I have my 03 Anniversary Edition at a vette-specific shop right now getting some work done and I thought now would be a good time to get the rotors and pads replaced. It has the factory stock setup now and it squeals quite a bit and is somewhat annoying. Looking mostly to go quieter and look nice and not loose braking power. The gentleman at the shop recommended PowerStop solutions, and I found this on their site:
EVOLUTION DRILLED, SLOTTED & ZINC PLATED ROTORS
https://www.powerstop.com/product/po...lotted-rotors/

Back years ago I went with slotted (non-drilled) rotors and ceramic brake pads on my '99 C5 and was happy. I'm not sure what the general consensus is currently regarding cross-drilled and slotted rotors, much less zinc plated. I assume the zinc will be burned through pretty darn quick so note sure how much that matters. PowerStop generally considered a good choice to go with?

 

I went with slotted only on my C5 not drilled, I just like the look of the slotted not because of performance ! I never owned PowerStop before but I knew someone who had them and really like them!

 

Pads are more important than rotors for noise and stopping. Plain rotors are completely adequate.

 

I had Baer Eradispeed one piece drilled/slotted rotors on my 2000 and another, unknown brand on my 2003. Never had a problem with either setup. On the 2000, I ran Hawk HPS pads on the car and they worked very well. But as mentioned, nothing wrong with the factory rotors along with perhaps some upgraded pads.

 

https://www.knsbrakes.com/products/c...ems/series/799 I'm a big fan of this kit. I believe there is a forum discount available as well.

There is a ceramic low dust option available as well https://www.knsbrakes.com/products/c...ems/series/800

 

I use PowerStop solutions kits from rockauto on all of my friends and family cars for a few years and have never had a problem with them.
As for the drilled and slotted thing it looks good.
The zinc is to stop rust and works well.

 

I used EBC dimpled and slotted rotors. They have a coating to stop rust on non-contact surfaces.

 

Power stop is fine, I went a different route. Check rockauto.com for rotors, they seem to have the best prices. Drilled and slotted are fine for everyday use. I went with the AC Delco gold/premium rotor, slots only because I do HPDE. All 4 were about 250.00, if you want low dust and quiet pads, get a ceramic. Tire rack seems to have good prices on pads. I’m a fan of Hawk. I’ve never used there ceramic pads, relatively inexpensive, give it a try.

I’ve used Hawk HPS pads, semi metallic compound, quiet but dust a lot. I’ve bumped it up to Hawk HP +, I can daily drive on these pads and do HPDE, downside is they make a lot of noise and dust, but the stopping power is insane, stops better with the HP+ pads, probably better then a big brake kit with ceramic pads. These are my own personal experiences with brake pads.

 

I did the same on my last C5, and the C4 I had, but honestly, if you go with a really good quality set of pads, I'd skip the drilled and slotted rotors, they just make cleaning up all the brake dust a real PITA.

 

I just checked rockauto.com, they have plain power stop rotors for 42.00 a piece, not bad for a rotor, and I’m sure they work just as well if not better then a drilled/slotted. Next time I need rotors, I might try those at that price.

 

Look the best rotors you can get in stock size are the treated GM AC Delco rotors that are chem treated. They are hardened and will not rust, They are not that expensive either.,,
As for pad the stock pads or if you feel the need to upgrade the Red EBC or equal Hawks are all you need.

Unless you track time there is no need for more than that or if you want the look for bigger brakes,

Skip the drilled they are cosmetic only. They can and will crack and if you do want to track time some groups do not allow them and the MFGS do not recommend them. Not a Powers Stop Fan.I sell them and most others at work and they are my last go to. Some of their claims are not exactly true,.

Generally the noise is not a brake problem but installation. The pads are often shaking and making the noise. Or they could be too hard of a compound and never getting enough heat. Match the compound to your needs.

If you need something on the rotors the AC Delcos can be had with small cuts for looks and cleaning.

If and when I do brakes the AC Delco treated Rotors will go like I have now and I will use EBC or Hawk depending on what we have in stock. I then to like the red.

Nothing is dustless. They just use a lighter color of material so the dust is not that dark black dust. It is often a light gray or light brown that is much less noticeable. Also
the harder pads wear less.

 

Maybe I’ll get AC Delco rotors again, and skip the power stop. TY

 

Make sure to get the treated ones. They are a little bit more and they will be rust resistant. I have them on three of my vehicles and they have been great. My truck is a 2017 no rust on the rotors.

Solid rotors are the ones that absorbs the most heat. That is the key to good brakes is the heat sink ability of the rotor.

If you want they have them in a cut version with little c like cuts on the surface,. It is to clean the pads. They look like what is on the C. R Corvettes. Or just get the plain.

Just make sure to bed in the pads when you install them. This is critical for good brake performance today. Pads have changed and have less mestal in them and bedding is important to prevent the brake pulse later on. If a shop does the work ask if they did it or not. If not take it out and do it your self.

 

I have these slotted AC Delco on the car with Hawk HP+ pads, ss brake lines, and Hawk HP600 brake fluid, I’m going to Road America May 5th for the first time. Wish me luck, say a prayer.

Slots look funny, but these were the ones on rockauto for about 55-60 a rotor. I’ve had them on for a year now.

 

For stock brakes that rotor will work as well as anything you put on in that size. The C5 R rotors have a similar cut on them. It is to clear dirt and rubber off the rotor. On the street it is cosmetic.

 

Vented rotors allow for pad outgassing and brake dust to escape from under the pad, and it works on the street as well.

 

Went with powerstop rotors and carbon fiber ceramic pads. Very quiet.. seems fine so far. Looks nice.

 

Not anymore. Organic pads of today do not out gas like the old asbestos pads of the past.

The primary reason for holes was yo reduce unsprung weight in race cars back in the 50’s and 60’s. Most were on lightvsmall cars or formula cars that had low weight.

As time past cars got heavier and much faster so they went back to solid rotor.

Solid absorb more heat and provide better heat transfer from the pads. This makes them more efficient.
The two ways to improve heat transfer in rotors is make them solid and larger. Also air ducts help.

If you look at F1, Indy, IMSA, NASCAR all use solid rotors. Only small rotors or drilled are used on Drag Racing for weight. Some Sprint cars and motorcycles.

Some companies are honest and tell the truth some still claim drilled helps.

I sat in with the head of EBC at work at meetings we had.. He said they will never make drilled rotors as long as he is in charge. He did ok dimpled rotors. He said they make them because they do not crack and they make money. He said solid is the best you can do. He has raced for year.

If you want the cosmetics they are fine but any real track time avoid them.

 

I recently purchased a set of Powerstop Evolution Dilled Slotted and Zinc Plated Rotors along with a set of Powerstop Evolution Z23 Low Dust Carbon Fiber Ceramic Performance pads for my 2006 Corvette.
I haven't installed them yet.

 

Just like many suspension options, i.e. sway bars, coilovers vs. shocks, adjustable end links, etc., there are many braking options. The OEM brake components perform well, however the cost of upgrades varies depending on how much you want to improve both performance and looks and how you intend to drive the car.

I recently upgraded to the Wilwood Aero 6 and Aero 4 big brake kit when I swapped in my new wheels. I never really liked the looks of the OEM calibers, plus the rear OEM calipers only covered 2/3 of the rotor braking surface on the larger brake kits. So after running the Z07 Ceramic rotors and brakes with the enclosed piston calipers on my 2019 Z06, I decided to upgrade my 2004 C5 convertible to a similar type set up minus the higher cost ceramic rotors. So far so good as it all ties into with the other suspension and performance upgrades.

Good luck!