I have been scouring the forum for some info on new brake rotors and pads, and I have found a lot of great information, but I'd like to get some all-in-the-same-place input on some of the options I have narrowed it down to.

First, my 8 is my daily driver. It never sees any track time, and I am a spirited but not particularly aggressive driver. I have about 41k on it, and when they rotated my tires, they told me I needed new front rotors and pads all around. I was already planning on new pads, because I HATE the ones I have now that squeal like a stuck pig. I am still not sold on needed the front rotors, because 41k of only moderately intense street driving doesn't seem like it'd be enough for new rotors, but I figure maybe it's an excuse to upgrade. My Goodyear place quoted it at $480 for new front rotors and ceramic pads on each corner (including labor), but I have a neighbor who is willing to help me do it myself, so I think I can do much better than that.

I've been looking at slotted/dimpled rotors because I like the look, regardless of any performance gains. But I want to make sure I pick something good - I don't track my car but I do enjoy putting it through it's paces on occasion, and obviously safety is key too.

Here are the options (and links for them) that I am considering (price included but obviously I'll shop around for prices)...

Rotors:
R1 Concepts Premium - $196.46/2
Powerslot Cryo Slotted Rotors - $140.49 each
Rotora Drilled and Slotted Rotors - $139.50 each
Brakeperformance Premium Dimpled and Slotted Rotors - $218.21/2
EBC Sport Rotors - $239.65/2

Pads:
Hawk Performance Ceramic - $165 total
EBC Red Stuff - $183.53 total
EBC Green Stuff - $166.45 total

I'd like to stay about with those prices of course (meaning no Project Mu 2-piece rotors).

I apologize for the length of this post and truly appreciate any feedback you can offer me. Thanks!

 

I'm in the same boat as you with my driving habits. I've done some research as well so I'd like to add a couple of options for rotors that you might not considered.

http://www.racingbrake.com/MAZDA_RX8_s/235.htm These have gotten pretty good reviews on this forum, but for the bling factor, I would love some cross-drilled ones.

http://www.autoanything.com/brakes/61A3530A0A0.aspx DBA rotors. Slightly more expensive, but great looking, good reviews, and that gold paint can create a look that you might want.

 

If I were in your boat I would pair up the RacingBrake 1-piece slotted rotors with Hawk HPS pads

 

Yup yup...I might do that ceramics or the ET500's....

https://www.fluidmotorsports.com/p-8...ccesories.aspx

My prices are lower for some of those then what you have found, and on top of that I am offering another 10% off your total Brake order. Rotors, Lines, Pads, and even BBK's.

Just order thru our site and use coupon code Racing Brake Special to receive the discount.

 

So you guys think Hawk HPS over Hawk Performance Ceramic? I REALLY want to get rid of the squeal. Also, I think the metallic dust from my current pads tends to corrode on my rotors - it grinds right off the first time I brake, but if my car sits for a day or two and it's been wet out, my rotors look like trash. It pains me to have my sweet car look and sound like junk because of these stupid brakes.

 

nope,

the hawk ceramics are very nice for the street. and dont dust much at all. i have had them on my car for about 8 months. but they are not anything other than street pads. have been hearing good things about akebono for the street.

as to rotors, well i doubt you need them. or pads for that matter. i would get a second opinion on the life left.

but i do understand making them look better. i would look at the racing brake one piece. stay away from drilled.

i am using project mu two piece rotors right now. have a set of racing brake two piece rotors coming. the lightest one stays..

beers

 

I think I am leaning heavily toward the Hawk Ceramics - whether my current pads are worn or not, I need to replace them because I hate the squeal and dust. I don't need anything other than solid street pads because I am not hard on brakes (except the off ramp at Montgomery/Morrow), and I'd like to have less dust. Plus people seems to have nothing but good things to say about them.

I am a bit torn on rotors - quite frankly I think the BrakePerformance look the coolest, and they're dimpled and not drilled. I really like the black finish, especially because I'm going to paint my calipers black soon. But I haven't been able to find much information on them, and I'd really like to make sure I'm buying something good. $220 isn't gonna break the bank, but it's too much to **** away too.

Thanks for all the input.

 

They discontinued the Drilled from Racing Brake, they won't be carrying it anymore, tried to order some but they are out and won't be making anymore.

Mike said they were doing it across the board...

 

Read this first before you decide.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-55/brake-faq-167264/

 

Jim, I read the Brake FAQ (twice) to help me decide - thanks for all the great info. That's part of the reason I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I want the dimpled/slotted rotors strictly for my own vanity.

I am 100% sold on ceramic pads, because I am desperate for less noise and dust, but I am still up in the air over the rotors. Thanks for the help.