More brake Qs! Rotor differences, recommendations.

More brake Qs! Rotor differences, recommendations.

I'm looking at replacing my front rotors and I'm curious to know the difference between the different (plain) rotors out there and why price varies so much. Looking at Autozone and Kragen you can get some Valucraft rotors for $18 but then there's the Beck/Arnley premium rotors that are $64 and Brembos online for like $40. Is this just construction/material differences or are there major design changes? Oh, these are just "OEM" replacements, I'm not looking at the slotted or drilled rotors.

Anyone know the difference?

How about recommedations as far as rotors and pads go? I'm looking for something a little better than stock hopefully but this is mainly a commuter car so no major performance gain needs to happen.

Thanks for any help. I'm planning on doing the brake job this weekend.

Go with the brembos, they are a reputable company and makes OEM parts for many manufacturers including Porshe, they know what they're doing.
Most rotors from Kragen/AZ are Made in China or Taiwan where standards are less strict. I never even heard of Beck/Arnley.

As for Pads, stopping distance and performance are determined by the material. The pad material determine the bite or Mu (coefficient of friction) that is apply on the rotors where everything else is equal.
Typically I recommend OEM Toyota and Hawk HPS for street.

Sweet! Thanks for the recommendation. That combo (Brembo/Hawk) was what I was looking at.

Know of any good online dealers or possible chain type store that'd carry them?

not rly, even I have to pay retail. TireRack is good since they ship from Reno.. no tax + ground shipping gets to me in the bay area in a day.