Leopardray

I have a 2014 C7 Z51 no modifications. I have run two track days at Palm Beach International Raceway. I run decent times 1:36 and reached a top speed of 145-150mph. After the second event I noticed vibration under medium to hard braking. I am told by a local tire shop that the rotors are warped. I did have the rings installed as well as a high temp brake fluid. Anyone experience this issue? If so were the rotors covered by warranty. Anyone using an aftermarket rotor set? Thank you for any input.

descartesfool

Assuming you are running OEM Z51 pads and that you bedded them as per GM's recommendation. My take is that you got OEM brake pads too hot and that put some deposits on the rotors, which is causing the vibration. Not likely the rotors being warped. I would run race pads on track only, like Carbotech or Hawk. Z51 rotors are cheap. I bought some for about $86 each plus shipping from GMpartsdirect. But the EOM rotors are soft, and you cannot run them on the street with race pads, as they will get grooved up. So you have to swap pads in and out for track days. No such thing as a pad that is good for street and track if you drive fast on track.

Leopardray

Thank you for the response. I have used the Hawk 10's what Carbotech pads do you use on the track? I appreciate your feedback.

descartesfool

I used Hawk DTC-60's in front and since they did not have a rear fitment at the time I ordered, I used Carbotech XP-10's at the rear, but will likely be going to Hawks all around if I can get some rear DTC pads. I use DTC pads on my GT-R as well, and they work very well and take the heat and do not leave deposits. I bed them on the way to the track every time I go.

Leopardray

Thank you.

Adam@Amp'dAutosport.com

For this car if you would like to go with Carbotech pads. I would recommend going XP24 front XP12 rear for dedicated track pad and run the 1521 on the streets. All Carbotech compounds are compatible with each other so, all you have to do is swap pads and go.

XP24 $278 XP12 $216 Less 5%.

1521 front $170 1521 rear $173 Less 5%.

Carbotech™ XP24™

XP24™ is the pinnacle compound of the extremely successful XP™ Series of compounds engineered by Carbotech™. This compound is based on the same fundamentals that exist in all other Carbotech™ formulations. XP24™ has even more initial bite, more overall bite, and more torque along with the most linear torque curve we have ever offered. The thermal characteristics are of the highest Carbotech™ offers along with one of the highest coefficient of friction ratings offered by anyone in the braking industry. This compound is the longest wearing compound Carbotech™ offers as it was originally engineered for endurance applications at the highest pro racing levels. This revolutionary new compound has been extremely successful with open wheel, closed wheel, sprint and endurance applications. XP24™ has a temperature range of 400°F to 2000°F+ (204°C to 1093°C+). Carbotech™ XP24™ is NOT recommended for use as a daily driven street pad due to possible elevated levels of dust and noise along with the necessary heat required to work properly.

Carbotech™ XP12™

Another highly successful XP™ series compound with an excellent initial bite, torque and fade resistance over and above the XP10™ compound. XP12™ has temperature range of 250°F to 1850°F+ (121°C to 1010°C+). The XP12™ has that excellent Carbotech™ release and modulation that has made all other Carbotech™ compounds so successful. The XP12™ is more rotor aggressive than XP10™, but compared to the competition the XP12™ is still very rotor friendly. XP12™ is NOT recommended for use as a daily driven street pad due to possible elevated levels of dust and noise.

Carbotech™ Bobcat 1521™ The Carbotech Bobcat 1521™ is our high performance street compound that is our most successful compound. The Bobcat compound is known for its awesome release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. Like our AX™ & XP™ line of compounds, Bobcat 1521™ is a Ceramic based friction material offering minimal rotor damage and non-corrosive dust. Bobcat 1521™ offers outstanding performance, even when cold, low dusting and low noise with an excellent initial bite. This compound’s virtually perfect linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Bobcat 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 900°F. Bobcat 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle, police cruiser. The Bobcat 1521™ compound has been found to last two-three times longer than OE pads you can purchase at a dealership or national retailer. That’s one of the beauties of Carbotech Ceramic brake compounds. Bobcat 1521™ is NOT recommended for any track use.

leadville1

The stock rotors aren't that good, I would expect them to hold up well on the track. They are pillar vein rotors vs directional rotors. Racing Brakes makes a nice aftermarket rotor for these cars with replaceable friction rings. It made a huge difference on my car at the track.

VThokies

What kind of difference did they make at the track? Do you think the rotors would be cost effective? In other words, at four times the cost of stock replacements, do you think you would get four times or more use from the RB rotors?

Thanks!

leadville1

Really depends on what track your driving on, and how aggressive you are. The stock brake rotors couldn't shed the heat of slowing down at Road America, look under my name and you'll see what happened to my car. The Racing Brake rotors made the difference between a catastrophic failure (complete brake fade) and repeatable results without fade.

You could give a semi load of stock rotors but they don't work for me.

Bryan Wharton

I agree with Leadville1 my experience is that the Z51 rotors are not good for track use. Fine on the street but the Z51 is supposed to be a track capable car, and it is, except for the rotors!

VThokies

Thanks, I will try the RB rotors or DBA rotors when my stock rotors are done. I have about five track days and so far they are holding up, but it won't be long as the cracks are getting fairly large, just not to the outer edge yet. I'm still new at this, approximately two years and 15 track days. I don't consider myself as real aggressive, so this may explain why they have worked so far.

Leopardray

Had the dealer look at the rotors and all 4 showed minor warping. They would not replace but did turn the rotor and they are fine now. Did not need to remove much surface. Will try a More aggressive pad next event and see what happens.

JRitt@essex

Hi Guys,
I have an update on our AP Racing Heavy Duty J Hook racing discs. They're the same size as OEM. We expect to start shipping them in late February to mid-March.

They're essentially the same as the AP Racing discs we sell for the Viper, except in the OEM Z51 size. We'll be offering them for the front and rear, and they'll be priced similarly to our Viper discs.

leadville1

The other option to consider is you can buy a BBK from Wilwood for around $1700 with much larger rotors 14.25 and a 6 piston forged Caliper, and fix the problem permanently.

JRitt@essex

Yes, a big brake kit is an alternative after other options are exhausted, or if you just want to skip ahead to the end of the journey. You can see lots of happy customer reviews of our Essex/AP Racing Competition BBK's on our blog.