Miata Brake Rotors?

I noticed today that I need to replace the front brakes on my Miata. I'm going to continue using the Axis Ultimate pads but I'm not sure about the rotors. I have the 1.8 sized brakes all around and I've been using the cheap rotors from Napa and just replacing them with each new set of brake pads as they cost like $2 more than getting the old ones turned. Can anyone tell me why I shouldn't continue using these rotors?

They're bad for the environment instead of turning your old ones?

Sorry, that's all I've got. I could tell you why you want the super-zoot ones sold by FM, but really, if they're round and smooth...

So going to a more expensive rotor won't make a bit of difference on the street?

thatsnowinnebago wrote: So going to a more expensive rotor won't make a bit of difference on the street?

Nope not a bit. A LOT of autocross guys swear by the Napa blanks as they are cheap and work great. It has been reported on miata.net more than once that the Napas are repackaged Brembos. Cannot confirm as I am not running them as of yet.

napa blanks are just fine, stick with em

I liked my $12 ac delco blanks from rockauto just fine too.

Is it typical for Miata rotors to well outlast the pads? I always replace rotors and pads at the same time because there is usually a good ridge on the rotor surface. I just got a used Miata and the pads are toast but the rotors are still fine. I'm thinking about just getting new pads...

miatame2 wrote: Is it typical for Miata rotors to well outlast the pads? I always replace rotors and pads at the same time because there is usually a good ridge on the rotor surface. I just got a used Miata and the pads are toast but the rotors are still fine. I'm thinking about just getting new pads...

I'd say it's possible. Let's say for the sake of argument you have a driver who covers a lot of miles...all while lightly braking to a stop. Sure! You could wear out a set of pads and hardly touch the rotors at all.

Then you put one of us behind the wheel and every pad change is a brake system overhaul.

Depends on the pads. In most cases, the rotors outlast them. I've got some pads on my Miata right now that give spectacular performance, but they destroy rotors. Probably two sets of rotors per set of pads if you drive them on the street. Maybe 3.

But boy, do they stop the car.

When I was racing Spec Miata, I got 1.6 liter rotors at Pep Boys. $16 each. Verified manufactured by Brembo. Another reason Miatas rock.

David

Anyone know the stock thickness? I'm thinking of doing a wilwood conversion with the stock rotors (see my Midget for details on the miata suspension). I don't need bigger brakes, but thought I could lose about 5lb per corner at least at the front with the wilwoods. Problem is, the rotors I have (1.6l) seem to be about .625 thick at the friction surface, but the calipers (closest fit is .81") list minimum rotor thickness at .70".

When the rotors are $12, you might as well replace them every time you take the wheel off. Seriously.