The clamping force of a C5 caliper is much greater compared to a C3 caliper.
C5 Calipers On A C3 ?????
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 42
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From: PENDERGRASS GA
C5 Calipers On A C3 ?????
Has anyone put C5 or the red Z06 calipers on their C3. I didn't know if there is a custom made bracket out there somwhere or if someone had fabbed up something................looking for info.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,394
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
i attempted this last year but it's a serious undertaking i don't recommend.
first off, a stock c5 rotor will not fit the front spindle correctly. the machined surface on the back is about 1/8" smaller diameter than the factory rotors. either the spindle needs to be turned down or an aftermarket rotor with something like an aluminum hat would need to be used.
second, the front calipers slide so far back being a two piston sliding design, there is major clearance issues when the wheels are turned.
i'm not exactly sure why the rears didn't work but there was engineering involved in that as well.
it may cost twice as much but a wilwood or similar system is going to be far easier to fabricate than the C5 system.
not to bust your bubble.
<EDIT> i now recall that the problem with the back is that maintaining approximately the same mounting location on top of the T/A, the problem is dangerously close interference with the framerails on suspension compression.
first off, a stock c5 rotor will not fit the front spindle correctly. the machined surface on the back is about 1/8" smaller diameter than the factory rotors. either the spindle needs to be turned down or an aftermarket rotor with something like an aluminum hat would need to be used.
second, the front calipers slide so far back being a two piston sliding design, there is major clearance issues when the wheels are turned.
i'm not exactly sure why the rears didn't work but there was engineering involved in that as well.
it may cost twice as much but a wilwood or similar system is going to be far easier to fabricate than the C5 system.
not to bust your bubble.
<EDIT> i now recall that the problem with the back is that maintaining approximately the same mounting location on top of the T/A, the problem is dangerously close interference with the framerails on suspension compression.
Last edited by IronJen; May 10, 2007 at 06:26 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
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From: pr, frederick md.
how many pistons does a c5 caliper have? is the power assist that much greater on a c5 than a c3? i think any advantages are from anti lock and super wide tires. sorry, but we have 4 piston calipers on our c3's, and you will pay extra for those even on todays cars!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
VBP is in the process of doing a kit for the C5 caliper onto a C3. But like mentioned, you have to upgrade the rotors to something custom to fit the C3 spindle and the MC needs to be upgraded.
For now go with a wilwood kit and take the guess work out of it.
For now go with a wilwood kit and take the guess work out of it.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,394
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 0
From: pr, frederick md.
ok.... isnt that the point im trying to make? im saying that the c3's brakes are hard to beat right out of the box even by todays standards. the only advantages are rotor size ( leverage ) and tires ( grip )
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 1
From: Mounds View Minnesota
I don't offer a 6 piston caliper.
No one make one with enough piston area. If I did make a front kit with a smaller master clyinder, I can't find a rear caliper with small enough pistons to keep the brake balance .
Thats why 4 piston calipers are the calipers of choice. I'd be all over a 6 piston if I could find one.
No one make one with enough piston area. If I did make a front kit with a smaller master clyinder, I can't find a rear caliper with small enough pistons to keep the brake balance .
Thats why 4 piston calipers are the calipers of choice. I'd be all over a 6 piston if I could find one.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 1
From: Mounds View Minnesota
Oh yea, I forgot about those. Have you priced them? 
About $350 each. Also they require 12.19" rotors so you'd have to do a custom rotor.
This something that can be done with VBP aluminum hubs custom rotors from Coleman and my brackets, not cheap though.
Remember, The brackets will accept any caliper that uses the 3.5" mount standard.
This includes some pretty fine calipers from many many manufactures.
Alcon, RedDevil, I think even Brembo.
Also according to Wilwood the Billet Superlight 4 is a better caliper than the GN III.
But it doesn't say 6 piston on the side,
About $350 each. Also they require 12.19" rotors so you'd have to do a custom rotor.
This something that can be done with VBP aluminum hubs custom rotors from Coleman and my brackets, not cheap though.
Remember, The brackets will accept any caliper that uses the 3.5" mount standard.
This includes some pretty fine calipers from many many manufactures.
Alcon, RedDevil, I think even Brembo.
Also according to Wilwood the Billet Superlight 4 is a better caliper than the GN III.
But it doesn't say 6 piston on the side,
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
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From: The Motor City
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 899
Likes: 1
From: Kansas
Thats what I want bigger rotors and better calipers ,yeah we all want that,I just don't feel like spending 3 grand for a brake upgrade.