Slotted vs Non-Slotted Rotors

OldJedi · 05-13-2016, 02:34 PM

So I have noticed that the stock SS, 1LE and ZL1 rotors are solid and not slotted/grooved in any way. However the Chevy upgrade 6 piston brake package and the Corvette Z51, Grand Sport and Z06 all come with grooved/slotted rotors. Any idea why the stock HiPo Camaros do not have slotted rotors? Is there a really a difference between slotted/grooved and non slotted rotors? The top two pictures are Camaro non slotted rotors. The bottom picture is the rotor used on Corvettes and the Camaro Brake upgrade package with the grooved/slotted rotor. Thanks.

kropscamaro16 · 05-13-2016, 06:59 PM

you talking about slotted or vented?

andrec10 · 05-14-2016, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldJedi

So I have noticed that the stock SS, 1LE and ZL1 rotors are solid and not vented in any way. However the Chevy upgrade 6 piston brake package and the Corvette Z51, Grand Sport and Z06 all come with grooved/vented rotors. Any idea why the stock HiPo Camaros do not have vented rotors? Is there a really a difference between vented and non vented rotors? Thanks.

They are vented! Look at the vanes in the center of the rotor. Thats vented.

OldJedi · 05-14-2016, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrec10

They are vented! Look at the vanes in the center of the rotor. Thats vented.

You are right, I meant slotted/grooved rotors. I attached some pictures above of the NON grooved Camaro rotors and the grooved Corvette rotors. Why are Camaro rotors solid and Corvette rotors grooved/slotted? Is there a difference in performance?

kropscamaro16 · 05-14-2016, 08:22 PM

i didnt see the pics earlier sorry lol

LesserO2Evils · 05-17-2016, 12:21 AM

This is a heated topic. Some will say a "drilled" or "slotted" rotor will cause rotor cracking. Granted, Ive never ran any kind of AutoX, or racing, aside from drag strip and block-brawling, but after AT LEAST a half dozen cars with drilled/slotted(or both) rotors, I have never had a single issue. Even after multiple pad changes. Ive determined over the years that is is mostly cosmetic. But it really makes a diff in the visual dept. Especially with todays larger wheels!

LesBaer · 05-17-2016, 06:31 AM

I'd say that it's not that either "WILL" cause cracking, it's that drilled rotors have the highest probability of cracking or warping. They will dissipate heat the fastest however - and of course they look cool (if that's your thing). Slotted is your safest bet and that's why you see them being used as OEM.

The other thing that I'm going to throw out there is that you should never use caliper covers if you brake hard or are in stop and go traffic during hot temps. They will trap heat and lead to your rotors warping....plus they also look ridiculous.

crabman · 05-19-2016, 05:18 AM

I'm thinking one of the usual suspects will be bringing out a slotted rotor upgrade kit soon. Surprised it's not already here actually.

OldJedi · 05-19-2016, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LesserO2Evils

This is a heated topic. Some will say a "drilled" or "slotted" rotor will cause rotor cracking. Granted, Ive never ran any kind of AutoX, or racing, aside from drag strip and block-brawling, but after AT LEAST a half dozen cars with drilled/slotted(or both) rotors, I have never had a single issue. Even after multiple pad changes. Ive determined over the years that is is mostly cosmetic. But it really makes a diff in the visual dept. Especially with todays larger wheels!

But this does not explain why Chevy is using both types on their High Performance cars and whether one will actually brake better than the other.

mbar · 05-24-2016, 10:25 AM

I think that for the average Joe slotted rotors are just for "show".
Drilled is just a mess with cracking.

As for track rats: there is a 100 miles long argument whether slotted are better for the track. Some heavy track rats will just buy "blanks" since they replace them every few events (especially with a heavy car like a Camaro).

*Mr. Wyndham* · 05-24-2016, 10:50 AM

Changed the title to reflect the question.

Mountain · 05-25-2016, 05:12 PM

As said, drilled rotors will likely crack through hard abuse. The exception will be HIGH end rotors. The cheap stuff will crack.

Slots will wear down brake pads a lot faster than non-slotted. Slots also can make brakes feel more grabby and sensitive than non-slotted, which may be something the average drive may not like.

OldJedi · 05-25-2016, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Wyndham

Changed the title to reflect the question.

Thanks Mr. Wyndham, I appreciate the help. With your track experience, do you have any opinions?

*Mr. Wyndham* · 05-26-2016, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldJedi

Thanks Mr. Wyndham, I appreciate the help. With your track experience, do you have any opinions?

None. :( I've never driven or raced using slotted rotors. I just know I've never had problems using the smooth rotors.

