Nissan 370Z Forum - Help me pick my Rotors and pad (Akebono stock replacement) + Motive Bleeder & fluid

So my stock AKEBONO rotors are pretty much shot. Horrible vibration at higher speed (during braking) clearly reflects front warped rotors. So I have been looking for replacements. I'm not looking for anything crazy. I'm basically looking for similar or slightly better braking than stock sports pack. I had no complaint of stopping power of the sports package brakes. I should mention, I DO daily drive the car. So quietness is a must. So, here are some of the rotors I am looking to buy. Please let me hear your feedback or personal experience with them

Option A Centric High Carbon Plain 125 Series Rotor $104.00

http://www.tirerack.com/images/brake...stop_rotor.jpg

Centric High Carbon Plain 125 Series Rotor

Quote:

Utilizing the same split core symmetric molding process used by Original Equipment manufacturers, Centric’s High Carbon Plain 125 Series Rotors dissipate heat efficiently and provide better stopping power especially in repeat stopping situations. Containing an advanced metallurgy containing proprietary Molybdenum and Chromium alloys, the rotors resist cracking during high performance use or repeat stop situations. The alloys also greatly reduce the pad squeal associated with higher friction, European-style brake pad compounds and increases the friction couple to improve brake performance and stopping power.

The Centric High Carbon Plain 125 Series Rotor features a double disc ground finish that virtually eliminates run out and any disc thickness variation (DTV) issues. The non-directional, double disc ground finish also provides improved rotor and pad break-in while a directional vane design improves airflow and cooling. Rotors are mill-balanced, as well, to ensure smooth operation regardless of speed.

Centric High Carbon Plain 125 Series Rotor Features:

Premium black E-coating finish to combat corrosion on the rotor hat and between the cooling vanes
Center split castings for increased strength and stability
Superior cooling fin designs
Double disc ground finish
100% fully machined finish including rotor hats
100% inspected and mill-balanced for smooth operation regardless of speed
Lateral run out held to 0.002” or less
Meet or exceed rigidity quality specifications, including cooling vane designs

A center split casting increases strength and stability, but to further promote longevity, the rotors feature Centric’s exclusive black E-coating finish. Engineered to withstand 400 hours of salt spray testing without corroding, it is applied on all non-friction surfaces to prevent premature rusting.

E-Coating Advantages:

Uniform coating thickness over all areas including sharp corners, recesses and areas that are hard to reach with spray painting
Nontoxic and water-based paint material
Approximately 95% utilization of paint with no overspray, drip or drain losses
Complete paint coverage — no touchup of paint ever required

or

Option BStopTech SportStop Drilled Rotor $97.00

http://www.tirerack.com/images/brake...illrotor_m.jpg
SportStop Drilled Rotor

Quote:

With an internal vane structure identical to stock rotors, the one-piece StopTech SportStop Drilled Rotor is a direct replacement rotor that fits Original Equipment calipers. Its drilled design helps remove unwanted debris between the pad and disc resulting in increased bite and improved stopping power. This same drilled look for rear brakes can help match the aesthetics of a front big brake kit, too.

Premium black E-coating finish to combat corrosion on the rotor hat and between the cooling vanes
Castings have important O.E. details including extractor and set screw holes
Superior cooling fin designs
Double disc ground finish
100% fully machined finish including rotor hats
100% inspected and mill-balanced
Lateral runout held to 0.002” or less
Meet or exceed rigid quality specifications, including cooling vane designs

StopTech SportStop Drilled Rotors’ finish helps prevent glazing of the pads to improve dry/wet braking performance. All rotors are finished with a durable black coating on the non-swept areas to prevent unsightly corrosion, as well.

E-Coating Advantages:

Uniform coating thickness over all areas including sharp corners, recesses and areas that would be hard to reach with spray painting
Paint material is water-based and nontoxic
Approximately 95% utilization of paint with no overspray, drip or drain losses
Complete paint coverage – no touchup ever required

I don't really care about whether it's drilled or not because if anything, drilled rotor are prone to crack under severe condition. But again, I daily drive the Z. So not too many chances of that happening. So tell me which rotor I should get or for similar price if something else is out there, let me know.

PADs:
Since noise is a concern, I'm looking into ceramic brake pads. These are some of the finalists. If you have something else to suggest in similar price range, I'm always open to suggestions :tup:

A. Hawk Performance Ceramic Pads

http://www.tirerack.com/images/brake...b453z585_m.jpg

Quote:

Hawk Performance introduces a unique ceramic composite formulation specifically developed to meet the ultra-low dust and low noise attributes of Original Equipment ceramic brake pads while maintaining the high friction levels professional brake tuners have grown to expect from Hawk Performance. Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads do not compromise performance and offer a solution to many consumers' number one complaint: DUST! Performance Ceramic Brake Pads also feature a fade resistant, linear friction profile that allows your ABS brake system to work more effectively.

Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads — Quiet, Clean, Safe and Fast Stopping.

Key Features & Benefits of Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads

Ultra-low dust
Improved braking over O.E.
Stable friction output
Extremely quiet
Extended pad life
Increased rotor life

Brake pads are wear items and as such, should be inspected regularly and replaced as necessary. Pads should be replaced when approximately 1/8th inch of friction material remains on the steel backing plate.

At $127 for front pads, these are a bit out of my range. But they look very promising. I'm tempted to give them try even though they are on a little expansive side.

B. Akebono ProACT Ceramic Pads

http://www.tirerack.com/images/brake...c_act787_m.jpg

Quote:

Akebono's advanced ProACT™ Ceramic Disc Pads, Original Equipment on many of North America's most popular cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles, are ideal OEM replacement components and the perfect performance option for drivers looking to upgrade from conventional pads.

Akebono Ceramic Technology (ACT) helps to reduce the brake noise (squealing and grinding), vibration and harshness (NVH) problems associated with some aftermarket brake products. Ceramic technology also produces ultra-low dusting for cleaner wheels and tires and fosters minimal wear on the brake rotor.

Other advantages of ProACT™ ceramic brake pads include:

Unrivaled “initial effectiveness” with no required break-in period
Ultra-quiet, positive and smooth braking performance
High resistance to fade with fast recovery
More consistent pedal feel for driver confidence

NVH control is further optimized by the fact that ProACT™ Ceramic Disc Pads are designed for specific models, as well as powder-coat finished and harmonically damped. All Akebono ceramic disc pad formulations are also asbestos-free.

These I'm assuming the stock pads at half the cost of the Hawks. I did saw Akebono Euro that fits our Z. but wasn't sure if anyone tried them here. Should I just get these?

Motive Bleeder:
I also want to drain my brake fluid. Since I bought the Z, I haven't changed it. Dealer wants too much money :rolleyes: so I decided, why not do it myself?

I stumbled into a problem when I went to Motive site. Take a look at the application guide

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1348184600

0107 regular bleeder and 0117 black label bleeder

Which one should I get? Anyone bought their bleeder from motive?

I'm guessing this is the wrong type for our car?
http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1348184600

since this is how our cap looks?
http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1348184919

Anyone who bought one, feel free post your model no.

finally, synthetic brake fluid:
After reading this thread, I came to conclusion either Ap racing 5.1 or Motul dot 5.1 or ATE super blue
What do you guys recommend? I'm not tracking my car it's almost winter here and even if I track, I'll probably bleed the fluid to something more track worthy prior to event. So, for everyday driving, which one do you recommend?

thanks in advance :tup: