I did my last brake job 30,000 miles ago. I had the OEM rotors resurfaced and used OEM pads. Now that it's time for new brakes, I decided to upgrade the system a bit - nothing drastic since my car is a daily driver but I do love driving the twisties so why not provide more of an edge just in case? I would have to replace the rotors anyway since they were already cut once. Not that I found the OEM system inadequate for my type of drivng but I do enjoy modding and as a member of this Forum I do see my car as kind of a test vehicle for others who might want to mod their vehicles in similar fashion. For anyone contemplating a similar upgrade, I strongly recommend reading "Cross Drilled, Slotted, or Stock" which can be accessed at:
This is an excellent article containing much useful information.
Rotors
I decided to use slotted rotors made by the Power Slot Company. According to Power Slot, the slots machined into the rotor wipe the brake pads clean, evacuate gasses and help get rid of heat. Brake system performance is improved by wiping away the debris of used friction material that otherwise would accumulate between the rotor and the pad. This keeps fresh pad material exposed to the rotor surface and helps prevent pad glazing. The edges sweeping the pad slightly increase the effective coefficient of friction amplifying brake system response to pedal input. Slotted rotors can also improve initial brake response under wet conditions by providing an escape path for water. Additionally, excessive heat can cause resins in the brake pads to vaporize or "outgas," and the slots can help remove this boundary layer between rotor and pads which could otherwise inhibit performance. However, some maintain this last is not a problem with modern pads. The slots are tapered to enhance evacuation of heat and gases and all machining is done in house.
Unlike drilling, slotting doesn't weaken the internal structure of the rotor. Drilling a rotor can weaken it and cause stress points that can lead to cracking and even complete failure. Also drilled rotors lose considerable surface area compared to slotted types which reduces the area available for braking.
Power Slot rotors are finished with an electrostatically applied finish to both sides of the fully machined surfaces of the rotor hat. Finally, for an extra charge, Power Slot Rotors that have undergone cryogenic treatment are available. The company claims that the cryogenic treatment process redistributes residual stress in the rotor giving it an extra level of protection against thermal distortion and wear. Cryogenically treated rotors might be a good option for the daily driver that sees occasional track use.
Available Rotor Types
These 9.3" (235 mm) diameter Power Slot front rotors with 4-lug mounting holes, part # 120.45039SL & 120.45039SR (sold as pairs) are a direct replacement for the following models:
1999-2001 1.6 L (rear drum equipped)
It's possible to replace the 9.3" front rotors with the larger 10.2" rotors used on the 2.0 L. For details, go to: http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?9175
These 10.2" (258 mm) diameter Power Slot front rotors with 4-lug mounting holes, part # 126.45058SL & 126.45058SR (sold as pairs) are a direct replacement for the following models:
1999-2000 ES 1.8 L (rear drum equipped)
2001 LX 2.0 L (rear drum equipped)
2002-'03 DX & ES 2.0 L (rear drum equipped)
These 10.2" (258 mm) diameter Power Slot front rotors with 5-lug mounting holes, part # 126.45048SL & 126.45048SR (sold as pairs) are a direct replacement for the following models:
2001 MP3 & ES 2.0 L (rear disc equipped)
2002-'03 ES 2.0 L (rear disc equipped)
2002-'03 Protege 5 2.0 L (rear disc equipped)
The above two 10.2" diameter types are identical except for the number of mounting holes.
These 10.8" (274 mm) diameter Power Slot front rotors with 5-lug mounting holes, part # 120.45045SL & 120.45045SR (sold as pairs) are a direct replacement for the 2003 MSP 2.0 L (rear disc equipped).
For available rear brake rotors, go to the Power Slot website.
Pads
To match the new rotors I selected Hawk HPS (High Performance Street) Brake Pads. Hawk makes a wide variety of pads but this is the one they recommend primarily for street use. According to the maker, these ferro-carbon compound pads increase stopping power 20-40% over standard pads, have high braking power hot and cold, have low dust, are practically noise free, and contain a brake compound that extends brake pad life. Included with the brake pads is a package of assembly grease.
Hawk HPS front brake pads:
part # HB211F.606 fits all protege models 1999-'03 except MSP.
part # HB489F.630 fits 2003 MSP only.
For Hawk HPS rear brake pads, go to the Hawk website: http://hawkbrakesdirect.com
I ordered my rotors and pads from Racing Beat in Anaheim, CA.
