PFC DD V3 Rotors vs OEM: Lifespan and Cost

rg1220 · 05-13-2022, 02:57 PM

I'm trying to determine if the PFC DD V3 will last longer than OEM rotors by a significant enough margin to warrant the cost? Girodisc is similarly priced but seemingly less available.

I need new front rotors before my next event, but I'm trying to decide what I need. In ~15k street miles and 8 track days, I've cooked my rotors. I've been using DTC-60 (6 track days - first 2 days were on oem pads) and sometimes would run the DTC-60's on the street for a couple weeks after a weekend as I didn't get time to swap back to oem. Next set of rotors I'll make it a priority. Also looking to do more track days per year the next couple years. I do seem to brake later and harder compared to a lot of the people in my upper intermediate group (BMW CCA HPDE).

OEM rotors: $600
$75/trackday

PFC DD V3: $1140 (replacement rings: $830)
Assuming same lifespan:
$142.5/track day
$123.125/track day (16 track days using a 2nd ring)
Assuming 1.25x lifespan (10 track days per):
$114/track day
$98.5/track day (20 track days using 2nd ring)

Whatever the next set of rotors I get, I'll keep a detailed log of rotor wear to get a better perspective of what is happening.

tdott · 05-13-2022, 03:51 PM

OEM from FCPEURO ftw!

rg1220 · 05-13-2022, 05:08 PM

That's true. Could tide me over for a few years until I do a BBK.

leftfootbr8king · 05-13-2022, 09:30 PM

If you are still on street tires and aren't noticing brake fade (good fluid, lines and brass bushings) upgrading to two piece rotors won't make a noticeable difference.

Fcp ftw. Get your SRF from them as well.

When the car is on slicks if track day budget is still in focus it may make sense to convert to a front bbk to get 95% of the performance benefit but preserve the oem rears for free replacement rotors and cheaper oem size pads

PrimeBMW · 05-15-2022, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rg1220

I'm trying to determine if the PFC DD V3 will last longer than OEM rotors by a significant enough margin to warrant the cost? Girodisc is similarly priced but seemingly less available.

I need new front rotors before my next event, but I'm trying to decide what I need. In ~15k street miles and 8 track days, I've cooked my rotors. I've been using DTC-60 (6 track days - first 2 days were on oem pads) and sometimes would run the DTC-60's on the street for a couple weeks after a weekend as I didn't get time to swap back to oem. Next set of rotors I'll make it a priority. Also looking to do more track days per year the next couple years. I do seem to brake later and harder compared to a lot of the people in my upper intermediate group (BMW CCA HPDE).

OEM rotors: $600
$75/trackday

PFC DD V3: $1140 (replacement rings: $830)
Assuming same lifespan:
$142.5/track day
$123.125/track day (16 track days using a 2nd ring)
Assuming 1.25x lifespan (10 track days per):
$114/track day
$98.5/track day (20 track days using 2nd ring)

Whatever the next set of rotors I get, I'll keep a detailed log of rotor wear to get a better perspective of what is happening.

Why is cost your most important factor? How about safety margin or performance?

leftfootbr8king · 05-15-2022, 12:14 PM

@prime If there has been no detectable brake fade with existing setup there isn't a safety issue.

If there has been no detectable brake fade then performance of existing hardware is not likely maxed out.

Doesn't mean there isn't anything to be gained by upgrading but will the gains be utilized and at what cost?

rg1220 · 05-15-2022, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrimeBMW

Why is cost your most important factor? How about safety margin or performance?

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftfootbr8king

@prime If there has been no detectable brake fade with existing setup there isn't a safety issue.

If there has been no detectable brake fade then performance of existing hardware is not likely maxed out.

Doesn't mean there isn't anything to be gained by upgrading but will the gains be utilized and at what cost?

I'm not experiencing any brake fade with my current setup (OEM rotors, DTC-60 pads, SRF fluid) and haven't noticed much if any heat hatching. I'm currently on Michelin PSS (300TW) tires and plan to stay on them for the time being.

I could always get single-piece rotors for $180 total from RockAuto

PrimeBMW · 05-15-2022, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rg1220

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrimeBMW

Why is cost your most important factor? How about safety margin or performance?

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftfootbr8king

@prime If there has been no detectable brake fade with existing setup there isn't a safety issue.

If there has been no detectable brake fade then performance of existing hardware is not likely maxed out.

Doesn't mean there isn't anything to be gained by upgrading but will the gains be utilized and at what cost?

I'm not experiencing any brake fade with my current setup (OEM rotors, DTC-60 pads, SRF fluid) and haven't noticed much if any heat hatching. I'm currently on Michelin PSS (300TW) tires and plan to stay on them for the time being.

I could always get single-piece rotors for $180 total from RockAuto

No offense. I just don't think about saving money till after I consider performance and safety.

05-13-2022, 02:57 PM	#1
rg1220 Private First Class 77 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW M3 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Baltimore, Maryland iTrader: (2)	PFC DD V3 Rotors vs OEM: Lifespan and Cost I'm trying to determine if the PFC DD V3 will last longer than OEM rotors by a significant enough margin to warrant the cost? Girodisc is similarly priced but seemingly less available. I need new front rotors before my next event, but I'm trying to decide what I need. In ~15k street miles and 8 track days, I've cooked my rotors. I've been using DTC-60 (6 track days - first 2 days were on oem pads) and sometimes would run the DTC-60's on the street for a couple weeks after a weekend as I didn't get time to swap back to oem. Next set of rotors I'll make it a priority. Also looking to do more track days per year the next couple years. I do seem to brake later and harder compared to a lot of the people in my upper intermediate group (BMW CCA HPDE). OEM rotors: $600 $75/trackday PFC DD V3: $1140 (replacement rings: $830) Assuming same lifespan: $142.5/track day $123.125/track day (16 track days using a 2nd ring) Assuming 1.25x lifespan (10 track days per): $114/track day $98.5/track day (20 track days using 2nd ring) Whatever the next set of rotors I get, I'll keep a detailed log of rotor wear to get a better perspective of what is happening. Last edited by rg1220; 05-13-2022 at 03:14 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-13-2022, 03:51 PM	#2
tdott Brigadier General 3949 Rep 3,988 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South FL / 6ix iTrader: (4)	OEM from FCPEURO ftw!
	Appreciate 2 tsk941522.00 MP0W3RD125.00 Quote

05-13-2022, 05:08 PM	#3
rg1220 Private First Class 77 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW M3 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Baltimore, Maryland iTrader: (2)	That's true. Could tide me over for a few years until I do a BBK.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-13-2022, 09:30 PM	#4
leftfootbr8king Lieutenant 570 Rep 512 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (2)	If you are still on street tires and aren't noticing brake fade (good fluid, lines and brass bushings) upgrading to two piece rotors won't make a noticeable difference. Fcp ftw. Get your SRF from them as well. When the car is on slicks if track day budget is still in focus it may make sense to convert to a front bbk to get 95% of the performance benefit but preserve the oem rears for free replacement rotors and cheaper oem size pads
	Appreciate 1 rg122077.00 Quote

05-15-2022, 12:14 PM	#6
leftfootbr8king Lieutenant 570 Rep 512 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (2)	@prime If there has been no detectable brake fade with existing setup there isn't a safety issue. If there has been no detectable brake fade then performance of existing hardware is not likely maxed out. Doesn't mean there isn't anything to be gained by upgrading but will the gains be utilized and at what cost?
	Appreciate 0 Quote