nowwhat

How much better are the c5 front brakes vs. the '96 GS brakes...?

bogus

hard to quantify. tires as much to do with braking than anything else.

No Go

I think the only real benefit is less expensive rotors...if you go thru them it adds up!

Aardwolf

The C5 system will do better on a road course, it handles heat much better.

Corvette Kid

Note too that the GS calipers are just a better looking caliper for the J55 option brakes. The J55 was optional on later C4s (starting as early as '88 perhaps?) and became standard equipment in '95. I had the J55s and did find the C5 brakes to still be an improvement though. The C5 calipers have less flex and a larger pad.

nowwhat

good info thanx.....

BlackHarleyMan

From where I sit, my 96 LT4 with the J55's can't hold a CANDLE to my 91 with the C5 setup on the front.

dizwiz24

I have never driven in a car with C5 brakes, but I can say that after I did my $900 conversion to GS calipers (like the J55) with Baer Eradispeed rotors (slotted-only) and EBC Greenstuff Pads, I was less-than-impressed with the improvement.

I did this route because I didnt want the extra unsprung weight of the C5 front brake setup.

Maybe the weak link is my EBC greenstuff pads.

Aardwolf

The Wilwood super light 6 is nice, the cost isn't terrible like some. There's a thread here:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1622949

bogus

an addendum:

The GS caliper, like all the C4 calipers, has no cooling vent at the top. This traps all that heat inside the caliper.

Under extreem conditions, the C4 caliper will spread open, this will negatively effect the stopping experience.

The C5 caliper has a heat vent. How, realize that the heat vent isn't all that large, so it to can spread open under duress.

Dizwiz, I think you will find that Hawk pads will make you happier. I had EBCs and they were ok, but not exceptional. I don't like the various ceramic pads, cause all they do is tear up rotors. They do stop ok, but the Baer rotors are pricey, why eat them for no good reason.

Hawk pads have impressed me. I have HPC's, and they are great. There are better race oriented Hawk pads, but for the street, these rock. Get a touch of heat into them and they stop on a literal dime. I have the GS calipers with 13" NAPA OEM style rotors. This combo has lasted for over a year with ZERO problems. It is time to rebleed the system, tho...

one last thought, I have had great success with Valvoline Synpower Brake Fluid. This stuff is very good at a very good price point.

BlackHarleyMan

I did this route because I didnt want the extra unsprung weight of the C5 front brake setup.

I have yet to get the Bias spring, but I'm not having any dramatic issues with my cars performance durning hard breaking. I have a fresh set of Z-51 spec Bilstiens on deck also, but LOVE the way this thing stops. So much infact that I have the parts and pieces to change the 96 to the same setup.

R/Noland

nowwhat

Ok so

C4 to C5 brackets....
C5 front Calipers
Pads
12.75" rotor...?....C5 rotor is smaller?....GS is 13"

then I simply leave the rears alone...?...I don't have an E-brake if that matters...would be great to have C5 on all 4 corners....

anything else...

Aardwolf

Brackets to. This site shows everything:

https://www.superchevyperformance.co...les.asp?ID=124

Jeffvette

The C5 rotor is a smidge smaller in diameter than the C4. But the C5 rotor is thicker than the C4.

FF1wms

I'm running GS front brakes with PFC pads and Hawk racing slotted rotors. Valvoline synpower fluid. No problems so far. Stops on a dime.

wdo-mkr

I have the adapter kits if anyone needs a set. You will really like the feel of the c5 brakes over the c4. I also recommend the Hawk pads as well. There is another supporting vendor running a GP this week as well on them. Do a search for Group Purchase and Hawk Pads

85-87MY kits on sale with free shipping for $115.00 this week.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1626372

88-96MY kits with free shipping are available for $125.00
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1611445