Rotors and Open Track

[PGreenSVT]

Will they let you run open track with cross drilled rotors? This isn't meant to explore the merrits of drilled vs slotted. I am well aware of the positions on both sides.

[Gene Fine]

I can't see why not. I think you're overestimating the technical knowledge of the majority of people who do technical inspections. :) There's a lot of people who opentrack who still think crossdrilled rotors are superior.

When I first bought my Wilwoods, I ordered the "street" kit accidentally, which is the same calipers but with crossdrilled and slotted rotors. I needed to get some decent brakes on the car, so I installed them. No one said anything negative about them, even among the guys in the American Iron part of the paddock. I knew about the risks, though, so I just made a point to inspect the rotors regularly. I have a set of non-drilled rotors sitting at home for when the crossdrilleds finally crack, but so far they've held up.

[PGreenSVT]

Thanks Gene....I see some Brembo slotted and drilled rotors on eBay pretty cheap and was thinking about getting them. If they are drilled correctly and chamfered they should be alright. I would bring spares in any case.

[Gene Fine]

If you haven't bought them yet, I wouldn't waste the money. You can get stock replacements for less than those Brembos on ebay cost, and you won't have any concerns.

[fast Ed]

I run the stock replacement Ford rotors made by Brembo on the front of my 95 T-Bird SC, which has a Cobra brake conversion. Did 7 open-track days while instructing last year, 5 of them with Hoosier Grand-Am Cup race radials on the car. Even with having to haul down 4000 lbs. of fat Bird, the rotors are still fine. This is with stock Ford (PBR) brake pads, went through 2 sets of those. Going to try some of the mild Hawk pads for this season, I'd still rather replace pads than rotors. :)


cheers,
Ed N.