Blanks vs. Slotted vs. Drilled vs. Drilled/Slotted

[m pwrd 3]

Ok so I posted this thread a long time ago, but I thought we could update it and make use of our new forum. Plus I will be in the market for some new rotors in the very near future.

So anyways I have read countless articles about why each one is good and why the other one is bad. But I have never been able to find out which one is really better.

Does anyone have some difinitve source or first hand experience with diffrent styles of rotors. Also reliability issues with diffrent brands

Please note I know bigger is better as far as rotors are concerned, I am just talking about replacement rotors.


Thanks!!

[daveb91]

i dont know but I have heard alot that Drilled and slotted are not as benefical as they were years back when Brake pads let off gases. My new pads on the CRX will be slotted as I think they will warp less. maybe I am wrong?

[m pwrd 3]

I am thinking about slotted as well. I am very leary of the Drilled ones as I have heard they can crack. But I have also heard that blanks will desipate heat better and reduce fade because of more surface area.

[RobbieNelson]

Ventilated blanks

I believe one of the theorys behind drilled rotors is that they allow vaporized pad to escape. The vaporized pad gas forms a thin layer between the pad and rotor causing brake fade. Better solution.... get better pad that don't vaporize at high temperatures.

[daveb91]

What about warping?

[m pwrd 3]

Here is what I am talking about with drilled rotors.

http://www.powerslot.com/media/crack.jpg

[m pwrd 3]

Ventilated blanks


Would you go with OEM or Brembo or some other brand of blanks?

[jshall]

Here is a description from http://www.bavauto.com for their slotted rotors. They don't state the actual manufacturer, but refer to them as Bavarian Autosport rotors.


Like our cross-drilled rotors, our slotted rotors will stop your BMW faster, straighter and safer. Hard braking generates heat. This heat breaks down the brake pad material, developing a thin layer of gases between the pad and the rotor. This causes the pad to essentially “float” over the surface of the rotor (like the puck in an air hockey game) instead of grabbing it. Cutting slots in the rotors gives those gases a way to escape or vent. This eliminates brake pad “float”, minimizes fading and stops your BMW sooner. Plus slotted rotors give you better brake pad wear than the cross-drilled rotors. And they look great behind open-spoke wheels. Sold in pairs.

[RobbieNelson]

Would you go with OEM or Brembo<snip>?

Yes.













Sorry... my OEMs are Brembos. I wouldn't think twice about getting Brembo replacements to replace other OEM rotors either.

[RobbieNelson]

What about warping?

http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_wa ... disk.shtml (http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_warped_brakedisk.shtml)

[Davis Silver Sti]

No on slotted and no on drilled. Only if you are going for a pure show car or something.
Ventilled blanks are the best normal street/semi-race rotors you can get. Robbie and I both have Brembo's and I know that I won't get anything different. (Shhh, don't tell anyone but I believe good brakes to be a serious performance component. Better brakes equal better braking distances and will make a hug difference on the track.)

Cracking is a huge disadvantage to drilled rotors, especially when they started life out as blanks.

Yes, Porsche, Ferrari and other high-end exotics have drilled rotors BUT they are made from the finest stuff on this earth, and are manufactured and designed properly. If I got a GT3, I would definately opt for the $5000+ super carbon-brake upgrade.

Cheers,

[RallyEX]

I agree, the blank ventilated rotors seem to be the best street/track combination, and you can get a lot of bang for your buck. The better quality rotors can be turned if need be as well, whereas your cheap slotted/cross drilled rotors usually can't.

If I got a GT3, I would definately opt for the $5000+ super carbon-brake upgrade.

They come standard on the Carrera GT, why not just buy it?! :D

[Davis Silver Sti]

I agree, the blank ventilated rotors seem to be the best street/track combination, and you can get a lot of bang for your buck. The better quality rotors can be turned if need be as well, whereas your cheap slotted/cross drilled rotors usually can't.

If I got a GT3, I would definately opt for the $5000+ super carbon-brake upgrade.

They come standard on the Carrera GT, why not just buy it?! :D
I would get the GT3 since it can be classed in the Speed GT class :0

[RobbieNelson]

http://www.movfast.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1019

We've been here before.... :)

[m pwrd 3]

Yeah, I made that thread a long time ago. But I thought I would make use of our new forum and get some new information. I already know which ones I am gonna buy, just trying to make a discussion.



I am looking into European Floating Rotors, they came standard on European cars but not in the US. BMW dealerships do carry these rotors in their inventory as a stock part. They cost $112 a piece.

What floting rotors are: They are a two piece rotor. The friction disc is made out of iron and the hat is made out of aluminum. They have special fasteners that hold the parts together, these fasteners allow the friction disc to "float" with the heat expansion to reduce warpage and fade. They are also lighter than a standard one piece rotor.



OT: Jshall post up some pics of your IS in the show and shine forum. It looks really clean.

[daveb91]

What about warping or did we answer that. I am more concerned about warping as I have killed a set on are last back road cruise.

[Chaos_cb7]

I like the blanks also. Cross drilled and slotted just look to much like cheese graters up against your brake pads to me.

I've cracked blanks and warped them so bad it wasn't even funny so any type can warp or crack. Good brake pads make all the difference i've got EBC green stuff and I haven't had any problems with cracking, warping or melting brakes. My rotors are a little worn down but they're cheap ass ones and I tend to do a lot of late braking in my ton and a half tank.

btw did you ever fix your caliper from where it was locking up id think that would be a priority first.

[RobbieNelson]

What about warping or did we answer that. I am more concerned about warping as I have killed a set on are last back road cruise.

http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_wa ... disk.shtml (http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp_warped_brakedisk.shtml)

[m pwrd 3]

btw did you ever fix your caliper from where it was locking up id think that would be a priority first.

Well it got worse for a couple days then it quit doing it. So I am not sure what the deal is with it. But I plan on redoing my front brakes calipers pads and possibly a caliper rebuild if needed.

[RallyEX]

Speaking of Jamie's Brakes....

[m pwrd 3]

Shouldn't have let that outta bag Tim. Now rice boys will want these new neon rotors..........

[RallyEX]

Now rice boys will want these new neon rotors..........

That feature is only available on broken BMW's... hell, most of us can't afford that, let alone one that runs!

[m pwrd 3]

So thats why you went for BMWs bastard child :D

[daveb91]

Well took the advice in this thread and ordered brembo blanks for the CRX. Passed on the ricer drilled. We shall see.

[m pwrd 3]

They should work out great for you. Do the Brembos come with any type of warranty?

[daveb91]

I dont think so.

[Jay]

Well took the advice in this thread and ordered brembo blanks for the CRX. Passed on the ricer drilled. We shall see.


Ive had a few sets of x-drilled, every set has crascked. Supposedly its from bein hot an drivin in the rain.

[narfdanarf]

All the sets I've seen/used personally have never cracked. But I figure why risk it, as long as you have some good pads, you shouldn't have to worry about fade.