I just a few weeks ago helped swap out ECS rotors for OEM rotors after he too toasted them after 1 light part track day. I think ECS is getting cheaper and cheaper blanks to cut costs. But it’s clear they don’t hold up
Oddly, I think both the Stillen/AP and the JHM rotor were insufficient because of the floating hardware. I understand that’s a good place to save money because no one will pay for it, until they have this problem.
When in doubt, go Brembo. They simply don’t f*** up.
Rear wave rotors are still the best option. They consistently get up to 650 F, same as the fronts. I think the stiff rear spring rate holding them down is what’s enabling them to participate in braking.
One of the stoptech reps on AZ asked the question if people would pay for rear 2-piece aero rotors. I’d be all over that, hopefully while my JHM’s are in good condition.
The stoptech “sport” rotors are essentially the same as the adams, ecs geomet and other random suppliers that buy factory blanks for uber cheap and then press some holes/slots into them. Waste of money for sure.
Good to know this option is out there and holding up, thanks!
Nice, I would definitely be all over 2-piece rear aero’s! I also agree re the stoptech “sports” but got them anyway just to go with my new pads in the rear. They seem to be holding up for now but I haven’t done my suspension yet and would anticipate seeing what West is experiencing when I do (higher temps in the rear). Not sure my rear setup will hold up at that point (stoptech sport rotors and stoptech street performance pads).
My friend just bought that porsche kit for his s5, and is going to run ebc Yellowstuff with take off Pirelli slicks…wouldn’t listen to me when I told him those pads suck for track driving. Will find out in a couple weeks lol
I suppose it will get the job done. But SUV calipers on a car is like using a demolition hammer on a finishing nail. 30-32mm is the correct front rotor width for this platform. 38mm is absurd. Even the RS5 ceramic kit is only 34mm wide.
Speaking from experience, there’s two ways to do this. The cheap way, then you buy Brembo. Or you just start with Brembo or StopTech.
I dont understand why 38mm would be absurd. For a factory weight s4, you’re talking about over 4000lbs with driver and a tank of gas. 32mm is the minimum. FWIW, even the Boss302 (yeah i talk about this car a lot :D) factory 355 rotors are 32mm thick–and this car is under 3700lbs. It’s much lighter than an S4.
The fact that the ceramic option is 34mm is indicative of how huge of a rotor this car really needs. Ceramic rotors have much higher heat capacity than iron, so they can actually get away with being smaller than an iron rotor (http://www.carbonceramicbrake.com/faq-dls.html). Rotor thickness is all about increasing heat capacity of the disc because you get to a point where ventilation cannot keep up with the heat generated from the brakes.
Maybe for a lapping day, 32mm thickness is great (and definitely 380mm preferred). But for a street weight s4 doing anything more than that, I actually beg to differ. The car is under braked. Put the S4 on a tight track with short straights, and you’ll find even a 32mm thick bbk will begin to heat soak.
That said, I too am not a fan of the ECS kit. But I still standby that most off the shelf BBK’s for this car aren’t going to be enough in some situations.
Here’s a great comparison: Z28–similar fatness to an S4. Similar power (if you go stage 2 etc etc).
It uses a 394mm rotor with 36mm thickness - NOW THAT IS A BRAKE. and btw, that is ceramic. Had it been iron, you can bet your dollar it would be 38mm It’s rear rotor is 32mm thick for goodness sakes!