The present invention is directed toward a combination of composite brake rotors or clutches and a brake pad where the composite rotor or clutch is composed of a low density metal and particles of a nonmetallic material. Specifically the rotors or clutches are comprised of a metal matrix comprising aluminum or magnesium or alloys thereof homogenously mixed with a refractory ceramic, such as silicon carbide, silicon nitride, boron nitride or aluminum oxide among others. The composite brake rotors and clutches are very durable and have greatly increased thermal conductivities which improve brake and clutch performance. The rotors or clutches are manufactured by casting, followed by diamond cutting and finally followed by surface burnishing to smooth and condition the surface of the rotor or clutch. The brake pad may be comprised of at least cupric oxide, antimony sulfide, silicon alumina alloy, barium sulfate, kevlar, zinc sulfide, coke, and graphite.