GMs arent Zinc Coated
Drilled Rotors... guaranteed to crack?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Warner Robins Georgia
Drilled Rotors... guaranteed to crack?
Hi guys,
I am looking into some drilled rotors, strictly for appearance sake on my 01. I am somewhat concerned that the rotors may crack, and figured I would ask around here first before buying.
I am either going with the Napa rotors, or just GM Performance Parts.
I drive the car daily, and really don't "use" the brakes in any real performance oriented fashion. Maybe a 1/4 mile event every now and then, but nothing like hotlaps on a road course.
With that said, should I be worried about the rotors being prone to cracks?
Thanks!!
I am looking into some drilled rotors, strictly for appearance sake on my 01. I am somewhat concerned that the rotors may crack, and figured I would ask around here first before buying.
I am either going with the Napa rotors, or just GM Performance Parts.
I drive the car daily, and really don't "use" the brakes in any real performance oriented fashion. Maybe a 1/4 mile event every now and then, but nothing like hotlaps on a road course.
With that said, should I be worried about the rotors being prone to cracks?
Thanks!!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 18,682
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
You should be fine. They dont crack just like that. I have some from Sports Brake dot com and have over 6 heavy competition AutoX events along with 1000 street miles so far. No problems at all 
Now HPDE is a completely different story though
Now HPDE is a completely different story though
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Originally Posted by 91_LX
Hi guys,
I am looking into some drilled rotors, strictly for appearance sake on my 01. I am somewhat concerned that the rotors may crack, and figured I would ask around here first before buying.
I am either going with the Napa rotors, or just GM Performance Parts.
I drive the car daily, and really don't "use" the brakes in any real performance oriented fashion. Maybe a 1/4 mile event every now and then, but nothing like hotlaps on a road course.
With that said, should I be worried about the rotors being prone to cracks?
Thanks!!
I am looking into some drilled rotors, strictly for appearance sake on my 01. I am somewhat concerned that the rotors may crack, and figured I would ask around here first before buying.
I am either going with the Napa rotors, or just GM Performance Parts.
I drive the car daily, and really don't "use" the brakes in any real performance oriented fashion. Maybe a 1/4 mile event every now and then, but nothing like hotlaps on a road course.
With that said, should I be worried about the rotors being prone to cracks?
Thanks!!
This is a LINK where you can get a set for $260.00 rotorpros.com.
Good luck on your choice.Here is a picture of mine:
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Warner Robins Georgia
Thanks for the replies guys. Certainly been a help.
One more question: Are the GM/AC Delco rotors zinc washed?
I was looking at GMPartsDirect.com or places like that, but have not been able to determine if these rotors are Zinc washed.
Anyone?
Thanks!
One more question: Are the GM/AC Delco rotors zinc washed?
I was looking at GMPartsDirect.com or places like that, but have not been able to determine if these rotors are Zinc washed.
Anyone?
Thanks!
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 331
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From: Black Forest Colorado
Originally Posted by RoadRebel
What I think is funny is the stock ones crack to hell as well if used a bit "rough".
Phil
Phil
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 743
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From: Bartlett IL
My stock rear rotor had a crack so wide if you put a light on the back of it you could see light through the crack. Stock rotors with 40k on it+crappy ceramic pads from previous owner+high speeds=big cracks! Oops! 
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 317
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From: Southern Mexifornia CA
After seeing photo's posted showing cracks between the holes I would not go with cross drilled rotors. Especially after reading about the old school reason for venting brake gas in old style brake pads that are not even used today.
The guy that parks next to me everyday at work has a V12 Bi-turbo AMG Mercedes with cross drilled and slotted brakes installed by AMG. I think the car is mostly for show. But it makes you think when a company like AMG installs them. You gotta figure they know what they are doing, especially in that price and performance market.
Anyone know if the Corvette factory racing team used them on their C5R or their present C6R car?
The guy that parks next to me everyday at work has a V12 Bi-turbo AMG Mercedes with cross drilled and slotted brakes installed by AMG. I think the car is mostly for show. But it makes you think when a company like AMG installs them. You gotta figure they know what they are doing, especially in that price and performance market.
Anyone know if the Corvette factory racing team used them on their C5R or their present C6R car?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Originally Posted by John Lardner
Anyone know if the Corvette factory racing team used them on their C5R or their present C6R car?
