Brake options for a 05 z51
10-24-2009, 01:47 PM
#1
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Brake options for a 05 z51
Hey guys,
I have been doing a good amount of research but decided to throw it up to everyone to get your .02 on my situation.
Since I can't turn my z51 rotors I need to replace them with pads. I figure i can either get oem rotors and pay top dollar or go with an aftermarket pad/rotor setup.
What do you all think the best bang for the buck is? I don't have tons of money for a big brake setup right now so I would just like a small upgrade from the pad/rotor setup I have now...
Any help would be most appreciated
I have been doing a good amount of research but decided to throw it up to everyone to get your .02 on my situation.
Since I can't turn my z51 rotors I need to replace them with pads. I figure i can either get oem rotors and pay top dollar or go with an aftermarket pad/rotor setup.
What do you all think the best bang for the buck is? I don't have tons of money for a big brake setup right now so I would just like a small upgrade from the pad/rotor setup I have now...
Any help would be most appreciated
10-24-2009, 04:06 PM
#5
Race Director
I also have the Z51 my rotors were in perfect shape but I couldn't stand the squealing, & break dust...
I got GM Ceramic pads only! "FANTASTIC" they don't squeal at all, I get NO break dust. However I have read they are NOT recommended if you "TRACK" the car..
I DO Drag Race it 1/4 mile, but the breaks are cold when I go to the starting line, & after I cross the finish line I have a 1/2+ to come to an easy stop.. so I'm very satisfied with the GM Ceramic pads at a cost of $153 shipped from Gene Cully.. Cant go wrong for that price..
If you need rotors, you have to decide if you want OEM or after market ? Personally I'd go with OEM...
I got GM Ceramic pads only! "FANTASTIC" they don't squeal at all, I get NO break dust. However I have read they are NOT recommended if you "TRACK" the car..
I DO Drag Race it 1/4 mile, but the breaks are cold when I go to the starting line, & after I cross the finish line I have a 1/2+ to come to an easy stop.. so I'm very satisfied with the GM Ceramic pads at a cost of $153 shipped from Gene Cully.. Cant go wrong for that price..
If you need rotors, you have to decide if you want OEM or after market ? Personally I'd go with OEM...
10-24-2009, 04:23 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
I just swapped out my stock Z51 pads for Baer ceramica and love them. They work great on the track. My rotors and calibers are still good for now, so I haven't upgraded, but when I do, I hear the DBA are good rotors. I also put in braided lines which made a huge difference.
10-25-2009, 03:23 AM
#10
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Wow,
It seems to depend on what you want here... Track worthy brakes or streetable ones?
Upgrading the rotors on a Corvette seems like it would save you on some occasional maintenance changing the OEM ones out, but the return on investment is not great, and the aftermarket rotors will also feel the heat and warp/crack after several track weekends. They likely last longer but not a whole lot longer really.
OEM rotors surely do not hold up well to track use, but at ~$50 to 70 a rotor are less expensive than a set of decent pads, and a spare set will always get you through a weekend. I get mine from RockAuto.
Check out http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
Fronts are ~73 and rears are ~40 for OEM Z51 rotors... That comes to ~226 less shipping.
Not sure I would go that route with the DBA rotors... Kinda pricey (~850 for fronts and ~350 for rears? That is 1200 total!)
You could probably upgrade to a Z06 package for a bit more, or even spend double that and just put a BBK up front? If you want real brakes that is... Upgrading the rotors will not get you there.
I very occasionally track my C6 and I have stock rotors and calipers, Quantum ducts up front to get air onto the brakes, and on the street I use the OEM pads, on the track I like Performance Friction 99's (on street GY EMT tires (don't like these tires at all BTW)).
I'd put some proper ducts in the car first, check out Quantum motorsports, they offer an easy to install brake duct kit also, getting some air in there will increase your rotor life about 3 fold for track use if that is what you're interested in doing.
BR,
Mike
It seems to depend on what you want here... Track worthy brakes or streetable ones?
Upgrading the rotors on a Corvette seems like it would save you on some occasional maintenance changing the OEM ones out, but the return on investment is not great, and the aftermarket rotors will also feel the heat and warp/crack after several track weekends. They likely last longer but not a whole lot longer really.
OEM rotors surely do not hold up well to track use, but at ~$50 to 70 a rotor are less expensive than a set of decent pads, and a spare set will always get you through a weekend. I get mine from RockAuto.
Check out http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
Fronts are ~73 and rears are ~40 for OEM Z51 rotors... That comes to ~226 less shipping.
Not sure I would go that route with the DBA rotors... Kinda pricey (~850 for fronts and ~350 for rears? That is 1200 total!)
You could probably upgrade to a Z06 package for a bit more, or even spend double that and just put a BBK up front? If you want real brakes that is... Upgrading the rotors will not get you there.
I very occasionally track my C6 and I have stock rotors and calipers, Quantum ducts up front to get air onto the brakes, and on the street I use the OEM pads, on the track I like Performance Friction 99's (on street GY EMT tires (don't like these tires at all BTW)).
