Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes Aftermarket Rotor Warpage -Rule or Exception?

Bradness: Yes, I'm aware of that -- I was just trying to be brief

My cross-drilled rotors are Euro-rotors, so I don't think they try to use one particular brand for drilling.

-Lance

You may be correct Lance, that they sell whatever is on the shelf at the time. Those were the "house" brands whenever I have been there. Additionlly, I've found a couple of rules, which in my opinion, when followed, will extend the life of rotors. 1-Always use a torque wrench to tighten wheel lug nuts gradually, to the correct torque settings. 1a-Never let a mechanic tighten your lug nuts with an impact gun! 2-Use a burnishing procedure for new rotors and/or pads to allow them to come up to operating temperature gradually. Also, KVR and others recommend that you do not install new pads and rotors at the same time (can't comment). Extreme measures for rotors-cryogenic treatment or vibrational stress relief ($$$)!

Two comments and I'm out of this one:
- I have purchased 2 complete sets of rotors direct from KVR and have been totally satisfied with their products, pricing, and quick shipping both times. They do try to push cross-drilled, but are not obnoxious about it.

- I had my last set of RX-7 rotors cryo-tempered for $50 total. Found a local guy with 300 Below machine. I wouldn't pay the prices brake supply houses want for cryo tempering, either. Check your phone directory for listings like "Polar," "300 Below," etc. if you're near a large metro area.

Ned: How did you like the cryo treatment? I was thinking of getting it done.

I use my '93 RX-7 at track events with Hawk Black pads, which run around 800 degrees hot. No warping and little wear with cryo-tempered rotors thus far, with about 250 track miles on these rotors. Given the expense of anything for the FD RX-7, I like cryo-tempering just fine!

First, I am quite anal about correct torque on the lug nuts. Before I installed the SVT fronts on Sofia, I had a set of KVR X-drilled rotors, No problem in 20K mi or with their carbon pads. The slotted SVT rotors I got from KKM ARE a class part and no warping yet. The plain Brembo rears I got from KVR needed a slight trim out of the box. In this "save a nickle for the shareholders" era, don't think ANY brand is totally reliable.

Good point by the OF- Have your new rotors checked on a brake lathe BEFORE you install them. I've been selling foreign auto parts for almost 30 years. It is not unusual for new rotors to need a light cut out of the box. Some of the rotor brands I sell are Ate,Brembo,Zimmerman,Balo,and Mountain (Japanese vehicles). Volvos(by far) have the most problems with rotor warpage. BMW runs second. My best accounts always check rotors before installation. Nothing worse than a "comeback".

O.K., so I have Powerstops on the way and I was just going to bolt them right on. Do I really have to have them checked on a brake lathe? How much is that and will a shop be willing to do it for me?

Also, if I could find a good deal, I would go for the cryo treatment. Anyone know of a place in the Chicago area that will do it? I don't want to have to mail them out, that's a PITA and costs alot to ship because these suckers aren't light. I called around to a performance shop I know and they couldn't think of anyone who did it. Looked online on yahoo Chicago and bigbook.com but they were no help. Thanks.

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Adam Wilson
Chicago CEG member
http://www.automotiveinfopage.com

[This message has been edited by FLIP (edited July 19, 2000).]

FLIP, talk to Bob Reed at 300 Below in Decatur, IL (217) 423-3070. He called me after inquiring on their website about their cryo process. Pretty knowledgeable and damn nice to boot. Get your rotors to them by any Thursday, and they will ship them back to you next Tuesday or Wednesday. The do things by the pound, so total up the weight of your rotors. The price is $1.50/lb. with a $49.50 minimum charge. If your rotors total below $49.50, you still pay $49.50. This is the shop that I'll be shipping my rotors to when I get them. Hope this helps, and they are pretty much in your back yard. Tell him the guy from Oklahoma told you to give him a call.

FLIP- Any shop that cuts rotors can check them for you. Should not be much $.