Brake Rotor's and pads

I am going to replace the front rotors and pads on my 2000 Z71.

I am looking into cross-drilled, slotted and zinc plated rotors by Baer.

My question is: Can I still get the Ceramic pads from the dealer to go with the rotors above? I have had the original pads since new, 160K miles ago, so I am very happy with them. But I have heard you have to use special rotors for Ceramic pads, is that true?

The other question i have is what does everybody consider to be the best brakes?


Thanks

I've done hundreds of brake jobs, most with ceramic pads, and never used a special rotor. I've used everything from brand X up to the top of the line rotors and never had a problem. You may want to ask the rotor manufacturer if they reccomend a specific pad. I prefer Bendix and Raybestos brake parts (primarily because of the discount I get from work), but it sounds like you're probably looking for something high performance.

What are your thoughts on Carbon pads? have you heard anything about them?

I am leaning toward Ceramic's but I just want to make sure there isn't a better method.

I've been very happy with this ebay seller. Got new "0 mile" calipers from him too:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&frpp=25&from=R10&mppfqy=rotor&satitle=rotor+silverado&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&fmmk=&fmmd=&fylo=&fyhi=&mppfqy=rotor&sadis=200&fpos=18360&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&seller=1&sass=nordstromsautoinc&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=

Keep in mind that if the rotor is not designed for ceramic pads they will warp your rotors. My recomendation is to go back to the dealer and buy oem pads for your truck. They get the best wear, and preform good for a stock truck. Now if you are running much larger tires then I would look in to a Baer brake kit. Bendix and Raybestos are both great brake pads (as long as you buy there beter grade pads), but you will not get the life out of them that you will the oem pads. Depending on your driving habits you will get anywhere between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. By the time you figure out the cost difference on the aftermarket pad to the oem pads and the life you will get out of each set the oem pads are much cheaper.

How can you tell if they are designed for Ceramic pads?