Drilled/slotted rotors. Worth it?

Dr. Teeth

Dr. Teeth

Club Member
I need brakes on my 03 Sierra Pickup. Looking at some cross drilled/slotted rotors and ceramic pads. Right now I have the local autoparts shop brand rotors and semi-metallic pads and I'm less than impressed with the performance, especially when I'm towing. NOT looking to put huge rotors, etc on here.


Just looking for opinions, I've heard it both ways and want experts to chime in.

Thanks,

-Teeth.
 
Dr. Teeth said:
I need brakes on my 03 Sierra Pickup. Looking at some cross drilled/slotted rotors and ceramic pads. Right now I have the local autoparts shop brand rotors and semi-metallic pads and I'm less than impressed with the performance, especially when I'm towing. NOT looking to put huge rotors, etc on here.


Just looking for opinions, I've heard it both ways and want experts to chime in.

Thanks,

-Teeth.
Click to expand...


I don't think the drilled/slotted would make much of a difference on the pickup. If anything just do slotted. There is a lot of crap that having them drilled will make them crack easier, which makes sense but who knows.


I think a quality pad would go a long way with a name brand blank rotor. I used Brembo blanks and Hawk HPS pads on my Camaro and it felt like it wanted to do a front flip. Shoot Reiko a PM for his thoughts and I can bring them with me when I come up. He has the best prices around.
 
Definitely go with a solid, non-drilled or non-slotted rotor. There is no benefit to the other stuff with modern pads.

Can you get the performance friction Z Rated for that? If so, you have your winner.

I wouldn't recommend an HPS to anyone, no stopping upgrade over stock, no dust reduction compared to stock, increase in tendency to start on fire over stock from my experience on the Lightning. I talked to an E30 owner that managed to start HPS pads on fire too.
 
4 cam tbird said:
Definitely go with a solid, non-drilled or non-slotted rotor. There is no benefit to the other stuff with modern pads.

Can you get the performance friction Z Rated for that? If so, you have your winner.

I wouldn't recommend an HPS to anyone, no stopping upgrade over stock, no dust reduction compared to stock, increase in tendency to start on fire over stock from my experience on the Lightning. I talked to an E30 owner that managed to start HPS pads on fire too.
Click to expand...

My HPS pads were fine after multiple 60-130+ runs on the highway, and they stopped a hell of a lot better than the generic pads on it. Dust was quite bad, I'll give you that.
 
ceramis pads SUCKED on my 02HD. Switched to a wagner semi and much much happier with pedal feel, and less brake fade. Most pads are relieved now days, and the need for slotted is usually only a cosmetic one. Better pads are designed to gas out on thier own. Also my ceramics held tons of heat, warped rotors within first year, and everything i tow has it's own braking system.
 
Rotors seem to rot big time on those trucks, especially the rears. I'd go with a smooth rotor but a good pad as stated. I had Hawk pads on my Cobra and they were awesome, super dusty but great stoppers.
 
4 cam tbird said:
I wouldn't recommend an HPS to anyone, no stopping upgrade over stock
Click to expand...

I have to disagree with you there based on my experiences. I have been buying Hawk pads for years and use them on all my vehicles (daily drivers included), no issues at all.

HPS pads made a world of difference on my Ranger (stock rotors), and the HP Plus pads are great on my Mustang.

--Joe
 
The Lightning and the mentioned E30 were both being tracked when the HPSes started on fire. Fuck that regardless, I want no part of a pad that will start on fire when there are lots of options that won't.
 
I'm looking at Performance Friction pads and stock blank frt rotors for my '07 Sierra when I change them. I'll post results as I tow as well (trailer has trailer brakes) but for my driving style stopping power needs to be maximized.
 
Raybestos makes a life time warrenty rotor with coated hub and non stop surfaces. They are a touch pricey but worth it in my opinion. Never had a complaint when selling them. They used to have them at orielley's. Not sure what Reiko has, but i bet he's got the best at the best prices.
 
Meh, sounds like the stockers are for me. Whatever I tow, it has brakes. I just saw a deal on the fancy rotors and figured I might take a gamble. Looks like I'll pass on them.

Anyone know if I need to do anything to adjust the rear calipers on that rig?
 
I've installed powerslot plated rotors and halk brake shoes on several vehicles that either towed a ton of weight or had a aggressive driver.
According to the owners there was a huge difference in stopping distances .... especially the customers that were towing.
 
Drilled and slotted rotors serve no purpose on a pickup (or most any other vehicle either). A rotor is a heat sink. Its job is to absorb and then dissipate heat that is creating during braking. Removing material from the rotor reduces its ability to do its job. Adding holes just creates stress risers that will eventually lead to cracks. Stick with solid rotors. As for the ceramic pads, I've never been a fan. In my experience, metallic pads do a better job of stopping.

4 cam tbird said:
The Lightning and the mentioned E30 were both being tracked when the HPSes started on fire. Fuck that regardless, I want no part of a pad that will start on fire when there are lots of options that won't.
Click to expand...

You used a STREET pad on the track and then was disappointed in its performance?!?!? No shit.
 
dr. Teeth said:
i need brakes on my 03 sierra pickup. Looking at some cross drilled/slotted rotors and ceramic pads. Right now i have the local autoparts shop brand rotors and semi-metallic pads and i'm less than impressed with the performance, especially when i'm towing. Not looking to put huge rotors, etc on here.


Just looking for opinions, i've heard it both ways and want experts to chime in.

Thanks,

-teeth.
Click to expand...
no no no
 
soap said:
What do you mean adjust the caliper?? Just remove the old pads and put new ones in their place.

--Joe
Click to expand...

Used to be that on some rear-caliper vehicles there was an adjustment via the e-brake cable. I've never done it on the truck, just making sure that on this vehicle there isn't one. Judging from your post, there isn't.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

ZYA_LTR
1999 Camaro Z28 SS for sale
Replies
3
Views
1K
DeFormula
D
Det_Riot
Sonic Blue 331ci Hatchback - 1990 Mustang GT MUST SEE!
Replies
19
Views
3K
Det_Riot
Det_Riot
StanIROCZ
C5 Corvette drilled and slotted rotors and Carbotech Pads
Replies
2
Views
330
StanIROCZ
StanIROCZ
Kryp2nitE
2000 CHEVY CAMARO FACTORY SLP SS - $8200 obo
Replies
3
Views
686
Kryp2nitE
Kryp2nitE
SSpdDmon
Brembo Drilled Rotors + Pads (used)
Replies
4
Views
482
SSpdDmon
SSpdDmon
Back
Top