeping wheels cleaner
– Highly durable with a corrosion-resistant backing plate
– Easy to install with included hardware
Cons:
– Requires fitment confirmation for your specific vehicle
– Primarily focused on rear axle; consider pairing with a matching front set for balanced performance
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed with how clean their wheels stay and the powerful, consistent braking these pads deliver. They’re a popular choice for those wanting to maintain a clean look without compromising on performance.
Power Stop Z36 Truck & Tow Front Carbon-Fiber Ceramic… (Fits Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat)
While the name says “Truck & Tow,” don’t let that fool you! These Power Stop Z36 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic pads are a fantastic choice for specific Hellcat applications, especially the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. They’re engineered to provide durable, reliable stopping power under the added stress of heavier loads, mountainous driving, or even just spirited performance in a larger, high-horsepower SUV. If your Hellcat sees more than just drag strips, these pads offer impressive fade resistance.
Key Features:
– Z36 Truck & Tow Carbon-Fiber Ceramic formula for heavy-duty stopping power
– Designed to handle added stress from towing, hauling, or spirited driving in heavier vehicles
– Reduced brake fade for consistent performance under demanding conditions
– Includes installation hardware
– Backed by a 90-day/3,000 mile warranty
Pros:
– Exceptional fade resistance for high-stress braking
– Durable and reliable for consistent performance
– Good for larger Hellcat variants like the Durango SRT Hellcat
– Comes with a warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
– May be overkill for a lightweight Challenger/Charger Hellcat used purely for street performance
– Explicitly states fitment for Durango SRT Hellcat; confirm for other Hellcat models
User Impressions:
Owners of the Durango SRT Hellcat and similar heavy performance vehicles commend these pads for their ability to maintain consistent braking feel and reduce fade, even during aggressive driving or when carrying more weight.
Power Stop 17-1053, Z17 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads with…
For Hellcat owners seeking a solid, reliable, and exceptionally clean braking solution for their rear wheels, the Power Stop Z17 Ceramic pads are a superb choice. These pads are all about performance that rivals or betters original equipment, but with a significant bonus: a low-dust formula designed to keep your precious wheels looking pristine. Plus, they’re thermal scorched for a speedy break-in, meaning less downtime and more driving.
Key Features:
– Low dust formula ceramic brake pads keep wheels clean
– Thermal scorched surfaces for a fast break-in
– Chamfered and slotted like OE pads for noise-free braking
– Designed for shorter break-in and better than OE performance
– Includes premium hardware kit for easy installation
Pros:
– Drastically reduces brake dust for cleaner wheels
– Quick and easy break-in process
– Quiet operation, similar to stock pads
– Improved performance over standard OEM pads
– Comes with all necessary installation hardware
Cons:
– Ceramic formula may offer slightly less aggressive bite than carbon-fiber options under extreme conditions
– Vehicle-specific fitment requires confirmation
User Impressions:
Customers frequently highlight the dramatic reduction in brake dust as a major plus, along with the quiet, smooth braking experience. They’re seen as an excellent upgrade for daily driving and spirited street use.
Power Stop K8170-26 Front and Rear Z26 Carbon Fiber Brake… (Kit with Drilled & Slotted Rotors)
This is the ultimate package for Hellcat owners looking for a comprehensive brake overhaul. The Power Stop K8170-26 kit isn’t just about pads; it includes front and rear Z26 Carbon Fiber Ceramic pads paired with performance-enhancing drilled and slotted rotors. This combination is specifically engineered to handle the brutal demands of high-horsepower cars like your Dodge Hellcat, offering superior heat dissipation and significantly improved stopping power. If you want a complete, ready-to-install, track-ready (but street-friendly) upgrade, this is it!
Key Features:
– Complete front and rear Z26 Carbon Fiber Ceramic brake pad and rotor kit
– Engineered for high horsepower cars and modified vehicles (explicitly fits Hellcat!)
