RDA vs DBA Slotted Brake Rotors

[Alvis]

Hi all,

I am looking to upgrade my stock brake rotors to a street performance slotted rotor, but I'm confused as to the product/quality difference between the RDA (Rotors & Drums Australia) and DBA (Disk Brakes Australia) options.

For a pair of RDA front slotted rotors you can pick them up for $200 odd dollars at JDM Yard (http://www.jdmyard.com/catalog09/rda-brakes/)

BUT

if you go to the DBA website they are charging $220 per rotor! Ie $440 for both fronts and more than double the price of the RDAs (http://www.dbadirect.com.au/vehicles...vic/ek-3-door#)

Am I missing something - why are the DBA rotors so much more expensive than RDA?

[lukits01]

DBA rotors are much better quality than RDAs
RDA doesn't take abuse that well, though still perfectly fine for street use

[Alvis]

For double the price, you would hope the DBAs are a better rotor - with all respect, how do you know they are better, do you know people who use them?

I am also thinking of only upgrading the fronts and leaving the rear standard - any opinions? I would also be looking at getting micro mesh brake lines and upgraded pads...

[lukits01]

cause Ive personally cracked 3 RDA rotors on the track while the DBA has handled my abuse beautifully

[DLO01]

Yep, as said. You get what you pay for. Dba much better quality. If your using them just for the street, Rda will prol be ok, taking you don't use a hard aggressive pad.

[simonnowis]

fronts make the biggest diff. just upgrade fronts with decent pads and decent tyres all round. i heard braided brake lines get spongy, best to ask someone whos experienced it.

[Tarquin]

I did dba crossed drilled and slotted on the front, standard rears and bendix advance pads all round on my ek1 sedan as a bit of an upgrade and noticed a definite improvement in braking, i'd spend the extra money and go with dba. The ventilation system they hav on them, kangaroo paw or something has a patent on it last time i was looking at them, supposed to work well

[Alvis]

Thanks for all the feedback, it's great to hear personal experiences. And you've convinced me DBA is the way to go.

I might just do the fronts with slotted rotors (not a fan of cross drilled - too many stories about cracking near the drilled holes in the rotor) and something like a Bendix Advance brake pads all round (as suggested by Tarquin) should improve everyday stopping performance. I have some good Michelin Preceda Pilots all round too (I think people also over look how important a good tyre is in braking performance) so might give this setup a go before ordering the braided lines ...

And if I find the time - powdercoat my brake calipers a nice gold :-D

[Tarquin]

Yeah I was a bit worried bout the rotors, i'd heard about them cracking under quick changes in temp but i wasnt going to track the car and cross drilled rotors are sex. I threw on some falken 452's at the time, performed well. good luck with it

[FLICK]

I've cracked 2 rdas after one track day! Never use them again. Most rotors will crack if you don't cool them down properly after doing hotlaps around the track. If your tracking it ducting is recommended and a cool down lap is also recommended. They crack when it's cooling down. Just look after them whatever brand they are but rda is rubbish. Mind you Jdmyard have tracked there rdas and have no issues. They must be doing something right.

[bennjamin]

please dont bother with SLOTTED or cross drilled (!?)....just get high quality SOLID/VENTED discs such as DBA 4000s etc.
Also , when replacing brakes please replace the FRONT and REAR pads to the same pad type.

[Alvis]

Yeh, I've read a few stories on mulitple forums about cracking rotors - but this is not to say that slotted rotors can't also crack, this is an interesting article below about the DBA 4000 Series and the cracked rotor.

And yes, it seems a lot has to do with temperature dispersion and the heating up and cooling down of the rotor - while it's good to cool it down after a few hot laps, it should also go without saying you also let the rotors warm up before stomping on them from 160km/h lol. And as FLICK says the article makes important mention of air ducting on the correct place of the rotor as well (centre)

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/for...s-t186532.html

http://www.nissansilvia.com/forums/i...owtopic=301910

Cracked DBA4000 Series slotted rotor - manufacturing negligence or driver negligence?


By civica at 2010-04-28