Stillen repalcement rotors....thumbs UP!

[stk10767]

I haven't posted in awhile, but I figured I would share this one. I just replaced my front rotors and pads with ones I got from Stillen. They are not bigger, just OEM size replacements. They are drilled and the pads are the Metal Matrix pads. Link for rotors here: http://www.stillen.com/product_detail.aspx?sku=NIS6000
Anyways, I was tired of the front brakes warping and fading so much. Yes I had the "permanant fix" done, but they still sucked. I have an XE with 17" wheels, so the big brake kit was out unless I wanted to spend a boatload of money. I got these rotors and pads for the front for about $375 shipped. I had my brother who is a mechanic install them, and let me tell you they made a big difference. The pedal feel is more solid and the "grab" on the brakes is better. I will probably go ahead and change over the rears as well and also change the brake lines to SS ones. This mod seems to be a cheap and EFFECTIVE alternative to the big brake kit. I would also suggest that you have some heavy air tools available to change over the rotors because the two bolts that hold the caliper bracket on would be a bi t ch to get off without an air gun.(according to my brother). Just thought I would share.

[Blackbeauty]

Cool! I'm also the kind of person who likes good traction and good stopping on my vehicles. I've done the cheapo-cuz-you-can't-afford-good-stuff thing and paid dearly for it. I now choose to spend a little more money and get the better quality equipment. Safety isn't cheap. Hard lesson learned here.

Great post!

[bestatchess]

I did the same thing, and yeah, there are two big bolts on the front (23 mm ?) that are soaked in thread lock. I have about 35,000 miles on the Stillen rotors & pads and they are still doing great.

[MuskyHunter]

I did the same on my old GMC with the Stillen rotors. I will agree that the initial bite is good with less of a problem with warping and brake squeal, but in the long run I found that the brakes were more prone to fading, expecially when towing.

I would definately go slotted the next time around or just a larger rotor. In my climate here, in spite of the cadmium plating of the Stillen rotors, I ran into a corrsion problem in the cross drilled holes where they were basically rusted closed (plugged) and the cooling benefits from the holes was negated.

[bestatchess]

Interesting. I got the drilled ones because I read that the slotted ones tended to mill down the pads faster.

[i<3mytitan]

Originally Posted by bestatchess

Interesting. I got the drilled ones because I read that the slotted ones tended to mill down the pads faster.

Never heard of that before. What I read was that slotted rotors were better, as cross-drilling weakens the core of the rotor.

Regardless, I also called Greg inquiring about stillen rotors vs. the big brake kit, and he informed me that while the big brake kit keeps stopping the more you stomp on the pedal, the rotors were the best upgrade he's done on his titan, in regards to money vs. performance.

[MuskyHunter]

Slotted rotors are indeed harder on pads. From talking with a number of companies selling rotors, I have heard over and over that for fade resistance, the slotted was the way to do. But I went cross drilled as I didn't want to go through pads so quickly.

Really, the best way of improving braking is to go with a larger rotor, but yes it is more expensive and my personal preference. Quality of rotor material plays a role in warpage and breaking performance for a given size. I feel the Stillen rotor was better in that respect, but the cross drilling and some loss of surface area may negate some of that advantage?

My brother who is a machinist by trade, and a plant engineer for a large casting company, demonstrated that to me. He did machine some of some of his own rotors for his bike using meehanite. The braking performance of this cast iron was excellent, down right scary on his bike. He never did pursue a set for his car however as it was a pretty expensive endeavor.

http://www.meehanite.com/

I don't understand the automotive industry in some respects as to why it is so difficult to get a stock vehicle already equipped with a high quality braking system. In the past, it would stand to reason that some goofball with high performance brakes could apply medium pressure on the pedal and potentially lock up the brakes, skidding out of control. That might be a liability for manufacturers. But with the advent of ABS in today's cars, it would seem that wouldn't be a problem.

My guess is that outside of cost, it would be a liability to have vehicles on the road with 60-0 braking distances of 100 feet, where the rest of the cars on the road are in that 160-200 feet arena, so mediocrity is the result.

[Stitch]

I hve the front & rear Stillen rotors with the matrix pads Front & rear and SS lines. Maybe about 4K miles on them. Here's what I learned.

The Rotors are fine - a slight popping/whirring noise when on the brakes but they seem good.

The Matrix pads DON"T give a reall good COLD bite. I changed to Carbotech Bobcats in front and rear to stock Nissan pads (Akebono ceramics) - big improvement !!

Good cold bite - low dust - seem good.

The "pedal feel" will always be a bit spongy due to - just whatever - that's the way it's designed. Like Ford vs. GM brakes - they feel totally different.

[i<3mytitan]

well, sunday i'm getting the Stillen rotors via Greg, can't wait! will post pics when i'm done, **sorry for the hi-jack**