scottyp99

If I have the parts from a C5 (rotors, calipers, etc.) what do I need to convert my 1980 'vette to C5 brakes. VBC has a complete setup with the rotors and calipers and everything, for less than a grand, but if I can save some money, why not?


Scott Patterson

hugie82

I don't think you'll find a better braking car but it might be less tempermental..IMO
That said, wildwood brakes may have an adapter to fit the C5 calipers.

captl27

I used the VBP kit here are the pics it is working very well. There are more pics at my page

scottyp99

captl27, what is involved in making the swap? Is it just a special bracket that bolts to the spindle and then the caliper bolts to it? Or did you buy the whole shebang from VBP? VBP says on their website that a machining operation is needed on the stock C3 hub, did you need to have that done? I can get the rotors and calipers for free, and I'm thinking I might be able to do this upgrade for some short money. I'm also thinking about just using wilwood aluminum calipers on all 4 corners. If I do the C5 brake upgrade up front, I'll brobably still use the Wilwoods out back. Although, the C5 upgrade requires 17" wheels, and with the Wilwoods, I can keep the stock aluminum 15" wheels. Ahhh, too many choices......


Scott

captl27

I don't remember exactly what I had to machine but it was no big deal. I think it was a lump on the spindle but am not sure. It is the bracket that enables the brakes to fit. I bought the whole kit including new brakes in the rear because my car brakes where completely shot. I don't know if VBP sells the brackets separately and I will try to find my instructions to tell you exactly what the machine work was but again I know I did it myself and it was no big deal. I know there are a lot of ways to improve the brakes on C3s but I think the C5 conversion is a very good alternitive and I like the 17in wheels in the front and the 18s in the back.

muskegonbrake

We have had some very satisfied customers with the Wilwood D8-4 and D8-6 calipers. I would recommend them, especially if you want to keep your stock wheels. Let me know if you have any questions on them.

Andrew
800-442-0335

0Brakemotive

I would look those D8-4's up, great replacement calipers

scottyp99

I'm starting to lean in that direction.

Scott

eagle275

scottyp99

I think I'm gonna go with the D8-4s all around. They are pretty much a bolt on at a total cost of about $1,000.00. The C5 brakes require an upgrade to 17" wheels, which adds a pretty penny to the project.


Scott

eagle275

I like the D8-4s too. I think I will use those all the way around also.

captl27

Have you talked to anybody that has used D8-4s. I can tell you with out hesitation that the VB&p c5 conversion stops on a dime over and over again.

scottyp99

Ya know, that's a good point. Is there anybody out there who has used the Wilwood D8-4 brake calipers on there 'vette? Let us know how they worked out, OK? Thanks,


Scott

muskegonbrake

Here is a thread from someone who has used them: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-calipers.html