PMB-C Brake Pads

The Evolution of Excellence: Crafting the Ultimate Brake Pad for Porsche and Vintage Porsche Performance

For two decades, PMB Performance has solidified its position as the foremost authority in Porsche and vintage Porsche brake technologies. Our relentless pursuit of perfection has culminated in the development of our own brand of brake pads—a product that reflects our expertise, innovation, and commitment to delivering the performance you demand. This article shares a bit of the meticulous process behind how and why we created our signature brake pads, emphasizing the critical role of letter ratings, the engineering of our copper-free ceramic compound, and the advanced manufacturing and testing methods that set us apart.

The Foundation: Understanding Brake Pad Ratings

Brake pads are not a one-size-fits-all component, particularly for high-performance vehicles like Porsches. The key to their effectiveness lies in their friction characteristics, which are classified by letter ratings established by the Friction Materials Standards Institute (FMSI). These ratings, ranging from C to H, denote the coefficient of friction under specific temperature conditions—cold and hot. For instance, a pad rated "F" offers a friction coefficient between 0.35 and 0.45, while a "G" rating indicates a higher range of 0.45 to 0.55. H ratings are reserved for race pads and are generally not suitable for street applications. A two-letter code is used to identify the temperatures for pads designed for street use. The first letter designates the normal, low-temperature (200 degrees F to 400 degrees F) friction performance and the second letter the high-temperature (300 degrees F to 650 degrees F) performance. 

 

For Porsche applications, where precision braking is non-negotiable, selecting the proper rating is paramount. A mismatch can lead to inadequate stopping power, excessive fade under high temperatures, or premature wear—issues that are especially pronounced in vintage models with unique suspension and brake system dynamics. Recognizing this, we devoted extensive resources to determining the ideal rating for our pads, ensuring they meet the demands of both spirited driving and even competitive autocross racing.

The Pursuit of the Perfect G/G Rating

Our journey to define the optimal brake pad began with a clear objective: to engineer a product that excels in the diverse conditions faced by Porsche enthusiasts. After years of testing across street, track, and vintage restoration projects, we zeroed in on the G/G rating—a dual designation reflecting a friction coefficient of 0.45 to 0.55 in both cold and hot conditions. This rating offers a rare balance of immediate stopping power at low temperatures and consistent performance under the extreme heat generated by aggressive driving or racing.

Achieving this G/G rating was no small feat. It required thousands of hours of research, countless iterations, and collaboration with material scientists and Porsche specialists. We analyzed real-world data from our fleet of test vehicles, including iconic models like the 914-6/GT, 911 Carrera RS and 356 SC, to fine-tune the pad’s behavior. The result is a brake pad that delivers confident (great modulation), repeatable braking without compromise—a hallmark of our leadership in Porsche brake technology.

Selecting the Copper-Free Ceramic Compound

The heart of our brake pad lies in its material composition. Among the three primary compounds used in modern brake pads—organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic—we chose a new copper-free ceramic formulation for its superior performance characteristics. This decision was driven by three critical factors: friction, noise, and dust.
Newer ceramic pad compounds inherently offer the highest friction rating of the top compounds, ensuring exceptional stopping power. Unlike organic pads, which can soften under heat, or semi-metallic pads, which may wear rotors faster, our ceramic compound maintains structural integrity across a wide temperature range. Additionally, it produces the lowest noise levels, eliminating the squeals and groans that detract from the driving experience. Perhaps most notably, it generates minimal dust—a crucial benefit for Porsche owners who prize the pristine appearance of their expensive Fuchs alloy wheels.

 

The shift to copper-free ceramic was also a forward-thinking choice. With regulatory pressures phasing out copper due to environmental concerns, we proactively adopted a sustainable alternative without sacrificing performance. This new compound leverages advanced ceramic fibers and bonding agents, meticulously blended to achieve the G/G rating while exceeding industry standards for durability and driver modulation.

The Manufacturing Process: Precision in Every Step

Creating a brake pad worthy of the Porsche name requires precision manufacturing. The process begins with the preparation of the copper-free ceramic compound, which is blended in controlled batches to ensure uniformity. This mixture is then pressed into molds designed specifically for your Porsche caliper specifications. We’ve test fit every pad and spec’d our own thickness as well so, no more grinding to get a new pad to fit.

A precision-engineered brake pad mold ensures consistent shape and density.
The molds, crafted from high-grade steel, dictate the pad’s final shape and density.

Hydraulic presses apply thousands of pounds of pressure to compact the material, eliminating air pockets and ensuring a solid structure. The pads are then cured in industrial ovens at precise temperatures, a process that hardens the compound and enhances its thermal stability.

High-pressure pressing compacts the ceramic compound into a durable pad.

After curing, the pads undergo finishing steps, including grinding to exact tolerances and the attachment of backing plates with integrated shims to further reduce noise. Each pad is inspected for quality, ensuring it meets our exacting standards before packaging.

Rigorous Testing and Friction Cost Efficiency.

Performance claims mean little without empirical validation. Our brake pads are subjected to a battery of tests to confirm their G/G rating and overall efficacy. These tests include dynamometer simulations, which replicate real-world braking scenarios, and real-world track evaluations on our Porsche test fleet.

Key metrics—friction coefficient, wear rate, and fade resistance—are measured under controlled conditions.

Test results from our 85 Carrera E-Production car. PMB-C Ceramic pad on the left.  Highly rated competitors pad on the right. Same car. Same track. Same amount of time.

Friction cost efficiency (FCE), a lesser-known but critical metric, quantifies the relationship between stopping power and pad longevity. By optimizing the ceramic compound’s composition, we achieved an FCE that maximizes performance while minimizing wear on both the pad and rotor. This balance is particularly valuable for vintage Porsche owners, where replacement parts can be costly and hard to source.

Two Decades of Expertise, One Definitive Solution

After 20 years of driving, racing, and restoring Porsches, we can confidently assert that our copper-free ceramic brake pads represent the pinnacle of brake technology for these iconic vehicles. The G/G rating ensures versatility, the ceramic compound delivers unrivaled performance, and our manufacturing and testing processes guarantee reliability. Whether preserving the legacy of a vintage 356 or pushing a modern GT3 to its limits, our brake pads embody the expertise and passion that define our leadership in Porsche brake solutions.

In an industry where compromises are common, we’ve chosen the path of excellence. The result is a brake pad that doesn’t just stop your Porsche—it enhances the very essence of the driving experience.

Not air cooled, or out of the year/size range? Not to worry! We plan to cover the entire line of Porsche cars by the end of the year! Soon, we will have pads available for later air cooled 911s, early water cooled 911s, Boxster's, and more. Stay Tuned!