I finally found that Tirerack carries the rotors I want for my truck. They have Powerslot slotted rotors for $102.00 a piece. But they also sell Brembo replacement rotors for only $44.00 a piece. Now I am not sure whether I want the Powerslots (never had slotted) or should I go with the Brembo, a name I know you can trust. Help you guys, give me your thoughts.

 

The main reason for slotting is to keep the pad surface clean, the edge of the groove scrapes the pad and prevents them from glazing up, they do not provide more friction, that comes from the pad compound.

The owner of the bike shop I race out of put the Powerslots on his Pontiac Grand Am and loves them. He said they don't rust like the stock ones did. As far as which rotor to use, if you use the powerslots , if they get gouged or scored from the pads, you cannot turn them and you would have to buy new rotors. The Brembo's cost almost 1/3 as much as the Powerslots, which means that you could buy 3 sets of brembo's for the price of 1 set of powerslots. I don't have any data on the powerslots to say how long they would last, but if you don't mind some rust from the Brembo's, or if the Brembo's don't last as long as the powerslots ( Again, I have no data to say that) it seems that you would still be ahead $$$ if you bought the Brembo's.
A quick re-cap:
1) Powerslots - Good rotors but 3X as expensive and not able to be turned. If looks and performance are a priority, then buck up for the Powerslots. They also recommend that you use hawk pads. Powerslot homepage

2)Brembo's - Good rotor's for 1/3rd the price of powersots and they CAN be turned.

Good luck with you decision and let us know what you end up with and how you like them.

 

Karson, that's for your input...I was going to order today but I am still undecided. I know that Brembo is a trusted name but I am leaning towards the Powerslots....since I keep on top of the truck and the most it goes without me crawling underneath is about 3K I don't think I would have a problem with the Powerslots. Although, I'm also considering going with the Brembo's and getting stainless steel brake lines with the money I would save over the Powerslots. So I'm still

 

Made the decision and ordered the Powerslot rotors....still don't know if it is the right decision or not....once they are installed with the new pads, I will decide if they have improved braking quality. I am usually very critical of new items. For instance...other then the firmer shifting of the Superchips I haven't noticed much other difference, Edelbrock shocks, didn't really notice much other then a bit stiffer ride...all in all nothing I have done to this truck really made a major change in performance or handling.....so I will let everyone know about the Powerslot rotors once they are installed.

 

Definitely not a bad decision. Looking forward to your findings with the new rotors. Also remember, your just replacing worn out rotors with new ones, not making a major braking upgrade ( IE: Larger rotors, 4 piston calipers) so don't get your hopes up for drastically increased braking performance. It is a very heavy vehicle that you are trying to stop.
For the record, what pads did you choose for the front? They could make a difference in stopping power.

 

Sounds familiar! I have the same issue with my 98. Needs new rotors and I settled on the Tire rack slotted. But which pads are you getting ? I've seen so many. I don't want to go too far from the norm.....EBC? Bosch? Titanium ?

 

Karson....I think I am going to use Performance Fricition Carbon something brake pads. (I have these on now, and they came with lifetime warranty from Auto Zone so I can get a new set at no cost). I think this is a fairly decent pad...I wish I could remember what the material they are made of, I know when I bought them I was told that they are a little softer then the metallic pads so they would have a shorter life. I don't think they are carbon metallic but carbon something I will let you know when I pick up the new pads. The instructions that came with the rotors mention Performance Friction pads by name as a recommended pad. I can tell you that the pads I have now are not low dust...I have plenty of brake dust to clean everytime I clean the truck. BTW, if you have any recommendations for breaking in the new pads and rotors let me know.

 

There is definitely a proper procedure for breaking in pads and rotors, only I don't know it. It usually depends on the pad manufacturer. I roadrace motorcycles, and I know with EBC pads you must follow their break-in procedure or they will not work well. We use Vesrah pads and they require No break-in whatsoever, you have great brakes from the first pull of the lever.
So the answer to your question is that pad break-in is specific to a manufacturer, so you will have to check with them. My Hawk pads came with a break-in recommendation sheet in the box.
Good luck and keep the details coming.

 

I've had the powerslot rotors and hawk hps brake pads on for a month and still love them both. The pads are definetly more aggressive than OEM, but do produce more dust. The coating on the rotors looks like it is there to stay, so hopefully they will not rust like the OEM ones. I went ahead and replaced the bearings while I had everything apart. When you install the rotors: there is a rear bearing seal that is very hard to remove without damaging it, Ford tech manual says to install a new on, so I did.

If you want something done right: My Ford dealer replaced the pads and turned the rotors at 35k miles. When I removed the passenger side dust cover, there were two cotter pins. One in the spindle and another packed in bearing....

 

Got the Powerslot rotors installed today along with new Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads. The old rotors were a pain to get off, ended up breaking both of them because the were that rusted! I think I like the new combination. I will write more tomorrow, because I am very tried tonight. I will let you know about the job and my impression of the Powerslots.