The best description of the difference in SVT brake pads is found in the BAT catalog.
www.batinc.net Be aware that the 5/99 changeover date is not accurate. It was much earlier. Perhaps as early as 2/98.
I would suggest you take the picture from the BAT catalog with you when you go shopping for pads to make sure you are getting the right ones. You should be able to see enough of the old ones even on the car to tell which one you have. Also the early style pads will nearly touch the hub of the rotor while the late style pads will leave a very noticable gap between the hub and the pad.
