Rotors

[jimmers]

Im looking on sportbrakes.com at their rotors. What is the difference between the HD Rotors and regular rotors. Does HD mean exactly? Are these rotors a direct bolt on? Are these coated so they wont rust? Can I use my existing calipers? Does anyone know if these are good. The prices seems right. I dont race my car or anything like that.

 

[dbaumis]

Im looking on sportbrakes.com at their rotors. What is the difference between the HD Rotors and regular rotors. Does HD mean exactly? Are these rotors a direct bolt on? Are these coated so they wont rust? Can I use my existing calipers? Does anyone know if these are good. The prices seems right. I dont race my car or anything like that.

HD = Heavy Duty....13" rotors that were standard on the Grand Sport and all 1996 Corvettes. The standard rotor size I believe is 12" on all other C4 corvettes.....I'm sure someone else will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.


Don

 

[GS Diva]

HD = Heavy Duty....13" rotors that were standard on the Grand Sport and all 1996 Corvettes. The standard rotor size I believe is 12" on all other C4 corvettes.....I'm sure someone else will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.

Don

Don, I think you're right. I bought SportBrakes drilled/slotted rotors for my Grand Sport and had to get the Heavy Duty ones that were standard for the Grand Sport. I did use the original calipers. They've been on almost 2 years now and are excellent. We also bought some for our '02, and they're fine, too. The prices can't be beat!!
Elaine

 

[jimmers]

So then I dont need the HD rotors right? One last question, when is a good time to replace your calipers? The car is 16 years old and im the 2nd owner. I dont know if they have ever been replaced or not. How long do they normally last? Should I just try to take them apart and clean them?

 

[ZumZum]

So then I dont need the HD rotors right? One last question, when is a good time to replace your calipers? The car is 16 years old and im the 2nd owner. I dont know if they have ever been replaced or not. How long do they normally last? Should I just try to take them apart and clean them?

Not so fast there. Standard rotors are 12" But vettes from I believe from '88 on had an option for HD 13" rotors. Before you go buy you need to check you RPO codes or measure your rotors to see wich you have.

 

[jimmers]

Not so fast there. Standard rotors are 12" But vettes from I believe from '88 on had an option for HD 13" rotors. Before you go buy you need to check you RPO codes or measure your rotors to see wich you have.

So if I have 12" rotors would there be any gain in using the 13" HD rotors?

 

[ZumZum]

So if I have 12" rotors would there be any gain in using the 13" HD rotors?

Well, you would certainly have better stopping power with the HD brakes. But, if you change from 12" to 13" I believe you would have to swap calipers too.
and if you have 16" wheels, you would need to change to 17" to have enough clearance for the larger rotors. If you currently have 12" rotors and unless you're planning on autocrossing or other racing I think your 12" are more then adequate for practically all street driving applications.

 

[Evolution1980]

So if I have 12" rotors would there be any gain in using the 13" HD rotors?

Did you have any complaints about your current braking abilities? If not, then you might decide there's no point in fixing what ain't broke... ???

 

[jimmers]

Did you have any complaints about your current braking abilities? If not, then you might decide there's no point in fixing what ain't broke... ???

My braking is great! The only reason i'm getting new rotors is because i'm getting new tires and rims. My old rotors will look rather ugly with the new rims.

 

[MCNE]

My braking is great! The only reason i'm getting new rotors is because i'm getting new tires and rims. My old rotors will look rather ugly with the new rims.

I did the same thing with mine. I removed the wheel on one side to make sure I ordered the correct rotors. Even though I had a 96 model. I didn't know the previous owner so I wanted to be safe.

MCNE

 

[Evolution1980]

My braking is great! The only reason i'm getting new rotors is because i'm getting new tires and rims. My old rotors will look rather ugly with the new rims.

I'd just stick with OEM replacements then. You really won't notice much difference between a 12" and 13" rotor (It's only .5" from the center to the edge. I assume you are going to replace the pads then as well...

 

[jimmers]

I'd just stick with OEM replacements then. You really won't notice much difference between a 12" and 13" rotor (It's only .5" from the center to the edge. I assume you are going to replace the pads then as well...

Yes I am going to replace the pads as they are in need of it. I just have to find out now if mine has 12". Ill have to wait till I get the car out of storage then order some. Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

[Edmond]

One thing you never want to cut corners on is brake pads. Cheap pads will squeak!!! Personally, I like Bosch pads. I think they offer a nice product that isn't too expensive.

I believe there is a number on the caliper itself to tell you if it is a HD or non-HD. Get that number and ask the guys at the auto store.

One thing that I found is that with age, the bleed valve will sometimes seize. And that tender little valve does not take well to even a little bit of extra torque to loosen it.

 

[Toms007]

Check your RPO's if you have J55 you have the 13" HD rotors in the front. Or if you have RPO Z07 the J55 was a part of that option package (If you have Z07 the J55 will also show). I replaced my rotors/pads this fall. After quite a bit of research I went with Hawk HPS pads, low dust good stopping power.

Also J55 became standard in 1995.