Rotor replacemnts, plain, drilled, or drilled and slotted?

[Westcoaster]

Looking for some feedback on these types of rotors for my03 non-S...

I like the look of the drilled rotors and understand the additional benifits the holes provide, but would like to hear opinions on them all.

My plan would be to replace the pads (Mintex Red Box with sensors) and rotors at the same time.

Thanks, Al

[KevinC]

If you drive your car hard (e.g. at the track) I would recommend that you stick with the standard rotors. I am very unhappy with the effect of the holes in my Boxster S rotors. They act like cheese graters and cause grooving of the pads and rotors. They also act as stress concentration points and promote cracking. I replace my rotors when the cracks from the outer holes reach the edge of the rotor. This occurs long before the rotor reaches it's wear limit.

If you aren't driving very hard, the drilled rotors probably won't crack but they will probably still form grooves.

Other than appearance, the only advantage of the holes is slightly better initial brake performance in the rain. However, in wet weather, tire traction is going to be a much bigger limitation than brake performance. Slotted rotors would provide the same benefits as "drilled" rotors without the cracking and grooving problems.

Cheers,

Kevin

Looking for some feedback on these types of rotors for my03 non-S...

I like the look of the drilled rotors and understand the additional benifits the holes provide, but would like to hear opinions on them all.

My plan would be to replace the pads (Mintex Red Box with sensors) and rotors at the same time.

Thanks, Al

[Westcoaster]

Thanks for the reply Kevin, nope, no track time for me likely.

hmmm, There are drilled and drilled/slotted Zimmerman's available for a reasonable money, I just had the brakes checked and there is 60% friction material left on the rear and 40% on the front, as for the rotors themselves, the fronts are down to 22mm and the rears 19mm.

So it would appear that I have a little time on everything, however where I live it does rain a lot in the winter (BC's west coast and that first chance to stop may be the most important!), so hence my interest in 'modified rotors' for my03.

I would think in general I am pretty easy on brakes, and would welcome the performance look of the Zimmermans...

Al

If you drive your car hard (e.g. at the track) I would recommend that you stick with the standard rotors. I am very unhappy with the effect of the holes in my Boxster S rotors. They act like cheese graters and cause grooving of the pads and rotors. They also act as stress concentration points and promote cracking. I replace my rotors when the cracks from the outer holes reach the edge of the rotor. This occurs long before the rotor reaches it's wear limit.

If you aren't driving very hard, the drilled rotors probably won't crack but they will probably still form grooves.

Other than appearance, the only advantage of the holes is slightly better initial brake performance in the rain. However, in wet weather, tire traction is going to be a much bigger limitation than brake performance. Slotted rotors would provide the same benefits as "drilled" rotors without the cracking and grooving problems.

Cheers,

Kevin

Looking for some feedback on these types of rotors for my03 non-S...

I like the look of the drilled rotors and understand the additional benifits the holes provide, but would like to hear opinions on them all.

My plan would be to replace the pads (Mintex Red Box with sensors) and rotors at the same time.

Thanks, Al