Drilled and slotted brake rotors (stock size) - two questions

[Gizmoman]

A friend of mine just replaced his front brake rotors on his jeep. He purchased a set that came with drilled and slotted rotors and included the pads as well.

I looked at them out of the box and they were quite impressive. After he installed them, he said the stopping power was considerably more than what he had before. The rotors he took off (not slotted or drilled) didn't look bad, The pads were OK but close to needing to be changed.

First question is; As I plan on pulling a 1000 lb trailer which has no brakes, what are your opinions on the drilled/slotted rotors VS the stock units?
I am aware of the big brake kits but would rather not go that route just yet.

Second question; The store is asking if I have ATE or Girling calipers. My van is an 82 Westy with stock brakes. Does anyone know the answer?

Here is a shot of the calipers and pads

Your opinion matters.
Thanks, Jim
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[Wildthings]

I believe that pads for the stock 80-85 brakes are all the same.

[Gizmoman]

[crazyvwvanman]

Remove a front wheel and look closely at the caliper you have. The 2 pads are held by long pins that bridge holes in the tops of the pair of pads. If the long pins have small split pins through holes in the pins at the ends, they are NOT ATE. Plus ATE have a large ATE cast into them. But 82 vans all use the same pads and rotors, regardless.

Your photo isn't of parts for your van, either way.
82 rotors have integral hubs with wheel bearing race mounting holes in them.
82 pads have 2 holes at the top for the long pins.

Mark

[Gizmoman]

That clarifies things - thanks for the detailed explination Mark.
I had the wheels off recently and didn't notice "ATE" in the castings. I'll pull one again and look at the pins.

The photo was an example of the slotted/drilled rotor. I'm hoping it improves the cooling and overall braking.

Many thanks,
Jim
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[Merian]

it won't improve cooling; nor will it improve overall braking

slotted rotors are less likely to crack than drilled due to fewer stress risers

if you need cooling (long downhills or race courses) then duct air in to the rotors

the best designed rotors will have internal fan shaped 'slots' and the right CAD/CAE analysis can improve cooling

Zimmerman makes a good rotor

there are tons of bling rotors out there which will either not last long or endanger your life
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[Gizmoman]

Thanks,
Those zimmerman rotors are quite spendy for sure.

My brakes are fine, I was just looking for a quick improvement over what I have as I am working towards a small trailer with a 500 lb motorcycle and 75 lb kayak.

I think adding brakes to the trailer would be the best bet even though I plan on keeping it in the 1000 lb range.

Thanks again
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[wesitarz]

I have drilled Audi front rotors.They do look cool.You might want to check out available comparisons before you buy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78wbht355R8

[Merian]

adding brakes to the trailer would be the best bet
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[Wildthings]

[danfromsyr]

trailer brakes are best of course.
1,000 is within the limits set for Vanagons.

you'll be fine as long as there aren't any big mtn twisty roads..

this was ~1000 miles of 2ndry and some I-95 by DC
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1012207.jpg

keep the calipers and E-brake adjusted up to top potential.
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[Gizmoman]

[Wildthings]

[Gizmoman]

Thanks for the clarification. Wasn't aware Van Cafe sold them. Just typed it into Google.

That is a very good price - not spendy at all.

By the way wesitarz, I watched the brake rotor video and found it to be very informative - thank you for the link.
My interpretation, drilled rotors actually hinder performance with today's new pad compounds (less surface area). The slotted rotors may help performance but not by much.
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[skills@eurocarsplus]

cross drilled rotors are suppose to be directional. the ones in the photo are not.

had a friend with an audi that kept destroying pads on 1 side. when I pointed that out, he changed the rotors to a company who actually understood that and the problem went away.

moral of the story....don't buy ebay rotors
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[Merian]

here is the ultimate brake rotor for some people:

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[Gizmoman]

Those would stop well if the pads had pins

And who are some people?
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[Merian]

the Vanagoneers who don't do proper maintenance but add all sorts of crazy and expensive things to their vehicles
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