.......important?

I noticed that the direction is dependent on the manufacturer.

 

The direction of brake slots is generally supposed to be in an outward direction when the rotor is turning normally. In that case, you will have unique rotors for the left and right sides. Some rotors have a pattern on them that is bidirectional, or can be used on both sides. ATE rotors have this.

 

That's what I thought too. But if you go to the StopTech site, they all show the slots in the other direction. And I have seen some other brands that have been installed that way.

My Powerslots were marked as you describe them, so I assumed all would have the same design.

Todd from TCE.......you have anything to add?

 

Slots are a non directional issue. Many choose to run the the other way than I do (which is the more traditional) as this would be how they run on a cross drilled rotor also to match the drilling pattern. Regardless there's no prescribed direction for use.

Here's some examples (or ideas if you need them)
http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o269/ToddTCE/Rotors/

Many companies claim theirs are the best. Somebody must be wrong.

 

Mine are from Racing Brake...

... and are side specific with the slots going forward like the StopTechs.

 

To expand upon this a bit more...

None of the oem aftermarket rotors are directional. At least none that I've seen yet. That's normally reserved for the two piece, hat/rotor combo.

This is a non directional rotor:

http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o...urrent=dwg.gif

And is the most common replacement on vehicles. It's also the standard rotor used in the lesser expensive Wilwood kits. This is what you have with any oem replacement regardless of hole or slot patterns.

The more dedicated rotors are of the directional nature. Meaning they have a prescribed location on the vehicle relative to their air flow. The internal structure is intended to aide in "pulling" air from the center back side and venting it via the air channels at the edge. Note they do not "bite into" the air as some suspect. These are common to nearly all BBKs and many of aftermarket two piece set ups.

http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o...rvanedLEFT.jpg

Again however the patterns of slots and holes can be a bit misleading so you will need to reference the internal stucture to be certain of proper rotation. Despite this running them the opposite way for many street uses won't have a real negative effect as their efficiency is not really all that great until you reach higher rates of speed. In fact at one time the Corvette came with them...both sides being the same part! lol Go figure.

 

Thanks todd for your comments.

Funny about those claims- If somebody is not wrong then maybe they are only "partially correct".

OK, that's why I don't like "claims".

Show me the difference in stopping distance using the various rotors using the same pads or pads designed for those rotors and the same test car with the same wheels under the same conditions.

OK, here is an OEM sized rotor that is different right and left.

Pictured are the rotors for the driver's side or left side of the MINI, front is vented/rear is solid PowerSlot rotor. The boxes come marked L and R.

 

It's all good in how you choose to run them, assuming not cast directional.

I might add however that claims of significant stopping distance from a rotor change would have me scratching my head. The math value of the diameter of ANY oem replacement is that of the stock rotor. The toque value remains constant.

This only changes with the addition of rotor diameter, more piston area or in the more common sale: a good set of pads. By upping the pads Cf you have more bite. Regardless of the rotor of choice in the same dimension. Slots and or holes can certainly aide in pad wiping and out gassing as well.

 

Thanks Todd.

 

how 'bout the EBC drilled and slotted rotors, does it really matter which way they run?

TIA,
jC

 

No. They are not direcitonal castings.
See the photobucket link.

 

awesome thanks todd!!!!

I just spent the day installing them, and I don't feel like doing it again!

 

The powerslots are directional. I can only guess this has to do with the venting of the brakes.

But then again the rears are marked for which side to be installed on also.

 

I got $20 that says they aren't.
You have a top down pic of the vent area of the rotor?

If they look like this:
http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o...urrent=dwg.gif
They are universal.

If they look like this:
http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o...naldrawing.gif
They are directional.

If they make a true dv casting for the MINI you'll be an easy $20 richer and I'l bow down that this would be the best rotor for oem replacements out there.

 

I don't have an easy way right now of checking the venting, but my guess would that they are NOT directional for the venting req's. I only meant that the rotors are marked and packaged as left and right rotors. Thus the comment about the rear ones.

 

No problems, not to be an ars, just for educational purposes. In fact you can say that there exists no dv rotor for the rear...it's not even vented. LOL!