– Proprietary carbon-fiber ceramic materials enhance heat dissipation for better high-speed stopping
– Validated low dust braking (average 30% less dust than OE)
– Drilled & Slotted performance rotors for maximum cooling
– Includes stainless steel installation hardware and high-temperature ceramic brake lubricant
Pros:
– Comprehensive upgrade kit for both front and rear axles
– Significantly enhances heat dissipation and reduces brake fade
– Drilled and slotted rotors offer maximum cooling and an aggressive look
– Extremely low dust output
– Direct fit for many Hellcat models (Challenger, Charger)
– Includes all necessary hardware and lubricant for a complete install
Cons:
– More significant investment than just pads
– Installation requires replacing rotors, which is a more involved process
User Impressions:
Hellcat owners who install this kit often report a night-and-day difference in braking performance, praising the reduced fade during aggressive driving and the confident, firm pedal feel. The low dust and sharp look of the drilled/slotted rotors are also highly appreciated. Many consider it a “must-do” upgrade.
FAQ Section
Q1: Why are Power Stop brake pads a good choice for my Hellcat?
A: Power Stop brake pads, especially their Z26 and Z36 series, are specifically engineered for high-performance and muscle cars. They use advanced carbon-fiber ceramic formulas that provide excellent stopping power, reduce brake fade, and often produce less dust than original equipment pads, making them ideal for the intense demands of a Hellcat.
Q2: What’s the main difference between Power Stop Z17, Z26, and Z36 pads?
A:
* Z17 (Evolution Geomet Coated Ceramic): Designed for quieter operation and very low dust for daily drivers. They’re a solid upgrade over basic stock pads.
* Z26 (Extreme Performance Carbon-Fiber Ceramic): Built for muscle cars and high-performance vehicles, offering significantly more stopping power, better fade resistance, and low dust. This is usually the sweet spot for Hellcat owners.
* Z36 (Truck & Tow Carbon-Fiber Ceramic): Developed for heavy-duty applications like trucks, SUVs, and specific heavy performance vehicles (like the Durango Hellcat), providing extreme stopping power and superior fade resistance under stress.
Q3: Are these Power Stop brake pads suitable for track use with my Hellcat?
A: While Z26 and Z36 pads offer excellent performance and can handle spirited driving, some individual pad sets (like the Z26 Front Ceramic Brake Pads) explicitly state “Not for track use.” For dedicated track days, you might need a more aggressive, track-specific compound. Always check the product description carefully if you plan on consistent track driving.
Q4: How do I ensure the Power Stop brake pads fit my specific Hellcat model?
A: Always use the “Amazon Confirmed Fit” tool at the top of the product page or cross-reference the part number with Power Stop’s official fitment guide. Hellcat models (Challenger, Charger, Durango) can have different brake configurations depending on the year and specific trim, so confirming fitment is crucial.
Q5: Do I need to replace my rotors when installing new Power Stop brake pads?
A: It’s highly recommended to at least resurface (turn) your rotors when installing new pads to ensure a perfectly flat surface for the new pads to bed into. For performance vehicles like the Hellcat, or if your rotors show signs of wear (grooves, warpage), upgrading to new drilled and slotted rotors (like those in the K8170-26 kit) is often preferred for optimal performance and heat dissipation.
Q6: How long do Power Stop brake pads typically last on a Hellcat?
A: Pad life varies greatly depending on driving style (aggressive vs. casual), road conditions, and whether the car sees track time. However, Power Stop pads are designed for durability. Expect them to last comparable to or longer than OE pads under similar conditions, thanks to their robust compounds and backing plates.
Q7: Will Power Stop brake pads eliminate brake dust on my Hellcat’s wheels?
A: While no brake pad is entirely dust-free, Power Stop’s ceramic and carbon-fiber ceramic formulas (especially the Z17 and Z26 lines) are specifically designed to produce significantly less dust than many OEM or semi-metallic pads. Users consistently report a noticeable reduction in brake dust, helping keep your wheels cleaner.
Conclusion
Taming the beast under the hood of your Hellcat requires an equally beastly braking system. Investing in high-quality Power Stop brake pads Hellcat owners trust is a smart move that pays dividends in safety, performance, and driving enjoyment. Whether you’re looking for an OEM-plus upgrade, a low-dust solution, or a complete front-and-rear overhaul with drilled and slotted rotors, Power Stop offers a range of options to suit your needs. Just remember to double-check fitment for your specific Hellcat model, and get ready to experience confident, controlled stopping power like never before!
