spock345
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2016
- Location
- Livermore, CA
I've got a 1980 car with solid front rotors, would it be worth the upgrade to vented rotors? What would I need to do the swap?
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Literally all you have to do is just get the different calipers and vented rotors. I put vented rotors on my car a while ago, if you have a commando chin spoiler and 15 inch alloys Volvo recommends vented rotors. Vented ones also don?t warp as easily so there?s that
If it ain't broke..... Also you run the risk of getting air the system and you know how TBers complain about getting all of the air out on a caliper change.
Here's the thing, you can't have brakes that work TOO WELL.
The solid rotors were adequate for street use in 1975, playing bumper cars in traffic while waiting for your daily ration of fuel.
The cool thing about vented rotors is their ability to manage heat. Heat is a big factor for brakes, and keeping your brakes in a target temp zone for the specific pads and rotors you selected. That keeps your pads and rotors happy, and you don't experience fade, or boil fluid, or reduces the risk of warping a rotor.
If you drive like a grocery getting granny, like 100% of the time, then sure, just replace your wearables and keep going down the road. Otherwise, it's a VERY minimal investment to pickup a used set of less undesirable vented calipers, and buy yourself the benefit.
It really just takes one marginally spirited drive on a hilly/twisty road, or a LONG descent down a mountain pass. Next time you come to that stop at the end of the hill and start smelling what might be your brake pads, you'll think about it.
OP, you live close to Mines Rd. Yeah, get the Vented setup.
Mines road is where the Amazon goes out to have fun. This car is just a grocery getter and furniture hauler. It all makes sense though.
Even better!
I'd love to see a Amazon out there...well even more so, get vented brakes on your 240. There's just little sense in spending the money for pads & rotors for a lesser setup. You're a trip to the yard and about $75 away from having better calipers. The money for pads and rotors is constant no matter what you do.
There is one yard near me with an '89 240. Let's hope those calipers are still there.
There is one yard near me with an '89 240. Let's hope those calipers are still there.