Investment in the Z's Future
 

Well you're probably wondering what the crap the title is about...

I have done 2 track days on the Z so far:

• 1st one, boiled the brake fluid (then installed brake ducting)
• 2nd one, warped the rotors

So i go to price out new rotors and find they're between 200-225 for OEM / Stoptech replacements. Not exactly what i felt like paying for OEM, especially if they turn into "pringles" after 2 days.

After checking my options... i find that there are a few 2-piece rotors out there with which to replace the orig ones.
- Z1
- Racing Brake
- DBA 5000 T3

I decided against Z1 as they have JUST come out and there are no reviews. Also, i'd rather buy braking components from a place that has Brake in their title. :tup:

Conclusion:
- At $535, DBA 5000 T3 2-piece rotors are really the best way to go. I figured it's $300 extra to get rotors that will last 5x as long. That's a good deal right?

Thoughts and comments welcome!

Installed.

http://www.the370z.com/members/osbor...look-great.jpg http://www.the370z.com/members/osbor...cting-well.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/osbor...it-context.jpg

The life of the rotor will also depend on the pad you use, I know some say Hawk pads will tear up a rotor very quickly while others do not.

I went with racing brake's 2-piece rotors front and back if u bed them right they guarantee they won't warp. I've had them on for 9 months with track days and heavy street use and they are fine. No complaints! I installed stillen ducts but took them off because I got the amuse kit and no way to mount them and they still are just fine

:ughdance:

Umm, why would i buy less effective rotors than OEM???
- I.E. how does this kit solve my issues?

I may follow in the OP's direction. I've been to 12 track events where the brakes get used hard and I warped them every time I went to Laguna Seca or six warped rotor days. I resurface then replace with OEM next time. I'm charged $200 or less with installation. I am using Carbotech pads.

It is just part of the cost of having fun.

Why do you say these are less effective than OEM?
I bought these and they are a crap load better than OEM..

1. They are 1-piece rotors. Automatically 10 lbs heavier
2. The rotors are drilled. For track days, they will just disintegrate.
3. DBA > EBC

That's about all i've got :tup:

2. Not drilled. They're slotted. Big difference.

OOPS... yah, that's a fair point.

I was too much of a tightwad to go with two piece. The weight savings would be nice.

1) Are you sure you warped them? More often than not, the warped feeling is uneven pad deposits and can be fixed by a very light turning.
2) As someone else already said, the specific track pad you use can make a huge difference in rotor life. Some of them flat eat rotors.
3) I've run on DBA's before and my experience is they don't last anywhere close to 5x as long as OEM.

I think DBA makes a fine product, that's why I've used them, but I believe you should probably have a more realistic view of track lifespan before purchase.

Good luck

I have had two pairs of front sport brakes warp - so im also looking for an upgrade. These look really great! I love the weight savings, the look of them and they sound like a huge upgrade.

:iagree: Everything from soup to nuts for brakes.

Did you find a place that does a package deal on all 4 with pads and fluid?

I run the Racing Brake rotors front and rear. Z1 stainless lines, brake cooling ducts, Motul 600 brake fluid. For pads. I have EBC Yellowstuff. Not a bad pad for both DD and track. But I'm ready to go to Carbotechs. I've got 6 trackdays with no problems so far. ;)

I'd do Z1's since replacing the outer rotor should be cheaper than anything. I believe $200 something.

The replacement rotor on the dba5000 outer ring is about 400$

Screw that

Oh yah, i re-bed the pads... to the rotors and still no resolution. Took it to the dealer and they turned the rotors for me under warranty... they were warped like Pringles. lol

I use Carbotech XP8 pads all the way around. They are very forgiving on rotors, unlike Hawks.

Well they've GOT to last longer than 2 days!!

Ahh, no... no package deals... but talk to Zspeed and ask for their DBA 5000 rotor deal... $535 is KILLER for this kind of setup. :tiphat:

...but then again, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Joe said outer rings are about $200

WHEW... had me worried for a min there. EEK.

:p

I've seen the replacement rings for ~$350 a pair.

That's really not bad at all, IMO.

Not really when replacements are that expensive! Wouldn't you want cheaper replacements?

Well, yes... obviously. But Replacement OEM rotors are ~$250 and replacement rotor rings for the DBA set are about $400.

I'm going for longevity here... but of course that has yet to prove itself. :stirthepot:

Z1 started their rotors in 09. By now they're proven. I believe they said $200 for replacement so I'd of gone cheaper since it seems to happen a lot to you. But it's done now so whatever.

PS, how the hell you going to replace them? Do you own that 3 star screw bit?

Am I missing something? I popped this cover and the frame is there. How am I supposed to get the brake hose in there?

Left side and RIGHT side are routed differently. Had to cut the FRP plastic to make room for the hoze. :tup:

Nahh, the nuts / bolts need to be torqued very specifically and w/ high temp loctite. Not to mention the 3 start bit.
- I would ONLY trust a shop to re-install new rotors, not me. :icon17:

I don't mean to knock Z1... But...
I think DBA is more proven because its not just ONE platform, or ONE car, and I doubt they have made or sold more than 100 sets.

Now, I know DBA some problems a few years ago, but hey, when you mass produce stuff, shít will invariably happen every once in a while. Especially when you don't know how products were BEATEN around a track.


Also, yes I have that star 3 tip screw bits! Harbor Freight FTW!!!

Woww.. I have this exact same set up minus their stainless steel lines. I have Z1's. I have no issues with mine at all.

And I doubt you will.

Lets be real people, it's a rotor. It's t6061 hat made from a block of aluminium. Turn CNC machine on, hit go with correct program, done!

Now I'm no metallurgist so i cant comment on everyons rotor metal but I know z1 doesn't make these! They had an idea, vane design, slot pattern and that's it. They maybe have sold less than 100 but the rotor manufacture has made millions!