im replacing my front brake rotors and pads and was wondering what kind of slotted rotors and pads would be good for my car? can anyone help me out on this thanks
Again, another heated issue (is this getting to be a cliche yet?) You need to determine whether or not you car needs race brake pads or street enthusiast ones.
Racing brake pads tend to leave a very stubborn dust on wheels and the body paint. This requires constant cleaning lest it bonds permanently. Some race pads are extremely noisy and may even destroy rotors in a few days/weeks/months (depending on how you drive!)
Many people have had good success with Repco/Axxis MetalMaster pads. Other brands to look into are Hawk, Performance Friction, and Porterfields.Currently I'm running KVR Carbon Fiber pads
Why should I use cross drilled/slotted rotors?
Theoretically, the extreme heat build up between the brake pad and the rotor causes gases to be released from the brake pad. The pad is then riding on this thin layer of gas and is not able to fully contact the rotor. You push harder on the brakes but even more gases are released and so the braking effectiveness is decreased. This is known as pad fade. A cross drilled or slotted rotor provides a channel for the gases to evacuate.
Be careful using drilled rotors since they may cause uneven brake pade wear and sometimes are prone to cracking (the drilling causes weakness in the rotor)Although I've been running crossdrilled since98
It should be mentioned by drilling the rotors, you will actually create less surface area to dissipate heat. Your mileage may vary with cross drilled rotors.
Other shops slot their rotors. This involves creating a groove (slot) into the rotor. The idea behind this modification is to allow an edge on the rotor for the brake pad to bite into. By slotting the rotors, you can ensure even brake pad wear as well. Theoretically the slotting of rotors would increase surface area, so you might be able to expect a cooler rotor.
IMHO, I upgrading your rotors may not be a worthwhile effort. I would only do so if you have a severe brake fade problem. Most street enthusiast driving does not punish the brakes hard enough.Although it does help prevent WARPING that we are famous for...
I did the Stealth 2-piston caliper upgrade with slotted/x-drilled. They work awesome, but do lock the fronmts up a little easier in winter. I'm eventually going to replace the master and rear brakes as well.
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