Powder coating brake rotors?

[bmoha7321]

This is a question in regards to heat transfer...
Would getting a set of brake rotors powder coated seriously affect a brake rotors ability to be cooled? Seems like I have purchased 2 complete sets of rotors for my Dsm over the years. Unfortunately since my DSM has also spent long periods of time sitting broken I've also rusted off 2 sets of rotors on it. I know and accept brake rotors as a expendable normal wear and tear item like tires and brake pads. I'm planning to lay out a good deal of money for a set of brakes thru TCE. And hate to see them rust off. Ugh WI salt and chemical winter roads. I'm going to go with a set of 12" directionally vaned rotors. Possibly 13". I wonder is Swain makes a coating for rotors.

This is not cosmetic. I'm looking for longevity and functionality. I don't care in the slightest about fancy colored rotors. If its something that can be done without diminishing the cooling properties of the rotors I'd do it. If it does then I won't. I like my brakes to perform very well but in reality I drive the DSM less than 4,000 miles a year. I kind of baby it but will not hesitate to drive it to Blackhawk or Road America for track events.

 

[nuclearr]

I doubt powder coat will handle the high temps the rotors see from breaking. But if you powder coat, ceramic coat, or even high temp paint it you can only do the surfaces the break pad will not see. So if your car sets it will still get surface rust on the rotors.

 

[bmoha7321]

Also I do not mean the face of the rotors. It would be pointless to do that.

 

[99gst214]

Powdercoating won't solve this problem. Once you apply the brakes it will just eat the coating off.

EdiT: just read you second post. They do make powders for High temp applications. Not ceramic, but actual high temp powder. It should handle it depending on you driving style and how much aggressive braking you do. Its worth a shot. And would be cheaper then ceramic. But high temp paint would be the cheapest try.

 

[goodbuds]

sorry bro that would int be the smartest thing Ive heard of. i would suggest you spray paint them with some bbq grill paint they sell it wall mart. then take them to get turned.

 

[greengoblin]

Swain tech has several coating that would work. Contact them. Their BBE is the first that comes to mind.
BBE Heat Emitting Coat by Swain Tech for Automotive Coatings including engine piston coatings, ceramic coating services engine, automotive ceramic coating, ceramic header coating, dry film lubricant, race engine coatings, exhaust header coating

 

[bmoha7321]

Yes Kevin! That's the exact info I was looking for!

Swaintech to the rescue!

 

[underradar92]

I believe the Swaintech coatings may be what you are hunting for, post your results if you think of it/get the chance after a track event. Reading the description, it doesn't look like they are in the habit of coating rotors, however.

If it helps at all to mention this, my front rotors have cooked off the zinc or whatever coating comes on the TCE rotors, from R. A. track days so, at least on the front of a DSM, there aren't likely to be a lot of coatings that will stand up to that.

Amusingly enough, the Krylon over rust on the stock rear rotors and calipers looks just fine. Before anyone tries to point out some dopey brake bias issue, understand that I have on the fly bias adjustment, and very nice F/R balance.

 

[bmoha7321]

underradar92! What TCE brake setup did you go with? Especially since your car has been to R A. Also what tires and in what size do you run there? I've been invited a few times to do Corvette and mustang events there as well as the M S C C event. I am looking at doing 12" directionally vaned rotors minimum. Possibly 13". There are a couple options with 4 or 6 pot calipers. I am at a minimum going to go with 1.25" thick rotors. Although I see 1.25 are also an option... I'm going to go with the thickest brake pad option. I'm undecided on the rear brake setup. I might just go with EVO8 calipers and rotors.

 

[underradar92]

Bhoma7321, I had Todd hook me up with a 13x1.25 rotor, it isn't in the catalog for 1g's, he hooked me up anyway, I cannot oversell his customer service and knowledge. He truly is tip top. I also have wide (uses the full thickness pad) BSL 6 calipers with the Thermlock pistons.

For tires, I have been on Nitto NeoGen's (225-??-17 on 17x7 and then 17x8 EVO 8 rims) and the RE01-R's (245-40x17 on 17x9) so far. They are a bit old now but lots of tread so not sure what to expect when I get back on the track. Would like to have cage/seats/harnesses in before going into any type of R compound or slick though.

Get the most front brake you can afford (13" rotors) and get temp sensing paint and stickers for the rear rotors and calipers, seems 60/40 weight bias is pretty easy on rear brakes, haha. You may not really >need< any sort of rear upgrade, although I do understand the allure of better rear calipers. More pad choices and easier to swap pads is an asset for sure. I may eventually do the 3KGT trail arm swap for that exact reason.

 

[bmoha7321]

Thanks for getting back to me. Sounds great. Inline with what I was thinking. I love the R A track! I've got a set of 17X8 OZ Superleggeras and have been trying to decide which tires to run on them.