Noob question - brakes - anyone here using ECS Wave rotors or other "light" upgrades?

[Audi Advocate]

I do 2-3 track days a year and tend to be a late braker on the street. Do not want to do a full on $3-$4K Brembo or Stasis setup but willing to do something in the $1K range? is that a good idea? I have used upgraded pads on my B6 but the squeal was not worth it here in the colder Northeast. No noticeable difference in stopping distance or fad with just pads (Hawks).

Appreciate your experiences.


ECS: http://www.ecstuning.com/News/Audi_B8_S4_ECS_Stage_1_Brake_Kit_Rotors_Front_Two_ Piece_True_Float_Wave_Caliper_Cross_Drilled_Slotte d_2010_2011_2012_2013_2014_2015/?utm_source=emailcampaign&utm_medium=marketing&utm_content=retail&utm_campaign=Audi_B8_S4_ECSFBK

Stop Tech: http://shop.achtuning.com/StopTech-977-33020-Brake-Upgrade-Kit-Audi-B8-S4.aspx

[mgaman]

I dunno about their new wave rotors, they just introduced them today. I was looking at them myself. I'd consider some just for looks if they weren't cross-drilled.

I had thought about doing the 4-pot Q5 brake upgrade with a set of Girodisc floating rotors, but between calipers and rotors you'd be about $1700-2000 in anyways, at which point you're not too far from a BBK setup.

On the other hand if you're only tracking a few times I've heard that doing going with better fluid, pads and brake lines are the best bang for your buck. I haven't tried it myself, but several of the experienced members have stated this so I'm just repeating it here for what it's worth.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

I dunno about their new wave rotors, they just introduced them today. I was looking at them myself. I'd consider some just for looks if they weren't cross-drilled.

We've had our Stage 3 kits out now with Tru-Float Wave Rotor technology for a few months. Even have had guys track with these rotors and not experience any issues with them cracking.

Every RS model Audi comes with cross drilled rotors from the factory as well as many other high end vehicles of various brands. If done properly cross drilling can be beneficial to cooling. The more air you have circulating in and around the rotor the better you can battle heat.

Jason

[mgaman]

We've had our Stage 3 kits out now with Tru-Float Wave Rotor technology for a few months. Even have had guys track with these rotors and not experience any issues with them cracking.

Every RS model Audi comes with cross drilled rotors from the factory as well as many other high end vehicles of various brands. If done properly cross drilling can be beneficial to cooling. The more air you have circulating in and around the rotor the better you can battle heat.

Jason

At the loss of functional surface area. But more so I'm in Alaska. Having snow and ice build up inside the holes only to rapidly melt and then reform during winter can and has lead to definite cracking in the past, not to mention accelerated wear and rust.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

At the loss of functional surface area. But more so I'm in Alaska. Having snow and ice build up inside the holes only to rapidly melt and then reform during winter can and has lead to definite cracking in the past, not to mention accelerated wear and rust.

The vanes in the rotors would have the same effect wouldn't they? If snow and ice build up could accumulate in a small hole as you say wouldn't the risk be even greater with a much larger opening like the vanes in the rotors?

Jason

[mgaman]

The vanes in the rotors would have the same effect wouldn't they? If snow and ice build up could accumulate in a small hole as you say wouldn't the risk be even greater with a much larger opening like the vanes in the rotors?

Jason

Probably, though the vanes tend to move objects outward rather than sitting there inside. I've had issues with cracking drilled rotors in the past with my WRX and STi, and there was always heavy amounts of corrosion along the path of the holes. Maybe yours are engineered better?

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Probably, though the vanes tend to move objects outward rather than sitting there inside. I've had issues with cracking drilled rotors in the past with my WRX and STi, and there was always heavy amounts of corrosion along the path of the holes. Maybe yours are engineered better?

I can't speak on the quality of the other rotors you've used in the past. But I've never heard of anyone having issues like that from any of our cross drilled rotors where ice and cold temps have been directly related to cracking them. I understand ice can be a strong force, but I'm not sure it's strong enough to crack a quality made iron rotor.

Jason

[acsgp]

I do 2-3 track days a year and tend to be a late braker on the street. Do not want to do a full on $3-$4K Brembo or Stasis setup but willing to do something in the $1K range? is that a good idea? I have used upgraded pads on my B6 but the squeal was not worth it here in the colder Northeast. No noticeable difference in stopping distance or fad with just pads (Hawks).

Appreciate your experiences.


ECS: http://www.ecstuning.com/News/Audi_B8_S4_ECS_Stage_1_Brake_Kit_Rotors_Front_Two_ Piece_True_Float_Wave_Caliper_Cross_Drilled_Slotte d_2010_2011_2012_2013_2014_2015/?utm_source=emailcampaign&utm_medium=marketing&utm_content=retail&utm_campaign=Audi_B8_S4_ECSFBK

Stop Tech: http://shop.achtuning.com/StopTech-977-33020-Brake-Upgrade-Kit-Audi-B8-S4.aspx

I have the slotted StopTechs on, and while slightly better than stock, they're one piece and not significantly lighter.

The lighter 2 piece versions are either ECS Tuning, JHM and Girodisk, if you're looking at OE replacements. Likely that I'll be going for the slotted Girodiscs in the future.

[Audi Advocate]

I have the slotted StopTechs on, and while slightly better than stock, they're one piece and not significantly lighter.

The lighter 2 piece versions are either ECS Tuning, JHM and Girodisk, if you're looking at OE replacements. Likely that I'll be going for the slotted Girodiscs in the future.

Fantastic - thanks for these.

[RudyH]

I do 2-3 track days a year and tend to be a late braker on the street.

Oh, so you are that guy on the 401 that causes all the congestion behind him!
IMHO, I think a 2 piece rotor is fine for the S4 for light track, heavy street usage. It slides perfectly in your price range, and is very popular upgrade here. Like anything, less weight = a lot of benefits in the dynamics in the car besides braking.