OEM Rotors vs Drilled/slotted rotors, is it worth the price?

**osideaudi** · 04-01-2013 07:53 AM

So it's almost time for the brakes to be redone. ECS tuning has several options that include regular oem rotors and pads for 314$ and performance pads with drilled/slotted rotors for 599. My question: Is it really worth $200 for performance pads and rotors if I use my car as a daily driver? will I actually see any benefit over the standard oem rotors on a daily basis?

Asthetically they are pretty sweet.. but I can't justify it if it's only for looks.

**jlaudio** · 04-01-2013 07:58 AM

i've always been extremely skeptical of performance rotors, especially oem ones or oem-like ones that are just drilled and slotted and marked up $200 bucks. my issue with them is that they are weakening an oem rotor by drilling it. the company (including adams rotors, ecs, etc) does not redesign the internal vanes for more efficient cooling or additional structural enhancements..

my opinion: buy oem rotors and use akebono euro ceramic pads. unless you plan on spending money for a BBK, performance rotors/pads are not worth it

**simplicity** · 04-01-2013 08:11 AM

For a DD, I'd suggest sticking with blank rotors from OEM/Zimmerman/Brembo and brake pads to use whatever you'd like but OEM or Akebono euro ceramic would be my choice....

**Okan509** · 04-01-2013 08:12 AM

I'm confused - the drilled/dimpled ones are about ~70 more per pair?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_A4-...ors/ES2189928/

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_A4-...ors/ES2189929/

IMO it's worth the aesthetic appeal, but it won't really be a "performance" upgrade.

**osideaudi** · 04-01-2013 08:25 AM

Thats exactly what I was thinking.. I was on here recently and saw someone with rotors that looked like he drilled them in his garage with no skill. Seems like more and more people are doing it for looks where as a bbk is designed specifically to utilize the slots and drill holes. I'm just not going to drop 3k on a kit :)

Originally Posted by jlaudio

i've always been extremely skeptical of performance rotors, especially oem ones or oem-like ones that are just drilled and slotted and marked up $200 bucks. my issue with them is that they are weakening an oem rotor by drilling it. the company (including adams rotors, ecs, etc) does not redesign the internal vanes for more efficient cooling or additional structural enhancements..

my opinion: buy oem rotors and use akebono euro ceramic pads. unless you plan on spending money for a BBK, performance rotors/pads are not worth it

**AWDLover** · 04-01-2013 08:28 AM

One thing I know is I will NOT be putting OEM pads back on. For the amount of money I have spent on wheel cleaner I could have probably purchased any pads I want. As for rotors, if you look at the ECS slotted/drilled GEOMET rotors, they are cheaper than OEM rotors, and people who have bought them seem to like them.

Front:

Cheapest they have: $100
ECS slotted/drilled: $179
OEM: $233

Rear:

Cheapest they have: $65
ECS slotted/drilled: $179
OEM: $184

**simplicity** · 04-01-2013 08:32 AM

I have a 2011, and have heard that Audi changed the pad in these years....I experience little to no brake dust....for a DD, i value safety and noise...the OEM pads are the best balance....and brake dust is a non issue for 2011+

**tgofsweden** · 04-01-2013 09:12 AM

Zimmermann Sport version discs are great value to the oem

**iconoclast** · 04-01-2013 09:20 AM

whichever you wind up buying will most likely be better than the 'powerslot' ones... a member on here posted photos of theirs and i would be surprised if they make it to his next oil change with out cracking. poorly drilled and poorly placed. zimmerman is my choice or oem the other option is to use this as an excuse to go with a brembo bbk... improve the braking and the looks all in one shot.

**dylannorton** · 04-01-2013 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by AWDLover

One thing I know is I will NOT be putting OEM pads back on. For the amount of money I have spent on wheel cleaner I could have probably purchased any pads I want. As for rotors, if you look at the ECS slotted/drilled GEOMET rotors, they are cheaper than OEM rotors, and people who have bought them seem to like them.

Front:

Cheapest they have: $100
ECS slotted/drilled: $179
OEM: $233

Rear:

Cheapest they have: $65
ECS slotted/drilled: $179
OEM: $184

100% agree with the wheel cleaner statement.

**LoveMyA4** · 04-01-2013 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by simplicity

I have a 2011, and have heard that Audi changed the pad in these years....I experience little to no brake dust....for a DD, i value safety and noise...the OEM pads are the best balance....and brake dust is a non issue for 2011+

I personally haven't looked into replacing my brakes yet, but I can attest that I don't have brake dust issues with the OEM pads on my 2012 model.

**sdy101** · 04-01-2013 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by simplicity

I have a 2011, and have heard that Audi changed the pad in these years....I experience little to no brake dust....for a DD, i value safety and noise...the OEM pads are the best balance....and brake dust is a non issue for 2011+

This would be a HUGE improvement over my OEM MY09 pads. In the summer I have to wipe them down at least 2x per week to keep the wheels nice and clean. I'm at 51k miles and still on original pads, which is great in terms of endurance, plus they are quiet and brake very well. I'm subscribed to this thread as my pads will likely need replaced by my next state inspection in the fall....

