Wilwood Brake Pad Compounds

Wilwood brake pad compounds are the results of three decades of experience and continual development to provide optimized braking and driver feel for all types of motor sport and competition applications. This selection guide is intended to provide general characteristics and applications for each compound.

Wilwood has many types of brake pad compounds designed specifically for racing. It is important to analyze braking requirements and select the proper pads. Experimentation is often necessary to determine the correct compound for a particular application. On-track testing and driver evaluation however, will always remain the determining factor to final pad selection.

PolyMatrix A PolyMatrix A	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Ultimate high friction pad with aggressive initial response Immediate low tempeature response. Low wear rate Racing Only; Not For Street Use!
Application: Race ONLY compound used in ARCA, ASA, ALMS, Grand-AM, NASCAR, REMAX, SCCA, USAC, and other severe duty oval, road course, and off-road series that require an aggressive response and durability in the highest temperature ranges. Lightweight sprints and club sport racers using steel plate rotors that require fast response at low temperatures with resistance to fade during periodic or temporary high temperature spikes.	Characteristics: Immediate cold response with highest friction values at all temperatures. Severe duty use on oval tracks, road courses, and other applications that require immediate high torque response. Long wear rate for sustained high heat braking. Compatible with all iron and steel rotors.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
PolyMatrix A Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

BP-40 BP-40	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: A very high friction pad with aggressive initial response. Immediate low tempeature response. Low wear rate. Racing Only; Not For Street Use!
Application: Race ONLY compound used in severe duty oval, road course, and off-road series that require an aggressive response and durability in the highest temperature ranges. Lightweight sprints and club sport racers using steel plate rotors that require fast response at low temperatures with resistance to fade during periodic or temporary high temperature spikes. "	Characteristics: Improved friction formula for heavy braking asphalt ovals, extreme braking on dirt, and all types of off-road and road course applications. Predictable and linear response with excellent modulation on iron and titanium rotors. Long wear rates with iron and steel rotors. High torque on Titanium rotors. Very high heat fade resistance.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
BP-40 Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

PolyMatrix H PolyMatrix H	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: High friction, smooth intitial response. Steady rise in friction as temperature increases. Low wear rate Racing Only; Not For Street Use!
Application: Race ONLY compound for long wear in sustained high heat on hard braking ovals and road courses. Trail braking or "touch and go" tracks. Endurance applications.	Characteristics: Smooth initial engagement with a linear increase as heat and pressure rise. Severe duty use for road courses and hard braking pavement/dirt ovals. Predictable response with excellent modulation at all temperatures. Long wear rate for durability in sustained high heat. Compatible with all iron and steel rotors. High torque on SS rotors.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
PolyMatrix H Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

BP-30 BP-30	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: High friction, smooth intitial response. Steady rise in friction as temperature increases. Low wear rate Racing Only; Not For Street Use!
Application: Race ONLY compound is a value priced, proven workhorse for most weekly category asphalt late models, sprints, modifieds, and sportsman divisions. Hard braking dirt late models, DIRT modifieds, and rear inboard sprint brakes with vented iron or steel rotors. SCCA club racers, rally, and auto-cross. High MPH drag cars if high end fade occurs with lower temperature pads.	Characteristics: Newest racing pad from Wilwood Medium-high friction compound with good cold response. Smooth, predictable engagement with excellent control over a wide range of applications. Long wearing pad in the middle temperature ranges with moderate wear in sustained high heat conditions. Easily bedded without abrasion on new iron or steel rotors.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
BP-30 Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

PolyMatrix B PolyMatrix B	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Medium-high friction, good cold response Gently rising torque curve, predictable engagemnet Low wear rate at medium temperatures, increasing to moderate at high temperature. Racing Only; Not For Street Use!
Application: Race ONLY compound is a value priced, proven workhorse for most weekly category asphalt late models, sprints, modifieds, and sportsman divisions. Hard braking dirt late models, DIRT modifieds, and rear inboard sprint brakes with vented iron or steel rotors. SCCA club racers, rally, and auto-cross. High MPH drag cars if high end fade occurs with lower temperature pads.	Characteristics: Traditional favorite for asphalt LM's, modifieds, and sprints. Modifieds, late models, and other hard braking dirt applications. Intermediate weight road course, auto-cross, rally. Beds easily and fully compatible with all iron and steel.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
PolyMatrix B Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

PolyMatrix C PolyMatrix C	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Medium-high friction, soft medium temp response, often used as a biasing pad in rear. Gentle rise to a flat torque curve Low wear rate. Racing Only; Not For Street Use!
Application: Race ONLY compound commonly used to reduce bias against A, B, or H compounds when additional hydraulic adjustments are not available. Use on any lightweight vehicle, including dirt applications, with high mechanical advantage brakes to prevent wheel lock-up in marginal traction conditions.	Characteristics: Medium to medium high friction compound with soft middle temperature response and a gradual rise to a flat torque curve as temperatures increase. Long wear rate for severe duty, sustained high temperature braking . Reduced friction alternative to B.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
PolyMatrix C Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

