Aftermarket Brake Rotor Options - I found two (2)...

tweeter81 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-20-07, 01:04 PM

I am quickly coming up on that time when I need to change out my rotors and pads and am looking for different options other than the GM cross-drilled rotors.

As far as pads go, I have narrowed the list down to Hawk HPS (a lot of guys on this forum really like them, same performance as stock, less dust, some people say they squeak) and Endless SS-M (better performance than stock, less dust, more $$$, and I have no idea how to order them from their Japanese site, LOL).

As for the rotors, I have found two options on Ebay and I wanted to show them to you guys and get any input on if they are shite or not, or if you know the brand, etc.

Here is the first rotor set, could be junk based on the price and I don't know anything about the brand Suzuka:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-05...spagenameZWD1V

Here is the second set which looks very promising. Notice that the rotors are zinc plated, dimpled (not cross drilled, so that there is no lessening of the structural strength of the rotor itself, good for the road course), and slotted. And it appears that these are close to the price of the GM drilled:

http://brakeperformance.com/site/bra...load=1&sort=3a

Let me know what you think. I have faith in you guys to sort out the good from the bad. CTS-V owners are the smartest people on the planet.

The Hog · #2 (**permalink**) 05-20-07, 01:44 PM

I've looked into the same cheaper rotors as well but have decided not to do it. If you want the look and you are not into hardcore braking they will probably work but if you are really looking for performance I would steer clear of the Chineese made stuff. Some of it isn't bad but its awfully hit or miss for trying to save a few hundred bucks.

tweeter81 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-20-07, 01:55 PM

Thanks for your input.

I am definitely all about the performance aspect, I don't want anything that performs less than stock.

My wheels are so open that I would like different rotors for the looks also, but it appears that it might be impossible to find slotted (or slotted and dimpled) rotors that will perform as good as stock. I do take my V to the road course occasionally so I don't think cross-drilled is an option for me or anybody who tracks their car.

The Hog · #4 (**permalink**) 05-20-07, 02:02 PM

Isn't that kind of the point of cross drilled rotors (track use)?

nikon · #5 (**permalink**) 05-20-07, 04:31 PM

^^^they dissipate more heat...so less chance of brake fade, but at the same time theres less area for the pad to bite onto, so your braking power diminishes slightly...it's all give and take.

tweeter81 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-20-07, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Hog

Isn't that kind of the point of cross drilled rotors (track use)?

Cross-drilled rotors supposedly dissipate heat better, but they weaken the rotor itself and under extreme braking (high heat and friction) the area around the holes can crack, and over time can lead to the whole rotor cracking in half, not a good thing when you are going balls to the wall at the track.

I have some first hand knowledge of the non-cross-drilled application in a racing situation. Last year at the Denver Gran Prix I had the opportunity to sit in, a get an up close look, at an SCCA Touring Car (SRT-4) and the brake rotors were slotted and not cross-drilled for the very reason discussed above.

That is why I think the rotors with the dimples instead of drilling all the way through could potentially be a good thing for people who want the looks and performance of upgraded rotors, without the possibility of them exploding on the track.