merchauser

I probably have another 6 months left on my brakes, and then it will be time for new rotors and pads. planning ahead....

there are many options for rotors and would love to get some feedback on what might be a best choice

are factory rotors "plain" without being cross drilled or slotted?

I don't track my car, but do like to take her out for a spirited drive, so I assume consensus would be that "plain" rotors would be just fine??

the coolness of cross drilled rotors is very seductive. my concern are the stories about spider cracks developing around the holes. or does that only happen with severe use?

are cross drilled holes and slots only for the track?

comments?

Adamant1971

I have over 30k km's on my PowerSport (ebay) cross drilled and slotted rotors with hawk pads. $250 for all 4.

No spider cracks at all. And I don't drive easy.

But Brakelabs stopped selling them.

SeanR

Zimmerman cross drilled from roger. You will be happy.

GlenL

Let's debate!

I am against brake rotors. Drums or nothing!

skpyle

Internal expanding shoe or external contracting band?

jeff spahn

External leather contracting band sir. What else is there?

Dave928S

I'm with you Glen. There's nothing like the pungent smell of cooked brake linings in the morning !!

FredR

Anchor & chain, hole in floor plus thick soles- plenty of Flintstonian options.

linderpat

I do not like drilled rotors. They tear up pads, can't be milled, and do nothing for performance. They also tend to develop cracks at the holes, Adam's experience notwithstanding. Racers use them as a weight saving item - holes lower the mass.

The best for dissapating brake heat is a plain non-drilled, non-slotted rotor. There is some argument that slotted rotors allow built up gases to escape, but there is plenty of literature out there that debunks that too. For my track car, I go with full smooth rotors, and do not suffer on bit from fade or other brake issues.

GlenL

Now that is the smell of victory!

Good ideas, guys.

As for organic materials, water buffalo over cow?

SeanR

I ran a single set for 3 pad changes and only at the end of the last set did I start to see cracking. Then again the rotors were past the spec'd thickness too.

I like them for the looks only as it is, mines not seen the track since 2008.

skpyle

Dolphin. Better coefficient of friction. Better than the old FF material.

Tom in Austin

Isn't there also a difference between 'cross-drilled' and 'cast-in holes'? The latter supposedly better resisting the cracking?

Also, what's the true story on machining rotors with holes? Not that many of us ever turn our rotors, since the min spec is usually 2 mm below new and turning a rotor normally takes 1 mm off each side

merchauser

Tom, i would like to know pros and cons of drilled and cast as well. are the Zimmermann sports drilled or cast?

davek9

Don't the newer pads all have a slot which eliminates the need for the slotted rotors?

I also like the look of cross drilled (holes) and even holes w/ slots

Dave K