Seeing as how the 1LE and ZL1 use smooth rotors, and the 6-piston upgrade uses slotted rotors...I'm going to guess than they did that for looks since people "upgrading" to six piston might be more interested in seeing something special.

05-13-2016, 02:34 PM	#1
OldJedi Use the Force Drives: 2015 Corvette Z51, 2018 Porsche GTS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Davie, Fl. Posts: 3,862	Slotted vs Non-Slotted Rotors So I have noticed that the stock SS, 1LE and ZL1 rotors are solid and not slotted/grooved in any way. However the Chevy upgrade 6 piston brake package and the Corvette Z51, Grand Sport and Z06 all come with grooved/slotted rotors. Any idea why the stock HiPo Camaros do not have slotted rotors? Is there a really a difference between slotted/grooved and non slotted rotors? The top two pictures are Camaro non slotted rotors. The bottom picture is the rotor used on Corvettes and the Camaro Brake upgrade package with the grooved/slotted rotor. Thanks. Attached Images __________________ Walk softly, carry a light saber and drive a ZL1! Last edited by OldJedi; 05-14-2016 at 07:51 PM.

05-17-2016, 12:21 AM	#6
LesserO2Evils GM repeat offender... Drives: 16 2SS Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Grandview, Texas Posts: 1,474	This is a heated topic. Some will say a "drilled" or "slotted" rotor will cause rotor cracking. Granted, Ive never ran any kind of AutoX, or racing, aside from drag strip and block-brawling, but after AT LEAST a half dozen cars with drilled/slotted(or both) rotors, I have never had a single issue. Even after multiple pad changes. Ive determined over the years that is is mostly cosmetic. But it really makes a diff in the visual dept. Especially with todays larger wheels! __________________ '16 2SS, Summit White. A8. MRC. NPP. Ordered:09/03/15. Received 12/22/15 INCOMING: ‘22 ZL1, Satin Steel. A10. PDR. Ordered: 03/02/22.

05-17-2016, 06:31 AM	#7
LesBaer FMPG Drives: 2016 2SS Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CT Posts: 1,888	I'd say that it's not that either "WILL" cause cracking, it's that drilled rotors have the highest probability of cracking or warping. They will dissipate heat the fastest however - and of course they look cool (if that's your thing). Slotted is your safest bet and that's why you see them being used as OEM. The other thing that I'm going to throw out there is that you should never use caliper covers if you brake hard or are in stop and go traffic during hot temps. They will trap heat and lead to your rotors warping....plus they also look ridiculous. __________________ Ordered 3/8/16- NFG/Ceramic White, M6, MRC, NPP, 6 pots, blk blade, no sunroof, blk splitter, blk bow ties, dark tails, nav. ARH 1 7/8" ceramic coated full sys w/NPP; Maggie 9.2psi (85mm); Jannetty rough idle cam(TSP), tune and LT4 fuel system; Forgeline VX1 Black PVD (20x10,11); R88R 315's; ALPriority; BMR rear arms, bushings, DS loop; RF intake (red); nGauge 93 octane: 712rwhp, 654rwtq / E85 (E66 mix): 734rwhp, 674rwtq (SuperFlow Dyno)

05-24-2016, 10:25 AM	#10
mbar Drives: 2016 1SS Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: DC Posts: 927	I think that for the average Joe slotted rotors are just for "show". Drilled is just a mess with cracking. As for track rats: there is a 100 miles long argument whether slotted are better for the track. Some heavy track rats will just buy "blanks" since they replace them every few events (especially with a heavy car like a Camaro). __________________ 1SS, Black, Black Wheels, A8, MRC, NPP

05-24-2016, 10:50 AM	#11
Mr. Wyndham I used to be Dragoneye... Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 31,876 View My Garage	Changed the title to reflect the question. __________________ *"Keep the faith."* - Fbodfather

05-13-2016, 06:59 PM	#2
kropscamaro16 Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 909 Posts: 9,817	you talking about slotted or vented?

05-14-2016, 08:22 PM	#5
kropscamaro16 Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 909 Posts: 9,817	i didnt see the pics earlier sorry lol

05-19-2016, 05:18 AM	#8
crabman Drives: Sniffin the tree. Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Old age. Posts: 225	I'm thinking one of the usual suspects will be bringing out a slotted rotor upgrade kit soon. Surprised it's not already here actually.

05-25-2016, 05:12 PM	#12
Mountain Drives: 2017 SS 1LE, 2016 1SS (previous) Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Metro-Detroit Posts: 1,863	As said, drilled rotors will likely crack through hard abuse. The exception will be HIGH end rotors. The cheap stuff will crack. Slots will wear down brake pads a lot faster than non-slotted. Slots also can make brakes feel more grabby and sensitive than non-slotted, which may be something the average drive may not like.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password