488 Factory brake pad alternatives

For Ferrari ceramics, Pagid RSC1 is the go-to for track use, but they’re pricey and dusty. Some guys run Carbone Lorraine RC5+ or PFC 08 as alternatives still aggressive but a bit easier on rotors. Just avoid anything too abrasive; ceramics hate metallic pads. Seen a few try Endless ME20, but they’re hit-or-miss with Ferrari’s system. Stick with RSC1 if you’re pushing hard, but for street/track mix, RC5+ might save you some rotor wear. Heard horror stories of cheap pads cracking ceramics, so tread carefully.

 

Not enough guys track a Ferrari...street car version to mess with pads. Over on Rennlist you will find all sorts of pad info on Porsche GT and Turbo cars on the Rennlist Track section and GT3 991 and 992 sections but keep in mind that the carbon fiber lay up schedule for the type of Brembo rotors Ferrari uses is different than the Brembo rotors Porsche uses. They are 2 different lay up schedule and surfaces on the rotor.

You might have better luck with pad info on the Corvette forum as the Z06/ZR1 C7 and C8 use the same layup schedule Brembo rotors as Ferrari does.

 

I did not use much the RSC1 with the Brembo/Ferrari rotors, since I went for Surface Transforms rotors. The RSC1 last a lot longer than the OEM Brembo pads, so I suppose they're more aggressive with the rotors - but I'm very happy with the RSC1/ST combination.

 

For your 488 with ceramic rotors, the Pagid RSL1 is a solid choice good bite, rotor-friendly, and better longevity than OEM. The CL RC5+ is aggressive but designed for steel rotors, so avoid it unless you want to risk rotor wear. Another option is Carbone Lorraine C60, which balances performance and rotor life. Stick with ceramics-specific pads to avoid damage.

 

Got it since Ferrari’s Brembo CC rotors have a different carbon layup than Porsche’s, GT3 pad advice doesn’t fully apply. For your 488, check Corvette Z06/ZR1 forums (C7/C8) since they share Ferrari’s Brembo rotor spec. Look into Pagid RSL1 or Carbone Lorraine C60 both ceramic-friendly with solid bite and life. Avoid pads meant for steel rotors (like CL RC5+). Track guys in the Corvette world will have better real-world feedback.

 

Don't forget your pad lube