So I'm switching from regular brake pads to ceramic on my 04 G35 Sedan. The dealership is saying that I need to also change the rotors to rotors with drilled holes. Is the dealership just trying to get more $ out of me? Can I use my existing rotors?

And what reason did the dealer say that you "need to...change the rotors to rotors with drilled holes"? That makes no sense at all. You don't NEED drilled rotors with any pads. Ask them why they say this, and based on what research.

Also, why switch to ceramic? Though the dust may be less (or at least more lightly colored) they won't bite as well as OEM.

The only reason you need drilled rotors is because they look bitchin'.

oh bullshat, the oem pads turned my wheels dark gray in 3 mi of driving.

My ceramic pads remain clean and clear for more than 150 miles.....no bs

they perform just as good..........

to the op:
btw, you may need to buy regular rotors if they are too thin to cut, but you should not need cross drilled rotors for ceramic pads.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and opinions. I thought the dealership was trying to get more $$ from me!

The dealership or just the servicewriter [aka salesman] who get a commission on what he/she sells.

You often need what carries the highest commission. You pay $1,000 so the poor guy can take home $30 extra.

Which brand you running? In "general terms" ceramics do give up some intial bite for the convenience of less dust.

Stealership wants your wallet! F them! My dealership quoted me $2,400 for brakes! Another bit of advice, is if you do change your rotors, I would reccomend slotted way before drilled. my .02

My wife's Mazda3 comes with ceramic pads from the factory and the rotors are not drilled or slotted. They are full of crap...

Depending on their costing. The dealer might be able to get you the drilled rotors for cheaper than the oem stuff too... I know that when using brembo brakes the aftermarket rotors tend to be cheaper than oem by alot. Then only bad thing with drilled rotors is the chance of cracking and not being able to resurface them on a brake lathe.

That's because they work well.

Absolutely - that's what I said earlier.

Do you have any data to back that up?