I would suggest that if you haven't had much in the way of rotor problems (like brake shudder), then don't replace them at all. If you have, you might try something like the PowerSlot slotted rotors. They're inexpensive (under $200/pair), and you might find that they're all you need. If you still experience problems,
then go to a floating hat rotor like from
Stoptech.
Originally posted by Acura NsX Pilot:
As far as a floating rotor is concerned,i belive there design advantage is that it eliminates vibration under braking which usally occurs with rotors that are one piece and slightly warped.
Im sure those who track there cars here are more qualified to answer this question and can provide a more accurate explanation.
You're confusing the cause with the symptom.
The advantage of floating hat rotors is that the outer "ring" of the rotor, which comes into contact with the brake pads, is not fixed to the inner "hub" that fits over the lugs. Instead, the hardware lets it float. Thus, when the outer ring gets hot (such as when driving on the track), it can expand, without stressing the metal the way a conventional one-piece rotor would, resulting in warping or cracking.
Vibration can be a symptom of warping, of "hot spots" on the rotor, or of cracking - but in any case, it's a symptom of heat-related problems that the floating-hat rotors avoid via their two-piece design.