THSCC Forums

I want to upgrade my rotors. There is somebody on ebay who apparently is buying stock oem replacement brembo's and then cross drilling them himself. Turns out to be quite abit less then buying cross drilled rotors from places like moss and minimania. Anybody have any experience with this or ideas?

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2002 MCS, 2003 MCS Track Rat, 2003 Generic White Yukon, 2003 BMWk1200rs, 1973 CB350F, 02 996. 08 Cayenne Turbo
http://www.clinehallagency.com

Cline... I fail to see how these would actually be an upgrade. While on one hand it would appear that they would cool much much better, they also are losing a lot of metal used to dissipate heat. My biggest concern would be warping.

I would look for something from a company like Powerstop or the like. When it comes to brakes, I wouldn't play around - AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

I thought the consensus was that solid rotors were better unless you like replacing them pretty often. I think cracking is the issue rather than warping. Warping is a bit of a unicorn isn't it? Folks often misinterpret/misdiagnose brake shudder from an uneven pad material transfer layer as warping.

I agree with Aaron, just use the factory style rotors. Put the upgrade money towards a good set of pads.

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In need of car.

Offered without comment, http://corner-carvers.com/altimathread.php.html

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

That's what I have always thought, I have used EBC greenstuff pads, but a couple of my instructors (both driving mini's) suggested the upgrade, as well as more competition like pads. I never felt my brakes have been a limitation on the track so I just was going on their recommendation.

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2002 MCS, 2003 MCS Track Rat, 2003 Generic White Yukon, 2003 BMWk1200rs, 1973 CB350F, 02 996. 08 Cayenne Turbo
http://www.clinehallagency.com

Oh, they would also knock you out of stock class.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

Depending on the price of the rotors, you may want to invest in a set of track pads AND track rotors. I've just done this for the front on the RX-8. If you've been running EBC greenstuff, I highly recommend upgrading to a real track pad NOW.

I also agree with the "plain rotor" consensus voiced in this thread. Removing mass from a heat sink makes it a less effective heat sink. Any consideration for cooling a rotor should be addressed with getting some cool air ducted to the brakes.

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Tom Freeman
'98 M3/4/5 | '93 Spec3 325i | '12 TSX sport wagon | '03 Tahoe
Team Silver Bullets '91 240SX

I'm not competative in GS now, my excuse is no stickies, so I think I am going to get my car how I want it for the track and either just run it where it lands in autocross or take my wifes car.

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2002 MCS, 2003 MCS Track Rat, 2003 Generic White Yukon, 2003 BMWk1200rs, 1973 CB350F, 02 996. 08 Cayenne Turbo
http://www.clinehallagency.com

What's everybodyies opinion on stainless steel lines?

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2002 MCS, 2003 MCS Track Rat, 2003 Generic White Yukon, 2003 BMWk1200rs, 1973 CB350F, 02 996. 08 Cayenne Turbo
http://www.clinehallagency.com

That's a great attitude that many others in the club embrace as well. Sounds like STX to me. SS lines eliminate a potential point of failure and won't expand when heated. They're not a bad idea at all.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

I like them, but on a car as new as yours, don't expect a [b]big[/] improvement in pedal feel.

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Tom Freeman
'98 M3/4/5 | '93 Spec3 325i | '12 TSX sport wagon | '03 Tahoe
Team Silver Bullets '91 240SX

There are a number of companies buying blanks and cross-drilling and/or slotting the rotors. Most of them are creating rotors that are good for "bling" and not functionality. As has been said. They are removing material from a cast peice. Reducing surface area needed for cooling and many do not know how to do it right. So they just weekened your rotors. There is a big difference between a knock-off rotor that is drilled after the fact vs. the very expensive rotors that have holes/slots cast into them.

For track stick with plain rotors. I doubt your EBC Green pads are torturing the rotors. Get some race pads, even light duty style, and watch how fast you go through rotors. I went to Carbotech XP8s from stock pads. After 2 events I cracked both front rotors. Even with cooling ducts. I'm sure Vettes are harder on rotors than Minis but it is a wear item. I use cheap $26 NAPA rotors (made in Canada, not China). They're Raybestos without the label. The guys running Stoptech or Brembos get more events before they crack. But they still crack. And they're paying $200 for each rotor. I keep spare front rotors with me in my trailer along with spare pads.

With stock street pads you may not see much value with ducts. But if you're getting more aggressive pads consider ducts. I've seen those little holes on the front of the Mini that I assume are for ducts. You need the duct to run right up to the back of the spindle/rotor. My factory ducts just blow air around in the wheel well. I extended them to the back of the spindle/rotor with a DRM kit. It makes a difference.

I installed SS lines on my car. Stoptech SS with teflon treating. This is nice if it's a street car as the dirt/debris doesn't eat up the lines. You'll notice the improvement on track in the later part of a session when the heat builds up and the lines don't expand. Other than that with a new car and street pads it probably isn't worth the money.

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http://www.greywinds.com

IMO, the only way to "upgrade" a rotor is to get a bigger, thicker one. Drilling holes in a cast part will just weaken it. They will most likely crack between the holes. I know...been there, done that at VIR-S with blinged-out cross-drilled and slotted ones.

Unless you're going bigger, I'd recommend the NAPA economy rotors as Graham suggested or Brembo OEM replacements from TR. FYI, I run the NAPA ones on the rear of my car. $32 each compared to $100+ from Autozone. They have held up very well.

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Vincent Keene
'06 Ford Mustang GT (track rat)
'15 Dodge Charger R/T (yeah, it's got a HEMI!)
'07 Ford Fusion SE (205,000 miles and counting)
'98 Chevy Z-24 (retired)
'93 Acura Integra (Team SWB 24HOL Car)

Good advice from everybody, saved me some money!

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2002 MCS, 2003 MCS Track Rat, 2003 Generic White Yukon, 2003 BMWk1200rs, 1973 CB350F, 02 996. 08 Cayenne Turbo
http://www.clinehallagency.com