FLZ_Boy

Are the C6 Z51 brake pads the same as the C5 brake pads? I'm trying to buy a set of Hawk HP+ Pads and notice that a online vendor keeps refering me to the C5 brake pads.

Thanks in advance!

gkmccready

Yes. All '97-'08 non-C6Z cars use the same pad shape (and calipers).

Silverton

Yes, the calipers are the same, but the C6 Z51 rear brake pistons are smaller (42 mm) than C5 and standard C6 (45 mm). Go figure! Actually, a good explanation for this has not been given.

FLZ_Boy

Thanks for the info, I can breath a little easier knowing I have the correct pads.

gkmccready

Is the master the same size? I wonder how the piston sizes and master compare between the C6 base / Z51 / Z06?

davidfarmer

I didn't realize the pistons were smaller in the C6 Z51. You would assuming testing revealed the slightly larger diameter rotors caused more torque increase on the rear rotors than the front, BUT a 5% increase in diameter (9.6% area) is quite significant. Might also be a change in the ABS module design, as much of the bias is controlled electronically.

Anyway, the pads are the same. HP+ are decent track pads, but do better on lighter cars. Their heat range is much lower than race pads, so you may have fade at heavy tracks (like CMP) but they will be easier on rotors.

rudyarias

C5/C6/C6z master cylinders are the same

fhturner

If you will be swapping pads between street/track driving, I would go with something a little more aggressive than the HP+ pads. Thinking back, I progressed enough during my first Barber event (first one w/ real braking demands) to notice fade during the second half of the sessions w/ HP+ pads. Carbotechs and Wilwoods have worked well for me. Tried SBS, but also got fade mid-way through sessions.