More than not, I've gathered they're an improvement and safer - but have read they can crack/fail over time?

Maybe with certain types - but curious what are a few you'd recommend checking out? I've done some initial browsing, but want to get suggestions here.

 

Arnt the stock front discs vented?

 

I have a 2.4L SS, 06

 

I think you're confusing VENTED rotors with drilled rotors.

Vented means the rotor has 2 halves, with vanes in between to aid in cooling and reduce weight. All cars sold today have vented front disc brakes, including your 2.4 SS.

What you are probably referring to is cross-drilled rotors, which means the rotor has holes in it to aid in performance. Cross drilled rotors can help reduce brake fade by allowing for better heat dissipation and and removal of contaminants from the poads (such as water). However, cheaper cross-drilled rotors will crack over time, and need to be replaced. Quality cross drilled rotors from DBA, Brembo, or GM do not have this problem because the holes are cast into the rotor instead of drilled.

 

That's the first thing I thought after reading the OP post. He is probably referring to the drilled rotors

 

Yes they do. Big time. My dad bought the Kool-Aid and tried Brembo cross-drilled rotors against sound advice not to. He went through 6 sets in 18 months, normal driving. Any cross-drilled rotor can crack.

If you're going to road race the car, go with stock blanks or dimpled rotors with a better pad. If you really have to have something cut into the rotor, get slotted only, but prepare to pay in reduced pad life. Stay away from drilled rotors, unless you want them for show.

 

6 sets in 18 months??

Bullshit. If thats the case then he was getting chinese rotors that were drilled by hand.

I've run plenty of drilled rotors on various cars without a problem. I'm currently running stock GM Z06 drilled rotors on my other car...no issues with cracking at all.