**Greg Nelson** · 04-01-2013 01:04 PM

OEM dust-generating brake pads ('09-'10 only?) - I switched to Stop Tech PosiQuiet low dust pads almost 3 years ago, huge difference, equivalent to OEM stopping ability.

slotted/drilled/dimpled rotors - agree all for show.
Have Adams slotted/dimpled rotors, installed same time, $450 set.

With dust shields removed

**Highlander1010** · 04-01-2013 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Greg Nelson

Slotted/drilled/dimpled rotors - agree all for show.

I think this needs to be qualified a bit by asking a question...what is the intention of your brake replacement? Is it for looks only or will you track the car?

Slotted/Dimpled/Drilled, if good quality and done appropriately will improve brake heat dissipation on the track during heavy braking. This means less fade and more grip for a longer time on the track. It should also be coupled with improved SS lines, pads and fluid all for higher heat & heat dissipation. That is worthwhile on the track.

On the street only the OEM pads are fine until you need to replace them. Then I'd personally go with StopTech Street Pads (I have them) as they are less dust and more bite than OEM and stop more than Posi (had them too). Then the rotors really don't matter as you gain nothing from the slotted/dimpled/drilled or do the lines and fluid.

So again...what is the application? That should drive your choice. And if it is "just for looks" that is ok too, but you should know what you're getting otherwise.

**gunsmoker** · 04-01-2013 03:54 PM

This: http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/7651...cross-drilled/

Get an OEM kit for 2011 or later to take care of the brake dust.

**osideaudi** · 04-01-2013 04:26 PM

The application in the OP was for daily driving.

Originally Posted by Highlander1010

I think this needs to be qualified a bit by asking a question...what is the intention of your brake replacement? Is it for looks only or will you track the car?

Slotted/Dimpled/Drilled, if good quality and done appropriately will improve brake heat dissipation on the track during heavy braking. This means less fade and more grip for a longer time on the track. It should also be coupled with improved SS lines, pads and fluid all for higher heat & heat dissipation. That is worthwhile on the track.

On the street only the OEM pads are fine until you need to replace them. Then I'd personally go with StopTech Street Pads (I have them) as they are less dust and more bite than OEM and stop more than Posi (had them too). Then the rotors really don't matter as you gain nothing from the slotted/dimpled/drilled or do the lines and fluid.

So again...what is the application? That should drive your choice. And if it is "just for looks" that is ok too, but you should know what you're getting otherwise.

**TheHeiko** · 04-01-2013 04:38 PM

If Audi changed the pad composition for MY 2011, would those pads work on MY '09 and '10? My brakes were changed on my '09 by an Audi dealer in '12 and they still put off a ton of material. Maybe the used older stock of pads or maybe the newer pads don't fit?

**jfo** · 04-01-2013 05:26 PM

If you like the holes for cosmetic reasons, keep in mind they will turn into rusty holes if you live in area where they salt the roads.

**overjagi** · 03-05-2016 06:46 AM

Has anyone shop R1 Concepts rotors, how good are them? it is for a5/a4 2011 2.0t and I have a very good deal, thanks
R1 Concepts Car Brake Rotor Disc - Cross Drilled And Slotted Rotors,EDS,2011,Audi,A5.

**Shimmy** · 03-05-2016 08:33 AM

^R1 rotors are really popular in the Yukon, Tahoe, escalade crowd. seems like everyone on those forums runs em.

**SDF1** · 03-05-2016 08:40 AM

Next time I change my rotors I'll look into a lighter rotor as I notice a HUGE difference when I put my winter mags/summer mags. The each lbs of weight on the wheel translates to significant difference in suspension and performance.

**Peter.dupuis** · 03-05-2016 10:54 AM

saw these in a lot of california shops. people seem to like them because of hardly any break dust. I've heard they squeak quite a bit but i don't have them so don't know. looks cool though

**treginginco** · 03-05-2016 11:50 AM

You guys should talk with a guy name Geoff at Alretta Trucks Parts (don't let the name fool you) in Massachusetts. He has an AMAZING depth of knowledge on brake systems, parts and performance. I've used him for years with brakes on my Touareg and am about to get a set from him for my allroad.

His number is
508-788-9409

If you call him, be prepared to get a complete brake education ---- well worth it.

Tell him RJ sent you.

**overjagi** · 03-06-2016 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by SDF1

Next time I change my rotors I'll look into a lighter rotor as I notice a HUGE difference when I put my winter mags/summer mags. The each lbs of weight on the wheel translates to significant difference in suspension and performance.

What is the OEM front rotors weight? which brand is the OEM brand?
I am almost decided for the R1 concepts model instead the ECStuning one (i have read some bad reviews about ECStuning own brand products) also cant find R1 concepts' weight either.

**The Infiltrator** · 03-06-2016 06:37 AM

A good little video on this subject.

**ducati** · 03-06-2016 06:45 AM

I think drilled rotors looks tacky especially with painted red stock tiny calipers.I also like the Zimmermans rotors.Of course when you go to huge Brembos and Stoptechs thats a different story.

**overjagi** · 03-06-2016 07:40 AM

I dont like painted red stock calipers either, but have seen drilled rotors in brand new AMG mercedes and several sport cars, seems they are not the best for racing but maybe for street they do their job properly

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