Erik,
I have a friend that races (AutoX) a Golf VR6 with upgraded monster brakes. Based on his experiences, he had some suggestions for me when I asked the very same questions about my 1997 R.
Cross-drilled: Don't do it! Unless you get the (very expensive) rotors that have the holes "molded" in, the cross-drilled rotors will very likely crack. The reason is the drilling disturbs the molecular structure around the holes (creating stress risers), whereas the expensive rotors have the holes molded in when the rotors are cast. If you must have these bigger units be prepared for a shock (to the tune of $2200...)
As for the IPD slotted rotors? They look neat. That's about the only advantage over stock.
I'll soon be replacing all four rotors on my R with stock Brembo units, carefully installed with carefully torqued wheel lugs to avoid warping the rotors later. I'm still undecided on pads, but they will likely be stock as well. The only "improvements" I will be installing are braided Kevlar/Stainless brake lines and fresh new DOT 4 fluid.
I have a friend that races (AutoX) a Golf VR6 with upgraded monster brakes. Based on his experiences, he had some suggestions for me when I asked the very same questions about my 1997 R.
Cross-drilled: Don't do it! Unless you get the (very expensive) rotors that have the holes "molded" in, the cross-drilled rotors will very likely crack. The reason is the drilling disturbs the molecular structure around the holes (creating stress risers), whereas the expensive rotors have the holes molded in when the rotors are cast. If you must have these bigger units be prepared for a shock (to the tune of $2200...)
As for the IPD slotted rotors? They look neat. That's about the only advantage over stock.

I'll soon be replacing all four rotors on my R with stock Brembo units, carefully installed with carefully torqued wheel lugs to avoid warping the rotors later. I'm still undecided on pads, but they will likely be stock as well. The only "improvements" I will be installing are braided Kevlar/Stainless brake lines and fresh new DOT 4 fluid.