Stoptech Rotor Life Question

[SlowCreamPuff]

My car is a 2001 GTS w/ the 4-wheel Stoptech brake upgrade. I have only been running Michelin Pilot Sports. Pads I have used are the Axxis Ultimate, Pagid Orange, BrakeMan 3.

How long should I expect my front rotors to last?

My first set of fronts only lasted me 3 sets of pads (2 Axxis Ultimate, 1 Pagid Orange). When they are off the car, I can feel the cracks with my finger nails.

My second set of front rotors do not seem to be doing well. About 100 track miles, with BrakeMan 3 pads, I can already see tiny little hairline cracks.

What is the deal?? Am I doing something wrong?? I always bed my pads...

Please help... I was hoping big brakes would give me better life...

 

[SoCal Rebell]

Hey Puffy, how ya doin'? Are you gonna come down to Buttonwillow for Viperdays? Maybe you can caravan down with Andy (nmatter). If so find me and we'll check your rotors. Ok here's the deal, my Stoptech front rotors have lasted me about 25 track days already and have about 2-3 left in them, I use Brakeman 3 pads ONLY.

The cracks in the middle of the rotor are "stress cracks" and are fine, they do not hurt the performance and are to be expected when you track your car, it is a NORMAL occurance. A 100 track miles with Brakeman 3s will cause the stress cracks because of the heating and cooling of the metal. What you have to watch out for is "stress fractures" these are cracks on the edge of the rotor, if you look at the very edge and there is a crack that goes from the front surface to the back surface you are getting close to the time for a new set as this type of fracture will separate eventually. I have one small fracture on one of my rotors which I inspect carefully after each track day and carry a spare set of rotors with me for when it finally "goes".

To get more life out of the rotors bedding is important, I warped both my front rotors the first weekend I had them due to the wrong bed in instructions in the kit. New rotors should be broken in as follows 10 60-5mph runs, 4 80-5 mph runs and 4 100-5 mph runs, do this one after another with NO break in between then drive 3-4 miles without using the brakes so they cool. They'll be smoking big time and you'll get "green fade" but that only means you're doing it right. At the end of your track sessions do the full cooldown lap with no braking and do not brake going into the pits, coast in 1st gear, turn the ignition off and lift off the clutch to stop, NO E-BRAKE. I you want it straight from the horse's mouth contact Matt Wiess at Stoptech, he'll be more then happy to discuss it with you and he'll be at Viperdays next week if you're there.

 

[SlowCreamPuff]

Thank you.

I am glad I didn't throw my old set of rotors away... They might still be good. We'll see.

 

[MtHam ACR]

Hey Ron:

How many events/track days do you get out of a set of rotors? Kind of like you describe, I've heard rumblings of early rotor wear and heat warping on the stoptechs and I'd like the straight skinny. Hope to hookup with you guys at Buttonwillow.

Can anyone else comment on rotor life? Thanks,

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I've been using the same Stoptech rotors for about 12 events, but I was using wimpy pads. I've upgraded to race pads and don't expect the rotors to last nearly as long.

A good thing about a 2 piece rotor is that you can replace the disc and reuse the hat.

 

[SlowCreamPuff]

Awesome Viper community!!

Matt@StopTech is very helpful as usual.

Bill@Woodhouse is very cool. I truly don't know any car salesman giving support long after the car is sold.

Conclusion:
If you want brakes, get StopTech.
If you want to buy Viper(s), call Bill@Woodhouse.

Why my rotors are wearing fast? I forgot I had some long track sessions, a lot more heat, etc...

 

[ElDiablo Viper]

I ordered my Stoptech from Bill.

 

[SoCal Rebell]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ElDiablo Viper:
I ordered my Stoptech from Bill.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I got my Stoptech 4 wheel set from Herr Pemberton.