C4 New Rotor Inquiry!

[strokin383-c4]

So I'm looking to upgrade my brake rotors to compensate stopping power for the excessive amount of power being put down.

Honest experiences only please, (NO OPINIONS)

Would you choose a solid rotor? A slotted rotor? Or a drilled and slotted?

If any which one and what brand? I'm on a budget of around $700.

My corvette is a 1986 Z-51 coupe.

 

[catbert]

Depends on your driving. For the street, even spirited driving, anything is OK. Slotted/and-or/drilled may work a little better. If you REALLY use brakes, for weekend track days, etc, I'd use slotted only. I've seen drilled units crack, and even experienced it myself. A clue - you won't see many drill rotors on endurance race cars. Corvette Racing used "J" slots the last I checked.

 

[raidoman]

Slotted rotors

Several years back I ordered a kit from SSBC for my 87 which included 4 slotted rotors and upgraded pads. Very satisfactory and not crazy expensive.

 

[Hib Halverson]

On an early C4 without a serious brake upgrade, drilled or slotted, stock-diameter rotors are worthless as a performance upgrade but...they might look cool.

If you can't afford a package of larger rotors or calipers to match, I'd look for top-quality, OE-type vented rotors, a brake pad upgrade and add ducts to improve front brake cooling.

 

[raidoman]

SSBC Rotors

IMy 87 is a street car and needed new rotors - did not want/need serious performance upagrade but was looking for something better than the stock rotors that turn into potato chip warp. SSBC was a good compromise with better quality rotors and pads. Stopping and heat resistance is improved with these without going crazy on cost.

 

[93Rubie]

On an early C4 without a serious brake upgrade, drilled or slotted, stock-diameter rotors are worthless as a performance upgrade but...they might look cool.

If you can't afford a package of larger rotors or calipers to match, I'd look for top-quality, OE-type vented rotors, a brake pad upgrade and add ducts to improve front brake cooling.

To add to what Hib said, and keeping with your budget. A J55 setup might be the ticket. Since it is OEM, it will bolt up with proper mounting brackets and such. Much improved stopping power over your 11.5 inch setup and better than the 12" setup on later C4's until 95, when all got the J55 brakes.

I did not notice your wheels but 17" will be required for the J55 as they are 13" rotors.