DBA Rotors and HPS Hawk Pads
 

Hey guys,

My Z finally hit the 30k mile mark and it's almost her second birthday so I was thinking about celebrating by buying some new rotors and pads. I've kept her pretty much stock until now, with the exception of the K&N air filters, but I would like to get some feedback about the rotors and brakes I'm planning to buy.

Front: DBA 5000 T3 Series Slotted Rotors

Rear: DBA 4000 T3 Series Slotted Rotors

All: Hawk HPS Brake Pads

I don't think DBA makes the 5000 for the rear (Well, if they do, I haven't found it). Would using the 4000 in the rear negatively effect my braking or should I put the 4000 in front as well? Also do you think I should spend a little extra and get the Hawk ceramic pads?

Thanks,
-Al

Hps will have negative effect on your brakes regardless

They couldn't make the 5000 series for the rear because the parking brake is a drum system.

Changing rotors won't affect your braking (well, the lighter weight will make a subtle difference) unless you're running out of temperature tolerance on track. So it doesn't really matter.

The hawk ceramic pads are same level if not worse than stock sport pads. (I made the mistake of getting these for my Z)

I had bought the stop tech drilled and slotted rotors but am planning on buying these same rotor set up next. I would highly suggest going with the hps pads, unless you are planning on tracking your car then I would just get stock pads again and buy the hawk HP + pads and swap them in for track use (probably only get for the front tho, dont need the hp plus for front and rear)

I know there are other good pads out there I just dont know anything about them so someone else can chime in there. As far as Hawk pads go tho, do NOT get the ceramic pads, they are a waist of money, get the HPS. Actually if you arent planning on doing any heavy tracking you are kinda really waisting your money on those DBA rotors, if you are keeping it on the street only I would not spend twice as much on DBA and just go with a stop tech set up like mine. The dba you will only see a difference under heavy track use. In that case get DBA and hawk HP plus pads. If staying on street get stop tech rotors and HPS pads

Ok... so a big NEGATIVE on the ceramic pads. You guys seem to hate it with a passion. :icon17:

I think I'll hold off on the Hawk pads and get the stock ones. If anything, I'll only be getting some light track use right now since I still need to get the oil temp issue straightened out.

The rotors I'm definitely going to need since my stock rotors are warpped and can't be cut again.

Thanks for your help guys!

Like I said tho you dont need those rotors. Those are a RACING rotor and are easily twice the amount of money than even a nice stop tech rotor. So I wouldnt waist the money on the t3 when you will not be using them for what they are designed for. Look into a single piece rotor like stop tech's that are half the price, look sexy as hell, and are more than enough for your stock pads and street driving. They even held up well on my last track session.

I currently have the HPS pads with the Power Slot rotors for daily driving. If I were to get a new set of pads I'd end up with something else. There's not much of a good "bite" with these pads, and it is noisy as well.

Then again I don't know much about braking haha. It doesn't feel like I'm stopping any sooner.

If you're able to reach the point of ABS engagement with your pad/rotor combo - which can certainly be done with stock pads/rotors - then the only thing that will make you stop sooner is better tires. Race pads and race rotors tolerate heat better... that's it.

Not saying that your rotors aren't warped, but read this about warped rotors: -Warped- Brake Disc and Other Myths

Yes, I know they are racing rotors which is partly the reason I'm getting them. The other part being that I really need new rotors. I do plan to turn my car into a track-only car hopefully by next year (and definitely within 2 years) so I'd rather purchase these now then cheaper ones only to replace them again next year.

But, I'll look into the StopTech rotors tonight to compare. I can always use that extra money I save and get the UpRev mod everyone's been talking about!