AMG puts D/S rotors on as the CUSTOMER wants them, not that they are any better. Plus with the big rotors, the 1.28" rotors not the normal 1" rotor they will last a bit longer.
But then again here is a Prosche GT3 RSR Cup car with Porsche 1.28" D/S rotors after 4 hours of race time.
For normal street use D/S rotors are fine.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 718
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From: barrie ontario
I read that the rotors that are cast with the holes are the high end ones......$$$
The ones that are drilled after being cast are the cheaper kind geared towards appearance
Anyone know if this is true?
The ones that are drilled after being cast are the cheaper kind geared towards appearance
Anyone know if this is true?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Originally Posted by molson
I read that the rotors that are cast with the holes are the high end ones......$$$
The ones that are drilled after being cast are the cheaper kind geared towards appearance
Anyone know if this is true?
The ones that are drilled after being cast are the cheaper kind geared towards appearance
Anyone know if this is true?
I have lots of pic of differnt rotors, just about evey one under the sun that has cracked at the track. Street use is totally different and D/S rotor are fine for normal street use.
But more and more ppl are FINALLY become knowlagble that D/S are for bling not performance and when they see D/S on a car they know it is a show car and & DD only. Which is OK.
I also have lots of pic of racing rotors and brakes, not a Drilled one in the lot. a few slotted and one or two with J-hooks milled into the rotor.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 743
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From: Bartlett IL
Originally Posted by John Lardner
After seeing photo's posted showing cracks between the holes I would not go with cross drilled rotors. Especially after reading about the old school reason for venting brake gas in old style brake pads that are not even used today.
The guy that parks next to me everyday at work has a V12 Bi-turbo AMG Mercedes with cross drilled and slotted brakes installed by AMG. I think the car is mostly for show. But it makes you think when a company like AMG installs them. You gotta figure they know what they are doing, especially in that price and performance market.
Anyone know if the Corvette factory racing team used them on their C5R or their present C6R car?
The guy that parks next to me everyday at work has a V12 Bi-turbo AMG Mercedes with cross drilled and slotted brakes installed by AMG. I think the car is mostly for show. But it makes you think when a company like AMG installs them. You gotta figure they know what they are doing, especially in that price and performance market.
Anyone know if the Corvette factory racing team used them on their C5R or their present C6R car?
Those cars are stupid fast! He must make big money because those are about $200K. By the way those brakes are 15.6" X 1.25" drilled or cast in holes (not sure) rotors with aluminum hats with Brembo made 8 piston calipers. The rears are around 14" with 4 piston brakes. I have never seen these rotors crack but our customers arn't tracking them ether.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Originally Posted by turboc5
V12 Bi-turbo AMG, Thats ether a SL65, CL65 or a S65 Those cars are stupid fast! He must make big money because those are about $200K. By the way those brakes are 15.6" X 1.25" drilled or cast in holes (not sure) rotors with aluminum hats with Brembo made 8 piston calipers. The rears are around 14" with 4 piston brakes. I have never seen these rotors crack but our customers arn't tracking them ether.
Those cars are stupid fast! He must make big money because those are about $200K. By the way those brakes are 15.6" X 1.25" drilled or cast in holes (not sure) rotors with aluminum hats with Brembo made 8 piston calipers. The rears are around 14" with 4 piston brakes. I have never seen these rotors crack but our customers arn't tracking them ether.I talked to him after that session. He said that car is not fun on the track. too heavy and the body roll was scarry. he said the darn thing was just so heavy that with all that momentum the car just did not stop well. But he will keep it for the highway. and his MB 190 with a ford 354ci under the hood for his track car.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 743
Likes: 1
From: Bartlett IL
Yea I don't think you could even get decent pads for those, remember they still have to be quiet for the benz oweners. They tried their best with the ABC suspension(active body control) but their's no hiding 4500lbs. Ha a 190 with a ford v8, thats awsome 
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 257
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From: Roseville CA
Originally Posted by AU N EGL
But more and more ppl are FINALLY become knowlagble that D/S are for bling not performance and when they see D/S on a car they know it is a show car and & DD only. Which is OK.
I have used my car for a few track days, and have not seen cracks 'yet'. I expect they will get there eventually, but when they do, I'll replace them with another set of D/S...