CM - Composite Metallic CM - Composite Metallic	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: High friction throughout temperature range, High temperature range. Formulation specific for use with Super Alloy rotors.
Application: Race ONLY compound for specialty alloy rotors such as titanium and light weight steel. Sprint cars with titanium rotors, speedway cars with plate steel rotors, and other specialized vehicles where high temperature fade and wear resistance are necessary to offset diminished cooling capacity due to rotor material and configuration.	Characteristics: Medium to high friction compound with a steadily increasing torque curve as temperatures rise. Good wear and friction properties with high fade resistance for special applications where intermittent high temperature spikes are observed between periods of moderate temperature braking.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
CM - Composite Metallic Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

PolyMatrix E PolyMatrix E	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Medium friction, high effective temperarture range in medium temperature pad group. Smooth engagement, Flat torque curve Low wear rate Street Use OK
Application: Most dirt track applications including super late models, modifieds, and rear inboard sprints using vented iron rotors. Light to medium duty road racing and track day events. Drag racing with iron or steel rotors. Performance street category competition.	Characteristics: Consistent, linear response through temperature range. Baseline for light to intermediate dirt applications with vented iron rotors. Drag racing with steel rotors. Auto-cross and lighter duty road racing.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
PolyMatrix E Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

BP-10 BP-10	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Medium friction, smooth engagement, low abrasion on iron rotors. Flat torque curve. Low to medium wear rate, increases as temperature increases. Street Use OK
Application: High performance street / strip, drag race, and track day categories using vented iron rotors. Light to medium braking on dirt tracks including late models, modifieds, sportsman, and street stocks. Disc brake conversions on street rods and muscle cars.	Characteristics: Compatible with all types of aluminum, steel or iron rotors. Most aggressive friction with aluminum rotors on sprint cars.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
BP-10 Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

BP-20 BP-20	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Medium friction, highest effective temperarture range in medium temperature pad group. Smooth engagement, torque curve increases in relation to temperature Moderate wear rate at high temperature Street Use OK
Application: Medium to heavy braking dirt tracks. Advanced level track day and club sport competition. Extreme duty dual-purpose street/track vehicle. High speed or heavy weight drag cars. Hobby or sportsman category asphalt racing	Characteristics: High performance street compound with increased friction and a wider temperature range over BP-10. Beds quickly and provides fast response without high rotor abrasion. Baseline pad for track oriented street cars.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
BP-20 Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

PolyMatrix Q PolyMatrix Q	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Medium friction, smooth engagement, low abrasion on iron rotors. Flat torque curve. Can be used with aluminum rotors on Sprint Car applications. Low wear rate at low to medium temperatures Street Use OK
Application: Sprint cars with aluminum rotors. Disc brake conversions on street rods, muscle cars, custom show cars, and all moderate performance applications where low noise and dust are important.	Characteristics: High performance ceramic based street formula. Lowest dust and noise. Compatible with all types of steel or iron rotors. Aluminum rotors for racing.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
PolyMatrix Q Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

Purple Purple	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Moderate friction on Aluminum Rotors without damage. Moderte wear rate
Application: Sprint cars with aluminum rotors.	Characteristics: Composite metallic compound for high temperature durability on titanium and other low conductive alloy rotors. Long wear rates and high fade resistance in sustained heat. Baseline for inboard sprint brakes with titanium or stainless rotors.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Purple Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

PM - ProMatrix PM - ProMatrix	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Medium friction, moderate temperarture. Smooth, but aggressive initial response Low wear rate Street Use OK
Application: Application specific compounds are elements of Wilwood ProMatrix pad and rotor upgrade kits. Where available, ProMatrix compounds are designated for use in the OE calipers on OE or performance upgraded rotors.	Characteristics: True dual-sport Pro-Matrix performance street and track compound. Quiet running with lowered dust than OE compounds. Unique composite formula provides clean, quiet, and long running on the street, with high friction and high temperature fade resistant to withstand extreme braking cycles during auto-cross and track day advents.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
PM - ProMatrix Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

PCM PCM	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Street Use OK.
Application: High performance street / strip, drag race, and track day categories using vented Carbon-Ceramic rotors.	Characteristics: Medium to medium high friction compound .

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
PCM Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.

Sintered Metallic Sintered Metallic	Compound Data Sheet
Use & Caution: Formulation for Power Sports and Industrial applications. High friction excellent cold torque response, medium temperature range Street Use OK
Application: Specially formulated for Power Sports & Industrial applications. Kart, Quad & Small Vehicle usage. Works best with steel rotors.	Characteristics: Medium friction compound with very little change in friction throughout its temperature range Good wear and friction properties with a moderate tempearature range.

Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Sintered Metallic Compound Temperature Range & Torque Values
Temperature range and overall friction value are the primary considerations for pad selection. The pads must be capable of maintaining the proper amount of friction for stopping power within the temperatures that will be realized on the track during the event. Then, overall wear rate must be considered. For most asphalt and road race applications, compounds in the high temperature ranges over 1000°F range are usually necessary. Dirt track, drag race, and street performance applications usually operate at temperatures between 500° and 1000°F. Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and not absolute values. Many factors and unforeseen influences can affect brake temperatures. The best indicator for pad selection will always be on track performance. If pad fade (friction loss) due to overheating occurs, then improved cooling, a heavier rotor, or a higher temperature range pad may all become necessary.