The ceramics (maybe they are fiberglass) grip more than the stock pads. I am pretty sure they would wear the discs a bit more, but in the two years I have been using them it has not been noticable. And the wheels stay very acceptably clean.

I have had the dust shields before and eventually threw them away. They get bent and rub and so forth.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.