[Z06] Brakes ?
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Brakes ?
I have read many threads, but still not sure what to get. I guess cross drilled rotors are out (I do like the look though), as I participate in a few DE's/year. Anyone have any experience with Power Slot Brake Rotors. They have nickel over cadmium plating to reduce rust. Then pads. I hate the dust that I have now, but I still want the stopping power. Any one have experience with Hawk Performance HPS pads. They are supposed to have excellent braking with reduced dust. SS lines, I thought I would go with Goodridge. And is any hi performance brake fluid OK. I know this is a lot of questions, but it is hard to decide. The more I think about it, I just 
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Although I have not used power slots from my past experiences with other sloted rotors the slots will wear down your pads quicker than a blank rotor and the chances of cracking your rotor will increase. Tirerack even has a statement on their site regarding these rotors:
the power slots also cost $120 each while you can get a set of NAPA blanks for $25 each so there is a big price difference.
These are things to think about if you plan on tracking your car. If it is a street car then you should be ok.
HPS pads would be a good street pad and an ok track pad. Personally I think they are 1 step above the Z06 pads, but they are real close.
You will get dusting from the HPS, but if you follow the bed in process the dusting should not be overwhelming.
Brake fluid will depend on what you are doing. For the street the Valvoline Synpower Dot3/4 is very good. If you are going to do a few track events then the ATE Super blue would be good. If you are planning on doing more events then Motul or some other brand would be better. It is always good to flush your brake fluid before an event and then bleed it off after an event.
Originally Posted by tirerack
Slotted, drilled or dimpled rotors offered as OEM replacements should not be considered appropriate for high-speed track use.
While grooved, drilled and slotted rotors offer an enhanced appearance and add some resistance to the boundary layer of gasses that can build up between the pad and rotor, they are not designed to withstand the extreme temperatures that are produced on the racetrack. If they are used on the track, it is very important that the rotors be carefully inspected and should not be driven on if even minor signs of deterioration are seen. Note, too, that if these products are used on the track they are not warrantable.
While grooved, drilled and slotted rotors offer an enhanced appearance and add some resistance to the boundary layer of gasses that can build up between the pad and rotor, they are not designed to withstand the extreme temperatures that are produced on the racetrack. If they are used on the track, it is very important that the rotors be carefully inspected and should not be driven on if even minor signs of deterioration are seen. Note, too, that if these products are used on the track they are not warrantable.
These are things to think about if you plan on tracking your car. If it is a street car then you should be ok.
HPS pads would be a good street pad and an ok track pad. Personally I think they are 1 step above the Z06 pads, but they are real close.
You will get dusting from the HPS, but if you follow the bed in process the dusting should not be overwhelming.
Brake fluid will depend on what you are doing. For the street the Valvoline Synpower Dot3/4 is very good. If you are going to do a few track events then the ATE Super blue would be good. If you are planning on doing more events then Motul or some other brand would be better. It is always good to flush your brake fluid before an event and then bleed it off after an event.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: San Rafael CA
Last edited by BlackZ06; Feb 6, 2007 at 09:05 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I think the Hawk HPS pads are the same as the OEM Z06 pad. GM just has Hawk put a GM part number on them.
If you are a beginner at HPDEs the stock rotors and pads will hold up well and you will be able to get by with them until your skill level gets to the point you need better stopping power. Actually running street pads at their limits can teach you how to manage your braking and actually drive better than if you jump into race pads right away.
Bill
If you are a beginner at HPDEs the stock rotors and pads will hold up well and you will be able to get by with them until your skill level gets to the point you need better stopping power. Actually running street pads at their limits can teach you how to manage your braking and actually drive better than if you jump into race pads right away.
Bill
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 488
Likes: 42
From: Valley Lee MD
I'm not into road racing so I can't comment on the rotors but I will comment on the HAWK HPS pads. They are great for 2 reasons! First, I noticed a significant improvement in braking over the OEM pads (10,000 miles on them) and, second, I have significantly reduced brake dust. Granted road racers will generate a lot of dust from almost any pad but for a weekend crusier, my Z has virtually no dust when compared to the OEM pads driven the same distance. I also put HAWK LTS pads on my 8,000 lbs. Ford Excursion diesel and got the very same outstanding braking and dust results that my Z produced.
Ed
Ed
