It is time to replace my pads and rotors on my factory Brembo equipped track Z, and I am a bit frustrated. I have done my research, and based on my driving habits (daily driver, AutoX, the occasional HPDE) I decided I want Project Mu B-Force pads and plain (not slotted or drilled) rotors. Reason I want plain rotors is because drilled are prone to cracking and really offer no tangible benefit other than weight reduction, and slotted (although better than drilled) offer little or questionable benefit over plain rotors. I have read the argument that slotted rotors help de-glaze the pads which keep them sticky on the track, and also aid in out gassing under hard braking. Some negatives I have read regarding slotted rotors are that they *might* be noisy under certain braking conditions (ie an undulating noise heard under braking as a result of the slots hitting the pads in some way – this is speculative at best as I have only seen a few complaints), and that they eat pads faster (directly related to their pad-deglazing properties). I have seen no hard evidence to substantiate both the positive and negative claims for slotted rotors, but some reputable members of this forum who track regularly have posted that plain is best way to go.

So, I have decided I want plain rotors…

The problem lies in finding aftermarket plain rotors. It seems that everyone sells slotted or drilled rotors, but no one likes to carry plain-jane rotors anymore. I was considering the Stopetech Stage 2 upgrade, but alas, only slotted rotors are available. On Performance Nissan's site, the only plain rotors available are the factory Brembo replacement rotors, which I think are overpriced. The only other source of *quality* Brembo replacement rotors I found is TireRack, who offers Frozen Rotors of the pain-jane variety. I have read no reviews of these rotors, and therefore am reluctant to purchase. In addition, they are back ordered on the rear set.


Now for my question: Does anyone know where I can find quality plain one-piece Brembo replacement rotors at a decent price?

 

centric rotors have slotted and reg...look up www.philsinc.com...btw powerslot, powerstop, and centric are all the same blanks

 

You know, I called Frozen Rotors to ask about their Brembo availability, and I found out that Centric is one of their suppliers prior to the cryo treatment process. Have you used Centric rotors? Specifically in AutoX/track applications?

 

I'll sell you my OEM Brembo rotors if you want. I took them off to put on cross-drilled Brembos. They are good as new and still have full thickness on them.

 

http://www.importrp.com/product.php?...0&cat=0&page=1
Genuine Brembo blanks $99.99 each.

I have bought from these guys and they have great customer service.

 

+1 on Import RP. I don't see Brembo blanks for the Brembo Z, but I am sure they can get them if you call them.

Just out of curiosity, wouldn't drilled rotors also eat through pads faster.

 

I’m not sure. I think that *in theory* the slotted rotors would be prone to more wear because of the "shaving" effect a long slot would have on the pads as it passes over them. The effect could be visualized by picturing a cheese slicer. In this case the slicer is the slot, and the cheese is the pad (exaggerated of course). For the drilled rotors, I don’t know why they would contribute to additional pad wear, as the holes are small and wouldn’t really have any shaving effect. This is pure theory, so take it with a grain of salt.

 

Thanks SpeedRcr...Although their website is horrible, I ended up taking your advice. Called Phil's Inc, and they had Centric Premium plain-jane rotors for Brembo in stock. Price was great, customer service was great, and they came in today. Some pics:













Also, the sales rep confirmed that they are the suppliers for compaines like Powerslot, PowerStop, , and even StopTech (not 100% sure on that). Cheers!

 

Looks like a STOPTECH rotor.

 

FYI: http://www.stoptech.com/company_info..._Centric.shtml

 

If you dont mind posting the prices, what were they? If you do, then please PM me.

 

delete.

 

StopTech: Thanks for that info. Good to know. Then that would explain this ("Distributed by Centric"):



Thanks for the Great SS lines StopTech, and the great customer service Performance Nissan (mynismo.com - where I ordered the lines from, along with PMu B-Force pads too!)


spacemn_spiff: PM Sent.

 

How many miles did you get out the brembo roters/pads befor eyou had to replace them?

 

Rotors: 40K (probably should have changed around 36K)
Pads: 20K

I should have them on this weekend.

 

The plain [non drilled, non dimpled nor slotted] black coated Centric are high quality. We use them as a lower cost near oem equivalent to save our customers a few dollars at our 3 independent [Lexus and Infiniti] repair facilities in ATL.

It is very rare that they have to be trued before installation however
Centric also has a plain jane version at half the wholesale cost [$25] that tend to be more problematic if perfection is desired.

To me a rotor that last 40k and pads that last 20k are an optimum balance.

 

Q45tech, do you mean that in some instances you have had to true the Premium Centric rotors prior to installation? This is good info prior to my installation.

They also had these "Non-Premium" rotors in stock, and the price was quite cheap indeed! The Phil's rep said that the Non-Premium rotors have a lower carbon steel as opposed to the Premium rotors. I suppose this means they would be less durable under harsh conditions as opposed to the Premium version.

 

UPDATE: I installed the rotors, new pads (Project Mu), and SS lines this weekend. The install went smoothly, and the new setup with fresh fluid (Motul) has yielded a firmer more confidence inspiring brake pedal. The rear rotors are 100% compatible with the parking brake system, and there is no vibration or other anomaly to speak of.

On a side note, I read some threads regarding rear rotor removal and how much of a pain in the **** it is. I was initially discouraged to find that mine were seemingly locked onto the hub, but after referring to the FSM, all one needs to do is loosen the rear parking brake shoes and the rear rotors come right off. I almost forgot to re-adjust the parking brake after getting the new rotors on, but thanks to my sharp-eyed partner we left no stone unturned.

 

Thats awesome man, you will definitely like this setup.