Aluminum alloy matrix composites reinforced with SiC particles (AMC) are potential materials applicable to weight reduction of friction materials. We developed two AMC: A356/SiC and A390/SiC. $30{mu}m$ and $60{mu}m$ SiC particles with volume fraction of 20% were dispersed in the matrix of A356 and A390 alloys. When the temperature of the liquid alloy was higher than that of the melting point, SIC particles floated up to the surface because of the low viscosity, high surface tension and interfacial energy. To mix the ceramic particles, the aluminum alloy was in the mushy state near the solidus temperature, $610^{circ}C$ for A356 and $645^{circ}C$ for A390. Metallurgical, mechanical and tribological characteristics of the manufactured composites were evaluated.