Brake Rotor & Pad Kits for Performance & Racing

Understanding Brake Rotors

What's the first thing you think about when you hear about muscle car brakes? While it's probably brake pads or even the brake pedal, your brake rotors should never be an afterthought. Without your muscle car’s rotors, you won't be doing any stopping and if you don't have high-performance brake rotors, you probably won't be doing much racing either. Muscle car brake rotors are important because they serve as the foundation of your brake system. Your calipers close on them and the brake pad contacts the surface as you press the brake pedal to create the friction necessary to stop your vehicle. Most OEM brake rotors are made with solid cast iron metal that can handle friction and the elements. Muscle car brake rotors, at least on the front of the car, tend to have other enhancements including coatings or cooling features. When restoring your brake rotors consider upgrading to premium options from brands like PowerStop that focus solely on brakes for the best results.

Benefits of Aftermarket Brake Rotors

OEM brake rotors can last for 50,000 miles or so, or much shorter if you abuse them or use poor-quality pads. You drive a muscle car, and there's a good chance you want to use some of that power on occasion (or all the time, who are we kidding), so upgrading to aftermarket brake rotors that can handle the heat and friction is essential. The good news is that plenty of high-performance brake rotors are available that give you plenty of stopping power without wearing out your brake system. The most common high-performance brake rotor upgrade is a change to drilled and slotted rotors. These rotors have specific holes drilled into them that provide better cooling capabilities. Cooling your brakes is essential, especially if you’re racing, to prevent premature wear on the rotors and pads due to excessive friction. In fact, just about every type of racing brake rotor will have holes and slots for improved performance. Still, it doesn't stop there. Many aftermarket brake rotors may come with ceramic composites for even better heat resistance or even multiple layers of metal. The type of muscle car brake rotors you need will vary based on how and where you drive, so contact our sales techs to discover the best brakes for your build.