Published: October 12, 2026 | Last updated: October 12, 2026
TL;DR
- Power Stop Z17 Evolution Plus kits include ceramic pads, rotors and stainless-steel hardware for a bolt-on brake job on daily drivers (Summit Racing, 2026).
- Z17 pads use OE-style positive mold construction and a thermally scorched surface for consistent wear and fast break-in (Tint World, 2026).
- Many kits use carbon-fiber ceramic pads with dual-layer rubberized shims (AmericanMuscle, 2026).
- Kit rotors are cast iron with vented vanes on most fronts, and Power Stop says they are 100% mill balanced with its Tru-Cast process (AmericanMuscle, 2026).
- Kits carry a 3-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty against defects (AmericanMuscle, 2026).
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Brakes Hub earns from qualifying purchases. This never changes our verdicts.
How we reviewed this product: we studied Power Stop's published product information, retailer specifications and owner feedback. We did not run our own brake tests.
What Is the Power Stop Z17 Brake Kit?
The Power Stop Z17 Evolution Plus kit is a complete axle brake kit with new pads, rotors and hardware in one box. Power Stop designs it as an easy, bolt-on solution for daily drivers (Summit Racing, 2026).
Kit part numbers usually start with "KOE" for stock replacement kits with plain rotors. Power Stop also sells drilled and slotted kits under other part numbers.
Buying a matched kit saves time checking that separate pads and rotors fit together.
What Is Inside a Power Stop Z17 Kit?
A Z17 kit includes everything needed to rebuild one axle's brakes (Summit Racing, 2026; AmericanMuscle, 2026):
- Two rotors, cast iron, vented on most front applications.
- One set of Z17 Evolution Plus ceramic pads.
- Stainless-steel hardware clips.
Some kits list a different pad compound for certain vehicles. For example, one Ford rear kit lists Z16 pads (Summit Racing, 2026), so check the listing for your exact kit.
How Z17 Ceramic Pads Work
Z17 pads use a ceramic formula designed to stop well while reducing dust and noise. Positive mold construction presses the friction material under high pressure for consistent density (Tint World, 2026).
The thermal scorching heats the pad surface at the factory. This burns off resins that would otherwise glaze during the first stops, so the pads bed in faster.
A simple comparison is a new cast-iron pan that comes pre-seasoned. It is ready to cook properly sooner than a raw pan.
Power Stop Z17 Kit Features at a Glance
| Feature | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Z17 Evolution Plus ceramic pads | Quiet, low-dust stopping | Tint World, 2026 |
| Positive mold construction | Consistent wear and performance | Tint World, 2026 |
| Thermal scorched surface | Faster break-in | Tint World, 2026 |
| Dual-layer rubberized shims | Less brake noise (many kits) | AmericanMuscle, 2026 |
| Tru-Cast mill-balanced rotors | Smooth, vibration-free stops | AmericanMuscle, 2026 |
| Stainless-steel hardware | Complete job in one box | Summit Racing, 2026 |
| 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty | Covers defects | AmericanMuscle, 2026 |
Power Stop Z17 vs Other Power Stop Kits
Choose Z17 for quiet daily driving, Z23 for sporty cars and Z36 for trucks and towing.
| Power Stop line | Best for |
|---|---|
| Z17 Evolution Plus | Daily drivers, quiet and clean |
| Z23 Evolution Sport | Sporty driving with more bite |
| Z36 Truck and Tow | Trucks, SUVs and towing |
How to Install a Power Stop Z17 Brake Kit
To install a Z17 kit, replace the rotors and pads together with the new hardware, then follow Power Stop's break-in procedure. Follow these steps.
- Match the kit number to your vehicle's year, model and brake size.
- Remove the caliper, bracket, old pads and rotor.
- Clean rust from the hub face and caliper bracket.
- Clean the new rotors with brake cleaner, then fit them.
- Fit the stainless clips and lubricate the contact points lightly.
- Fit the pads, refit the caliper and torque all bolts to specification.
- Follow the break-in procedure on Power Stop's website, or our bed-in guide.
Pros and Cons of the Power Stop Z17 Kit
The main strength of the Power Stop Z17 kit is a matched set of pads, rotors and hardware in one box, and the main limit is that it is built for everyday driving rather than track or heavy towing.
Pros
- Pads, rotors and hardware arrive together and are matched.
- Ceramic pads keep wheels cleaner.
- Thermal scorching speeds up break-in.
- The 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty covers defects.
Cons
- Some kits use a different pad compound than Z17.
- Stock replacement kits have plain rotors, not slotted.
- Heavy towing needs the Z36 kit instead.
Common Problems After a Full Brake Kit Install
| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pulsing pedal | Rust on the hub face | Clean the hub and check runout |
| Squeal at low speed | Dry contact points | Lubricate the clip contact points |
| Weak bite at first | Pads not bedded in | Follow the break-in procedure |
| Kit parts do not fit | Wrong brake package | Check your vehicle's brake size before ordering |
How Long Does a Power Stop Z17 Brake Job Take?
Retailers estimate about 3 to 4 hours to install a Z17 front or rear kit (AmericanMuscle, 2026). A first-time DIY mechanic should allow extra time.
Plan to have these tools ready before you start: a floor jack, jack stands, a socket set, a torque wrench, a caliper piston tool, brake cleaner and brake grease.
Rusty rotors that will not come off the hub add the most time, so spray penetrating oil on the hub face the day before.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Power Stop Z17 Kit
What comes in a Power Stop Z17 kit?
Z17 Evolution Plus ceramic pads, rotors and stainless-steel hardware (Summit Racing, 2026).
Are Power Stop Z17 rotors drilled or slotted?
The KOE stock replacement kits use plain, solid-surface rotors (Summit Racing, 2026). Power Stop sells drilled and slotted kits separately.
What warranty does the Power Stop Z17 kit have?
Retailers list a 3-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty against defects (AmericanMuscle, 2026).
Do Power Stop Z17 pads need a break-in?
Yes. The scorched surface speeds up break-in, but Power Stop still publishes a break-in procedure (AmericanMuscle, 2026).
Are Power Stop Z17 pads low dust?
Yes. Power Stop designed the ceramic formula to reduce brake dust (Tint World, 2026).
Summary: Is the Power Stop Z17 Kit Worth Buying?
- The Power Stop Z17 kit gives you matched ceramic pads, rotors and hardware in one box.
- Scorched, positive-molded pads bed in quickly and wear evenly.
- Mill-balanced rotors and a 3-year warranty add confidence.
- Choose Z23 for sporty driving and Z36 for towing.
Check Power Stop Z17 kit fitment on Amazon →
Safety note: brakes are safety parts. If you are not sure how to do the job, have a qualified mechanic do it.