So....

I know drilled rotors are "more likely to crack" but does anyone have first hand experience with this? I don't track my 8 but enjoy a spirited drive on streets from time to time (not crazy but I enjoy pushing it in short stints from time to time). I really enjoy the look of the drilled rotors. But, I am in Chicago which means during the winter, if I have to do a hard stop before much driving I could be changing the temp on the rotor fairly quickly which I know causes warping etc. - are these conditions themselves what contribute to cracking or can someone educate me on the conditions which would crack a rotor?

I understand that having the holes drilled creates structural weakness compared to a solid rotor but I am trying to find out if putting drilled rotors on my 8 is a reasonable thing to do or if I am actually likely to crack one - after all, I love the look and there are a fair number of cars out there with drilled rotors...

 

Most cross drilled rotors will end up getting small spider cracks in them. It's okay as long as they don't go from hole to hole. Why do you want to get them anyway? With the exception of initial stopping in wet conditions and the minimal gain of less rotational mass, they are not going to help you stop in a shorter distance and will heat up quicker. Stick with the stock rotors and get some good pads.

 

I'd want them just for looks to be honest lol. I love the look of cross drilled rotors.

 

Yeah, the switch isn't for performance, it's for the looks

 

Go for it then! I doubt you will ever get the kind of cracks in them that you will have to worry about just from driving around on the street.

 

Here's mine as I was installing them; LOVE the look!





Just make sure you get some quality rotors and you should be fine; be leery of the guys who take OEM rotors and drill them. Those proabably won't last long

 

Those look awesome - where'd you get them, how much they cost? Still stock calipers I assume?

 

thawk97, got your PM but figured I'd answer here in case others have similar questions.

The rotors are Racing Brake drilled /slotted. Here are the available products from RB (size depends on RX-8 model) http://www.racingbrake.com/v/main/ve...asp?model=RX-8

Calipers are OEM: our stock calipers are very capable units so I didn't see any need to upgrade them, simply painted them red a few years ago.

Brake lines: as you can see in the pictures, I also switched to Stainless Steel brake lines.

Brake Pads: if you are in need of brake pads, I highly recommend the Hawk Ceramics. Quiet, great stopping power, and VERY little brake dust.

 

If you want the look and worry about cracking it, get dimple one.
Break dust will fill the holes and make them darker, just like they are drilled.

Or pay more and get high quality and good design cross drilled rotors. They will last longer. Dont get the one that seller just put the holes every where to make them look good.
Mine is in for 10,000miles and still looking good.

Oh! you might wanna spend a bit more for center hub paint. Or you will get rusty look.

 

i also have the racing brake drilled/slotted rotors. no cracks and i've had them quite a while now.

 

I would just go with the slots.

 

Before and After.


Please ignore my ricey caliper.

 

What rotors are those kri?

 

You can call me Tony.

www.rotorpros.com from LA.

I custom ordered mine with less drill (stronger) and gold hubs (prevent rust, the color looks good but I did not wash my 8 for a while).
I got a discount with purchase on break pads. The shop recommend me Hawk HPS. However, I bought Posi Quiet Ceramic from them since my friend with M5 said it is better that Hawk HPS and Ceramic.

Took 3-4 weeks before I got mine. I guess the shop is made to order.

Ignore a RX-8 in their gallery page, that 8 had its rotors installed wrong side.

 

Tony, your brakes look great. How long have you had the rotors on? Do they have any cracking issues? Also, confirm those are still stock calipers - just painted? Would you recommend the shop where you got them for quality?

 

Thanks Tony. I just emailed them for a quote.

 

I still have OEM calipers with new ceramic pads.

10000miles in 7months of sprint, normal daily use & stuck in traffic. They are still strong.

Did not notice extra stopping power. I guess OEM design is already optimize.
However, I feel like my 8 can stop faster than OEM when it is wet.

Over all, I would recommend RotorPros for the quality & services.


Another option is trying to fine a local shop in your area. Rotors are heavy and shipping is not so friendly to your pocket.

 

Hmmm. I emailed them for a quote as well and including shipping was told $260. I was surprised and expected a higher price. To be honest, that low price makes me wonder about the quality. It's good to hear your car has been running well on them but I have to say, that price is right on the edge of making me wonder if their too cheap...

 

My quote said $140.00 but I wasn't sure if that was each or not. I have not received a reply yet.

 

Go for it it will look great. Sure beats the factory free rusted rotor mod here are mine with black powder coated hubs..

 

I have rotorpros rotors on my 8 as well.. There are about 10-15k on them and not a single issue. I do like to have a few spirited runs as well.... each day lol.

I was suprised by the price to and scared when I heard it but I really can say that im impressed and will buy them again. I actually will be doing the rears to match the fronts with the drilled and slotted look.

I had mine coated black from them as well. looked much nicer

 

I paid around $350 for 4 rotors, Gold platting and 4 ceramic pads, taxed and shipped.
Just found Rotorpros gallery in my e-mail
http://www.villagephotos.com/viewpub...p?id_=21504482

I think their price is reasonable. You can get whole set with funny drilled/slotted pattens cheaper from some e-Bay stores.

 

You can also buy rotorpros rotors on eBay.

 

Did mine last weekend. Rotora Slotted/Drilled Rotors, Goodridge SS Lines, Hawk HPS pads, decals from PoLak Graphics, and G2 Red Calliper paint. Was a pain in the **** but I like the finished product.

Before and After:

 

looks SOOOOO much better, congrats!