I'd put some proper ducts in the car first, check out Quantum motorsports, they offer an easy to install brake duct kit also, getting some air in there will increase your rotor life about 3 fold for track use if that is what you're interested in doing.
BR,
Mike
10-26-2009, 11:04 AM
#11
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St. Jude Donor '11,'13
I would go with Carbotech bobcat 5121 for a stret pad and dba 4000 rotors. Im asumming your just talking street use. If not we have plenty of other compounds that will work for you.
The Carbotech Bobcat 1521™ is our high performance street compound that is our most successful compound. The Bobcat compound is known for its awesome release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. Like our AX™ & XP™ line of compounds, Bobcat 1521™ is a Ceramic based friction material offering minimal rotor damage and non corrosive dust. Bobcat 1521™ offers outstanding performance, even when cold, low dusting and low noise with an excellent initial bite. This compound’s virtually perfect linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Bobcat 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 900°F. Bobcat 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle, police cruiser, and has won multiple SCCA Solo 2 and Prosolo National Championships. The Bobcat 1521™ compound has been found to last two-three times longer than OE pads you can purchase at a dealership or national retailer. Bobcat 1521™ compound has also been found to extend the life of your rotors 2-3 times. That’s one of the beauties of Carbotech Ceramic brake compounds. Bobcat 1521™ is NOT recommended for any track use.
The Carbotech Bobcat 1521™ is our high performance street compound that is our most successful compound. The Bobcat compound is known for its awesome release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. Like our AX™ & XP™ line of compounds, Bobcat 1521™ is a Ceramic based friction material offering minimal rotor damage and non corrosive dust. Bobcat 1521™ offers outstanding performance, even when cold, low dusting and low noise with an excellent initial bite. This compound’s virtually perfect linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Bobcat 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 900°F. Bobcat 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle, police cruiser, and has won multiple SCCA Solo 2 and Prosolo National Championships. The Bobcat 1521™ compound has been found to last two-three times longer than OE pads you can purchase at a dealership or national retailer. Bobcat 1521™ compound has also been found to extend the life of your rotors 2-3 times. That’s one of the beauties of Carbotech Ceramic brake compounds. Bobcat 1521™ is NOT recommended for any track use.
10-27-2009, 11:38 AM
#13
Tolero Apto Victum
Sir, I had stainless steel brake lines, GM pads, Motul fluid, and two piece slotted performanceafx rotors installed front and rear a few miles ago on my 07 Z51 and the car brakes very well. Good Luck!!!
10-28-2009, 05:24 PM
#14
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interesting... I don't really track the car. I have the occasional fun on the track but its a 90% road car.
would you all suggest I just get OEM rotors and upgrade to ceramic pads with stainless steel brake lines with new brake fluid?
would you all suggest I just get OEM rotors and upgrade to ceramic pads with stainless steel brake lines with new brake fluid?
10-28-2009, 10:06 PM
#15
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I bought some el-cheapo ceramic pads and it cut down GREATLY on the brake dust. I think I had $80 or so total in pads. Works great when you slam on the brakes also 
I think the brand was "Pronto"? (I dont remember exactly but I think thats it)
I think the brand was "Pronto"? (I dont remember exactly but I think thats it)
10-30-2009, 08:59 PM
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10-30-2009, 09:35 PM
#17
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St. Jude Donor '09
You can set your car up for the street or the track. Either is a compromise for street AND track performance.
Since you're looking at 90% street use, I'd upgrade your rotors to a decent slotted (DBA) and buy ceramic pads for the street and change the pads out for the track. Drilled rotors are for looks only and the GM rotors aren't even directional. Stainless lines, good fluid and brake/spindle ducts won't hurt.
San
Since you're looking at 90% street use, I'd upgrade your rotors to a decent slotted (DBA) and buy ceramic pads for the street and change the pads out for the track. Drilled rotors are for looks only and the GM rotors aren't even directional. Stainless lines, good fluid and brake/spindle ducts won't hurt.
San
10-31-2009, 08:13 AM
#18
Melting Slicks
Myself I'm planning for Baer Plus 2 rotor's Frt & Rr. The weight of the stock Z51 rotor's is brutal. I missed a GP early this year for $1150.00 for all 4.
Some good Pad suggestions in this thread, Thanks for that.
Some good Pad suggestions in this thread, Thanks for that.
10-31-2009, 05:09 PM
#19
Racer
I too have been looking and Baer seem to be a good pricepoint. They have SS pistons and they have the new cheper kit for the rear that gives you a 6 pot caliper that uses the C6 front pads.
Their top kit can be had for just over $2.5K so that is a bit less than some other options. I do wish the rotors were not drilled but, in the case of the baer rotors, I cannot find a person who has seen cracks.
Their top kit can be had for just over $2.5K so that is a bit less than some other options. I do wish the rotors were not drilled but, in the case of the baer rotors, I cannot find a person who has seen cracks.
