Slotted rotors

[Andrey]

I've used both Brembo and StopTech. Very good quality, but neither of them were plated, and both eventually rusted (each were protected by paint on the hats and edges, but heat killed the paint in a year or so).

The only plated rotors I've ever used were some eBay cheapies (irotors) on my S14, and R1Concepts on the Dragon. The rotors from irotors were not of good quality, but the plating held up nicely. The rotors from R1Concepts looked and performed great however.

I guess that the bottom line is to get good rotors, the plating, if done properly, will prevent corrosion. I went out on a limb with the eBay rotors, and I'm batting .500. I think that either of your options (EBC and PowerSlot) will be suitable.

Can you say some more on R1concepts ? noise ? vibration ? stock pads ? rust ? thanks

[mbeach]

Let me first say that I have no affiliation with r1concepts whatsoever.

Last summer, I put the r1concepts slotted/drilled/plated rotors on the Dragon. I added Axxis Ultimate pads (dusty, but my street favorite) and a thorough lubing of the calipers.
I broke the pads in with the StopTech method (5 hard brakes, just below the ABS threshold, from 60-5mph.) It sounds harsh, but I've used it on every car that I've owned for the last 5 years. On the 5th 'stop', the brakes will smoke -they are now bedded. Drive around off the brakes to cool them off.
This method runs counter to a lot of other advice, but it works for me.
Anyways,
I then proceded to hook the Dragon up to a (slightly less than) 4000 lb UHaul trailer and drive it 4200 miles to Alaska. Lots of hills and mountains. Keep in mind, these pads/rotors had less than 50 miles on them when I started out.

After the drive, I found the rotors appeared in "like new" condition. They had very little marking, even on the swept surfaces. A side bonus, the lack of pad 'prints,' caused by stopping on hot pads and leaving them in contact with the rotors.

I really can't say enough good things about the r1concepts rotors. For the price (or even triple,) I haven't been able to find their equal.
I have not used Tone's rotors (yet), but I'm sure that his are of equal quality or better.

[Andrey]

Thanks ! Some members here advise against cross drilled as they say stones got into them damaging pads. I do not really go offroading. I pretty much stay on the road but here, in Boston, even if you stay on the road some people call that offroading Did you have any issue with stone getting caught into them ?

[mbeach]

I am the member that advises against cross-drilled rotors for off road use.
I had issues with them on my WRX. These rotors were on my wife's VX, not mine. My truck is our primary off-road vehicle.

r1concepts will also supply slotted only rotors, and do custom plating (black, silver or gold). I was going to order a set of black slotted only rotors this summer.

[Andrey]

well, looked around - and I think I might settle for these http://www.trinetmotorsports.com/

it is about $216 for all 4 of them to Boston. They have cross-drilled and slotted and slotted only. I understand that some other companies might have a better product but I am not ready to drop 1k for the breaks upgrade. I also will order braided lines to do everything in one "pass". I hope to keep my pads as they only had about 5k on them. did anybody use these guyes ?

[Tone]

That is pretty cheap for 4 rotors. I'd be concerned about longevity and notice they only offer a 90 day warranty which means they probably don't make their own and simply import someone elses. Good quality rotors don't have to cost that much - I just spent $500 for my all 4 drilled and slotted rotors made here in the US. Unless your rotors are worn out or you rally/race, do the stainless lines first and you'll be plenty happy and out less than $200.

[Andrey]

so you go with drilled and slotted Tone ? how about the issue of drilled weakening the rotor ?