The Porsche 996 GT3 and 997 GT3 are unusually demanding cars when it comes to brake-pad choice. Both platforms are capable of generating serious brake temperature on circuit, yet many examples still spend most of their lives on the road. The best pad for a dedicated track car is therefore not automatically the best pad for a car driven to work, across Europe and then around the Nürburgring.
This guide explains how to choose between road, fast-road and track-focused brake pads for the Porsche 996 GT3 and GT3 RS and the Porsche 997 GT3 / 997 GT3 RS. It also covers the important difference between conventional steel brakes and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes.
Start with the brake system, not the pad brand
Before comparing compounds, establish exactly what is fitted to the car. Porsche used different pad shapes, disc dimensions and friction materials across GT3 generations, model years and brake options. A 997 GT3 fitted with conventional steel discs does not use the same braking strategy as a PCCB-equipped car, and a 996 GT3 Mk1 does not necessarily share every brake component with a later Mk2 or GT3 RS.
Use the original Porsche part number, VIN or the component removed from the car to verify fitment. Our dedicated Porsche 996 GT3 braking collection and Porsche 997 GT3 braking collection contain the confirmed-fitment products we currently offer.
Road use: consistency, noise and cold response matter
For a predominantly road-driven GT3, the priorities are predictable cold response, manageable noise, sensible disc wear and compatibility with the original brake system. Genuine Porsche or quality OE-style pads remain a sensible option when the objective is to retain the factory braking character rather than chase maximum high-temperature performance.
On cars that rarely see sustained circuit use, an aggressive race compound can introduce compromises without delivering a meaningful benefit. Motorsport pads may generate more noise and dust, can require greater temperature to work as intended and may accelerate wear of other braking components.
For steel-brake cars where originality and factory behaviour are priorities, see our Genuine Porsche 996/997 GT3 front brake pads.
Fast road and occasional track days: ENDLESS MX72 PLUS
A mixed-use car is where compound selection becomes more interesting. You need a pad that can cope with repeated hard braking on circuit without becoming unpleasant during normal road use.
ENDLESS positions MX72 PLUS as a street-and-track compound with greater heat resistance and initial bite than MX72, while retaining a strong emphasis on brake control. That makes it a logical option for GT3 owners who drive to circuits and still want a usable car away from them.
For compatible 996 and 997 GT3 applications we stock the ENDLESS MX72 PLUS front brake pads. The compound is particularly relevant for drivers who want one pad for fast-road driving and track days rather than swapping pads before every event.
Dedicated track use: PBS ProRace
When circuit use becomes the priority, the operating-temperature requirement changes significantly. PBS ProRace is a ceramic-graphite competition compound documented by PBS with a friction coefficient of approximately 0.36 to 0.58 and a working-temperature range up to 800°C. PBS positions it for competition and track-day use.
For compatible 996 applications we currently offer PBS ProRace front pads and PBS ProRace rear pads. These are best considered when track performance is the main objective rather than quiet everyday road manners.
Front and rear compounds should be considered as a system
A brake upgrade is not simply a case of fitting the most aggressive front pad available. Front-to-rear friction balance affects pedal feel, stability and how the car behaves under threshold braking. On a rear-engined 911 this deserves particular attention.
If changing compound family or friction level substantially, consider the complete axle balance and speak to a specialist before mixing unrelated compounds. What works well on one GT3 may not suit another car with different tyres, aero, brake cooling or driver inputs.
Brake discs matter as much as pad compound
A premium pad cannot compensate for worn, cracked or badly heat-cycled discs. Check disc thickness, surface condition and runout before fitting new pads. Where the car uses handed discs, left and right parts must be installed correctly.
For standard steel-brake applications we carry Genuine Porsche and performance replacement options. Examples include the Genuine Porsche 996 GT3 Mk1 330x34mm front discs, Genuine Porsche 350x34mm 996/997 GT3 front discs and dedicated rear-disc options within the vehicle collections.
Brake fluid and cooling
Pad fade is only one possible cause of a soft or inconsistent brake pedal. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, and repeated high-temperature use can push an unsuitable or old fluid beyond its effective operating window. Track-driven cars should use a suitable high-performance fluid and have it changed at an interval appropriate to the duty cycle.
Cooling also becomes increasingly important as pace rises. Directing more air to the disc and caliper can reduce peak temperatures and help control heat throughout longer sessions. The 996 catalogue includes Genuine Porsche rear brake cooling ducts for compatible applications.
Bedding new pads correctly
New pads and discs need to be bedded in according to the pad and disc manufacturer's instructions. The objective is to establish an even friction layer and bring the components through controlled heat cycles rather than immediately subjecting cold new parts to maximum-energy stops.
Avoid sitting stationary with the brake pedal heavily applied immediately after a very hot track session. Localised heat can be transferred into one section of the disc and contribute to uneven deposits or thermal stress.
Which pad should you choose?
| Use | Typical priority | Recommended approach |
|---|---|---|
| Predominantly road | Cold response, low noise, factory feel | Genuine Porsche or quality OE-style pad |
| Fast road + occasional track | Usability with increased temperature capacity | ENDLESS MX72 PLUS where fitment is available |
| Regular track / competition | High-temperature consistency and control | PBS ProRace or another dedicated motorsport compound matched to the full setup |
996 and 997 GT3 brake parts at Nineteen72 Performance
We have separated the older Porsche GT catalogue into confirmed-fitment collections so that generic Porsche products do not overwhelm the pages. Browse Porsche 996 GT3 brakes or Porsche 997 GT3 brakes for pads, discs, wear sensors and cooling components.
If you are unsure which system is fitted to your car, send us the VIN, registration and details of any brake conversion already installed before ordering.