Power Slot Front Brake Rotors, Protege, (Power Slot part # 126.45058SR; 126.45058SL; RB part # 74536) US $166
Hawk HPS Brake Pads, Front Protege 99-03, (Hawk part # HB211F.606; RB part # 74571) US $68
Shipping US $43.43
Total US $277.43
According to RB, Power Slot rotors are made from high quality OEM replacement blanks and always meet or exceed all OE specifications. RB doesn't sell the cryogenically treated rotors but those seeking this type can purchase them at:
Happy Motoring!
This is an excellent article containing much useful information.
Rotors
I decided to use slotted rotors made by the Power Slot Company. According to Power Slot, the slots machined into the rotor wipe the brake pads clean, evacuate gasses and help get rid of heat. Brake system performance is improved by wiping away the debris of used friction material that otherwise would accumulate between the rotor and the pad. This keeps fresh pad material exposed to the rotor surface and helps prevent pad glazing. The edges sweeping the pad slightly increase the effective coefficient of friction amplifying brake system response to pedal input. Slotted rotors can also improve initial brake response under wet conditions by providing an escape path for water. Additionally, excessive heat can cause resins in the brake pads to vaporize or "outgas," and the slots can help remove this boundary layer between rotor and pads which could otherwise inhibit performance. However, some maintain this last is not a problem with modern pads. The slots are tapered to enhance evacuation of heat and gases and all machining is done in house.
Unlike drilling, slotting doesn't weaken the internal structure of the rotor. Drilling a rotor can weaken it and cause stress points that can lead to cracking and even complete failure. Also drilled rotors lose considerable surface area compared to slotted types which reduces the area available for braking.
Power Slot rotors are finished with an electrostatically applied finish to both sides of the fully machined surfaces of the rotor hat. Finally, for an extra charge, Power Slot Rotors that have undergone cryogenic treatment are available. The company claims that the cryogenic treatment process redistributes residual stress in the rotor giving it an extra level of protection against thermal distortion and wear. Cryogenically treated rotors might be a good option for the daily driver that sees occasional track use.
Available Rotor Types
These 9.3" (235 mm) diameter Power Slot front rotors with 4-lug mounting holes, part # 120.45039SL & 120.45039SR (sold as pairs) are a direct replacement for the following models:
1999-2001 1.6 L (rear drum equipped)
It's possible to replace the 9.3" front rotors with the larger 10.2" rotors used on the 2.0 L. For details, go to: http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?9175
These 10.2" (258 mm) diameter Power Slot front rotors with 4-lug mounting holes, part # 126.45058SL & 126.45058SR (sold as pairs) are a direct replacement for the following models:
1999-2000 ES 1.8 L (rear drum equipped)
2001 LX 2.0 L (rear drum equipped)
2002-'03 DX & ES 2.0 L (rear drum equipped)
These 10.2" (258 mm) diameter Power Slot front rotors with 5-lug mounting holes, part # 126.45048SL & 126.45048SR (sold as pairs) are a direct replacement for the following models:
2001 MP3 & ES 2.0 L (rear disc equipped)
2002-'03 ES 2.0 L (rear disc equipped)
2002-'03 Protege 5 2.0 L (rear disc equipped)
The above two 10.2" diameter types are identical except for the number of mounting holes.
These 10.8" (274 mm) diameter Power Slot front rotors with 5-lug mounting holes, part # 120.45045SL & 120.45045SR (sold as pairs) are a direct replacement for the 2003 MSP 2.0 L (rear disc equipped).
For available rear brake rotors, go to the Power Slot website.
Pads
To match the new rotors I selected Hawk HPS (High Performance Street) Brake Pads. Hawk makes a wide variety of pads but this is the one they recommend primarily for street use. According to the maker, these ferro-carbon compound pads increase stopping power 20-40% over standard pads, have high braking power hot and cold, have low dust, are practically noise free, and contain a brake compound that extends brake pad life. Included with the brake pads is a package of assembly grease.
Hawk HPS front brake pads:
part # HB211F.606 fits all protege models 1999-'03 except MSP.
part # HB489F.630 fits 2003 MSP only.
For Hawk HPS rear brake pads, go to the Hawk website: http://hawkbrakesdirect.com
I ordered my rotors and pads from Racing Beat in Anaheim, CA.
Power Slot Front Brake Rotors, Protege, (Power Slot part # 126.45058SR; 126.45058SL; RB part # 74536) US $166
Hawk HPS Brake Pads, Front Protege 99-03, (Hawk part # HB211F.606; RB part # 74571) US $68
Shipping US $43.43
Total US $277.43
According to RB, Power Slot rotors are made from high quality OEM replacement blanks and always meet or exceed all OE specifications. RB doesn't sell the cryogenically treated rotors but those seeking this type can purchase them at:
Happy Motoring!
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