I have a standard 2005 C6 and run it at the track at speed 5-10 times a year. I'll go through a set of brake pads each summer which I expect, but just was told by dealer my front rotors had heat cracks. Car only has 4k miles on it and replacing pads & rotors for just a few trips to the track each year is expensive. I've heard from some vette owners that I don't need to worry about these heat cracks in the rotors, can anyone that knows something about this comment please. Please comment if it presents any safety issues or if these cracks get worse over time and possibly puts in question the structural integrety of the rotor.

 

Well, only thing I can say is that if you knew you were going to take it to the track why didn't you just get the Z51??? That's what I did and I will have to replace them from fade or warpage before I have cracks most likely. And that will be a while by the way. Sorry I can't help.

 

I actually do have a Z51 package on my C6.....the cracks are very small and seem to start from the drilled holes. Was thinking slotted rotors may be better but haven't heard from anyone that runs vettes at the track yet to confirm.

 

Rotors cracking from track use are common.

Increasing air flow to the rotors can help.

Here's a (C5) Z-06 with Stop techs which had the cracking issue.
I suspect these pictures are worse than what your dealer found.



HTH - Suf Daddy

 

Holy Crap!!!! Cracking the Z51 rotors too! Ive cracked stock c5 rotors, cross drilled rotors from summit racing, and even recently heat warped immmediadatly my supposidly race coted slotted brakes from a company in mid florida!( Worse rotors EVER!) I was saving up for a pair of Z51 cross drilled rotors for my new c6 hoping factory GM Z51 rotors wouldn't crack that easy! I don't even take my car to the track!.....

Always wondered though why you never here of Porsche's cracking their cross drilled rotors?...Someone told me that there not drilled but molded with the holes too keep the strength high? I was hoping GM did the same on the new Z51's anybody know?