Debating on Purchasing Powerstop Z36

JoJoDetroit · March 30

Hello,

Has anyone ever purchased Powerstop Z36 Brake Pad & Rotor package before?

How does this compare to other manufacturers?

POWERSTOP K817136 Rotor & Brake

N715DP · March 30

I used a Z36 "kit" on my 2013 Avalanche several years ago (before I purchased my baby duramax) and loved it. Significant increase in stopping power and much more confidence while towing.

AlanK · March 30

I put a Z36 on my 2007 Tahoe. You have not felt fear until experiencing brake fade pulling a boy scout camping trailer through the mountains of WV. Z36 improved the braking and eliminated the fade.

asilverblazer · March 31

On 3/30/2026 at 10:29 AM, AlanK said:

I put a Z36 on my 2007 Tahoe. You have not felt fear until experiencing brake fade pulling a boy scout camping trailer through the mountains of WV. Z36 improved the braking and eliminated the fade.

Seems the boys were a little too prepared. I can't imagine what size/weight boy scout trailer would have caused a braking problem.

AlanK · April 1

Trailer was full of gear and I had another scout master and three scouts on board. Long sweeping down hill grade about 5 miles and a few tight turns along the way into the valley. I geared down to use engine braking and let the brakes cool.

asilverblazer · April 1

1 hour ago, AlanK said:

Trailer was full of gear and I had another scout master and three scouts on board. Long sweeping down hill grade about 5 miles and a few tight turns along the way into the valley. I geared down to use engine braking and let the brakes cool.

What size trailer? Sure sounds like something else might have been amiss, the braking system should have been more than capable.

AlanK · April 2

Trailer was a 6x12 covered trailer (2 doors). Pads on the Tahoe were not OEM at the time. Probably more like Autozone. Grade was more severe - it was not interstate. I know when I pressed the brake expecting to slow down I did not. Downshifted to slow down. Had this happen on two other occasions (not with the Tahoe) - coming down Pikes Peake CO in a Delta 88 and auto-crossing on the track with a corvette.