I have a 2004 Acura EL (aka the 2004 Honda Civic Si) with 4-wheel disc brakes. This engine is stock and I don't race/track or anything aggressive.

I am in need of new brake pads (and possibly rotors) and am looking for recommendations on a decent set of 'performance' brake pads/rotors. Price isn't really an issue but I don't need anything super expensive (i.e. Brembo's). I'd just like brakes that grab a little better than your standard brake pad.

I searched the forum and saw a few suggestions about Premium One ATE Rotors that Canadian Tire sells. I'm guessing it's these rotors.

As for pads, I saw recommendations for: Hawk HPS or Akebono ACT Ceramics

Also, I think I'm only really in need of front brakes, but is it recommended to do all four?

Appreciate anyone's thoughts and any deals they've seen!

 

I currently run this on my 05 EL.

Buy 2000 CRV calipers - Same as 97-01 ITR
Buy 1996 Prelude SRV rotors 11 3/32" (H22 2.2 DOHC) - They are hubcentric to our hubs but same diameter as 97-01 ITR but 4x114
Buy decent pads like ceremic Raybestos (a pad good for a daily) that match the calipers

I bought all my parts from Hamilton Discount Automotive

Go See Aaron at Weir Tech (Off of Appleby) for the machining - 120 or 150 cash

Costs me less than 400 total. This is a "poor man's" Type R brake swap. Bites WAAAAAAY harder than the exact setup your talking about. That is on my wife's civic.

Goodluck

 

I bought some rotors off of ebay and they were pretty cheap, they warped after a few months, then I found LUK Schaffer Brake rotors on sportsbrakerotors and I have couldn’t be happier. I got a set of BLACK XD Brakes and installed them on my Honda Civic and they're simply amazing.

 

I've installed a handful of rotors on light duty race cars and regular cars over the years, ranging from hi-performance slotted to cheapo budget no-name rotors. I'm no pro mechanic, just an avid auto-crosser and DIY'er, but I think these are the best bang for the buck. If anything, avoid the no-name stuff or serious budget stuff. They rust like crazy, and do not have a consistent enough run-out which may lead to brake judder. These come from a respected company and for the for long lasting corrosion protection LUK Schaffer Black XD Brake kit paired with kevlar or carbon brake pads is definitely the way to go for your Acura MDX.