I just got new performance friction pads (the carbon metallic not the Z) and they are different than what I had...the edges are tapered a lot on both ends. My originals aren't tapered at all. How is it susposed to be? I'm wondering how much braking I'm going to loose with almost like half the brake pad surface.

I'll post a picture in a min.

 

It's the '85 caliper for a camaro etc.

 

I don't think you'll lose any stopping power, those pads resist heat build up and brake fade better than other materials. I'm not sure why they're tapered but I don't think it will affect it to a noticable level..

 

that seems to me that if the pads are shaped like this \___||____/ as the pad wears down theres more surface touching the disc helping stoppnig?

 

My belief is based on experience so YMMV. When I had pads that squeaked, I chamfered off the ends and it went better. My hunch is they didn't want it to squeak out of the box. When it gets down to the point where it squeaks, you are ready to replace them anyway.

 

Yeah, I like the idea of it being quieter with it tapered, it's just its so much. Here's a picture:

http://users.cwnet.com/~kevmor/040108/PDRM0068.JPG

 

I got the same pad just that it is -Z compound. No squeaks but does not stop as well when it is cold. Brake once hard and it is fine. Like I said, I have had pads that are not chamfered and when they squeak after install, I chamfer them and the squeak goes away.