It is about time for new front rotors. Should I use the standard rotor or the slotted rotor? Is it worth the price difference for the slotted? I use my MSC as a daily driver with an occasional auto-x. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

std rotors are fine

 

I read an interesting post somewhere saying that slotted rotors should really only be used on the track. It said the slots are designed to slice the pads to get new pad surface quicker. Supposedly it keeps them from "glazing" as bad. The article said with slotted used on the streat you would be blessed with excessive pad wear.

I don't know if its accurate but it makes sense.

 

Actually the slotted rotors were developed to try and help get rid of the gas build-up that happens between the pad and rotor during hard braking.

One benefit of getting an aftermarket (slotted or not) is that the rotor will be a bit harder than the stock one. You will get longer life out of it especially if you get better pads.

 

Would the softer ones give better stopping ability? Why do you think BMW chose softer rotors? Cost or performance reasons?

 

I have Hawk HPS on the way. Just haven't decided on rotors yet, although I am leaning toward the standard aftermarket rotor.

 

I am not sure of the reason why they are softer. My guess would be for cold temp performance and low noise. This is one reason the stock brakes are so very dusty. A combination of softer pads and rotors.

 

I don't know about MINIs, but guys who race Miatas don't used slotted or drilled rotors. In my view slotted/drilled rotors are more about show than go (or in this case, stop).

 

I thought slotted rotors were all about cooling the brakes down. The gas build up and clean surface comments also seem quite feasible. Dunno! I have heard that the aftermarket drilled rotors tend to warp quite easily.

I am no expert by any means, just a thought! Great thread by the way!

 

vented rotors are good.

 

My last set of Hawks HPS lasted almost 30k with track days, autocross, and agressive street driving- on slotted Powerslot cryo rotors.

For big brake tracks like Road America or Grattan I use Hawk HP+ on the front. For Gingerman or Putnam park, HPS serves me well.

Its how you use them, and how you cool them.

Alex

 

Very true, but gases were a bigger issue when pad compounds offered a more organic makeup. Today's carbon pads tend to degas less with lower organic contens.

The resin used to bind the puck still has degassing needs, but many high end brake companies (mensioned above) pre cook them for you, so this doesn't happen as much and is usually completed in break in period.

Alex

 

[quote} slotted/drilled rotors are more about show than go (or in this case, stop).[/quote]

In a neat talk with one of powerslot's engineers, he did mension a nominal change in rotor surface temperature, due to the air movement generated.

Not infiring it was a benefit, but a nice observation.

Alex

 

Get the new TSW rotors for your car.They are one of the vendors here.

 

Thanks everyone. For my use I think it is best if I stay with the standard (not slotted or drilled) rotors. This dosen't necessarly mean factory. I think the aftermarket will bring more bang for the buck.

 

Be VERY careful on buying aftermarket rotors. So many pathetic cheap ones are being made. Going to a place like Napa that demand OEM or better metal specs is worth the extra few dollars.

 

Or better yet get the Brembo's that Tirerack sells.

 

How many miles do you have? Im curious b/c some time this year I will need to replace my front brakes, so I'm wondering if I should replace my rotors as well. I plan on upgrading my brakes to Hawk's, so is it recommended to replace the rotors as well?

 

I have 62k. How many miles you get is going to be determined by your driving habits and not so much milage. Most of mine is open road, but than again I do some auto-x.

As far as needing rotors at the same time you need brakes. On mine my left front pad is down the most. I am told that is common. I mic my front left rotor and it was down and getting close to tolerence, so I will replace rotors at the same time. My rear still have a lot of life.

From what I have read it sounds like the Frozen rotors from Tire Rack is something you should consider. The HPS I saved a little on ebay.