The best value for performance and longevity is oem? I’ve scoured the internet looking for alternatives and I can’t seem to find any that two people agree on. I must admit I like the look of drilled and slotted but don’t want to sacrifice performance for that particular look though it has crossed my mind. I’ve had my LS430 for about three years and have done nothing but drive her and basic maintenance, as I am restoring a 38 Chevrolet along the way. Commuting home revealed pulsing when braking so I figured I will replace pads and rotors, pulsing is unpleasant.
-I am open to other options but nothing that will exceed the cost of oem
Thanks
michael

 

People's opinions on brakes are similar to their opinions on motor oil, in that everyone will have a different preference and will be quick to disagree with others preferences.

That being said, I can at least speak to my experience on the dozens s of cars I have installed brakes on.

As far as brake rotors and pads on Lexus/Toyota vehicles, a good brand to look into is Advics, which can be purchased on the aftermarket, but are the same company that makes the OEM brakes. Hell, my IS350 I had for a few years had "ADVICS" stamped into the brake calipers. Some may argue that the aftermarket ones are not the same as what comes from the dealer, but I can speak that I have never had an issue with them after installing them on numerous vehicles for myself and others.

Another good brand of pads is Akebono, which I'm sure others will agree that they are a quality product. You sometimes can get them at NAPA and apply a discount online if they are legible. Akebono pads also state that they do not require burnishing/break in procedures with new rotors, which is always a plus if you live in a crowded area that makes the process difficult.

Just nothing from Amazon. That's all counterfeit garbage these days.

 

Don't get drilled and slotted it makes your braking worse, get slotted instead. Avoid R1 concepts there pads and rotors warp within 5000 miles talking first hand experience. Oem is good power stop(I think) makes a good slotted rotors.

 

As far as parts are concerned. For those that do not involve huge amount of labor and would not impact other parts if they fail, I do try after market one. I used Power Stop brake pads and rotors and they seem OK.

 

Thank you gents, I do appreciate the suggestions. I have heard the drilled rotors tend to warp quickly, LS is a big car to run drilled rotors long term.
Mike

 

I have powerstops (not drilled or slotted) on my wife's 2015 Camaro. They seems to be nice, but they do sometimes squeak when reversing.