New rotors - ECS or Centric?

we350z · #1 03-01-2016, 08:57 PM

Mine rotors are running low on meat. Not sure why the warning light has not come on yet since minimum is 28.4mm and i'm at about 30mm.

Debating on the ECS Tuning or Centric rotors.

Front Cross Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors - Pair

Rear Cross Drilled And Slotted Brake Rotors - Pair (324x12)

Centric looks like it costs a little more. I have them on my Z and haven't been that satisfied with them (slotted aerorotor BBK front / standard slotted rear) lots of issues with vibration, etc... due to uneven pad deposits however to be fair I did discover finally this was due to having too aggressive of a pad.

Front
Rear

X53Jay4.8is · #2 03-01-2016, 09:04 PM

I thought that brake warning light was to indicate when the pads are worn as opposed to worn rotors?. I couldn't tell you if the ECS is better than the Centric or vis versa since I have never experienced either.

LVP · #3 03-01-2016, 10:56 PM

Light would come on for pads that are worn so low the sensor gets worn off. Then you replace pads and sensor. As for rotor thickness, I'd let them get right to the minimum if they aren't warped.

I have the cross drilled, slotted ECS rotors. They look great and have a great coating (why I bought them) and the price point is good. But mine developed a nice warp/vibration about 5,000km in. I'm just running them out and will likely source a Zimmerman or original BMW coated rotor for the next set. The coating is important and I've had good luck with Zimmerman on all my cars (street and track).

benfbuilder · #4 03-01-2016, 11:36 PM

+2 for the zimmerman rotors. Have them on my x and I abuse the hell out of them and have had no issues.

X53Jay4.8is · #5 03-02-2016, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVP

Light would come on for pads that are worn so low the sensor gets worn off. Then you replace pads and sensor. As for rotor thickness, I'd let them get right to the minimum if they aren't warped.

I have the cross drilled, slotted ECS rotors. They look great and have a great coating (why I bought them) and the price point is good. But mine developed a nice warp/vibration about 5,000km in. I'm just running them out and will likely source a Zimmerman or original BMW coated rotor for the next set. The coating is important and I've had good luck with Zimmerman on all my cars (street and track).

Well there you have it for the ECS ones

RFaber · #6 03-01-2016, 11:37 PM

Jay, you are correct, the brake PAD indicator is only to measure /indicate when the inboard brake pad has worn down to the sensor, causing it to send a message to the light to come on!

I like the Zimmerman rotors, they are pretty well built, and made with good quality steel. Ive used really cheap brands before, but have invariably been disappointed.
Rotor thickness is dependant on pad aggressiveness, a long wearing pad will wear a rotor faster than a softer one. ( which is cheaper to replace, a rotor or a set of pads!?)
Ive developed warped rotors after a nice mountain decent, (nice and hot!) and drove through about 2 inches of standing water (nice and cold!) the result was almost an instantaneous rotor warp! (a cheaper no name brand)
ive learned it makes no sense to skimp on cheap brakes!

X53Jay4.8is · #7 03-02-2016, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFaber

Jay, you are correct, the brake PAD indicator is only to measure /indicate when the inboard brake pad has worn down to the sensor, causing it to send a message to the light to come on!

I like the Zimmerman rotors, they are pretty well built, and made with good quality steel. Ive used really cheap brands before, but have invariably been disappointed.
Rotor thickness is dependant on pad aggressiveness, a long wearing pad will wear a rotor faster than a softer one. ( which is cheaper to replace, a rotor or a set of pads!?)
Ive developed warped rotors after a nice mountain decent, (nice and hot!) and drove through about 2 inches of standing water (nice and cold!) the result was almost an instantaneous rotor warp! (a cheaper no name brand)
ive learned it makes no sense to skimp on cheap brakes!

+1 on the zimmerman rotor recommendation.

TiAgX5 · #8 03-02-2016, 12:01 AM

I rolled the dice around 2.5 yrs ago, went with BrakeLabs rotors (USA made, 300 series iron, zinc plated).

Installed Cool Carbon pads.

The set-up was around $400.

In over 45k miles I am very impressed. Even with a track day at Sebring (5 on board for some lapping) and lots of towing (in TX/FL heat), the wear is nominal.

X53Jay4.8is · #9 03-02-2016, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

I rolled the dice around 2.5 yrs ago, went with BrakeLabs rotors (USA made, 300 series iron, zinc plated).

Installed Cool Carbon pads.

The set-up was around $400.

In over 45k miles I am very impressed. Even with a track day at Sebring (5 on board for some lapping) and lots of towing (in TX/FL heat), the wear is nominal.

And Oooh not to mention those beautiful shiny hubs.

we350z · #10 03-02-2016, 06:50 AM

So consensus is Zimmerman? Where to buy them? I don't want to mess around with warping.

Can I reuse the sensors if they have not gone off? I guess my pads outlasted my rotors. They were replaced at the same time (by me 8 years ago).

What fluid you guys running. Motul?

What bedding process do you use?

--Thanks!