C7 braking system compatible with C3?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 5
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C7 braking system compatible with C3?
Greetings,
I'm thinking about buying a wrecked 2004 Vette for parts but wanted to confirm first the braking system (and anything else) is compatible with my 77. If I bought new brake parts, I estimate the cost to be about $1,500. For that price, why not buy a wrecked Vette so I can use genuine Vette parts to increase my Vette's value. Thoughts, concerns? I appreciate your insights!
I'm thinking about buying a wrecked 2004 Vette for parts but wanted to confirm first the braking system (and anything else) is compatible with my 77. If I bought new brake parts, I estimate the cost to be about $1,500. For that price, why not buy a wrecked Vette so I can use genuine Vette parts to increase my Vette's value. Thoughts, concerns? I appreciate your insights!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 283
From: New York
If you can get a wrecked C5 for 1500 show me where!?! C5 will need adapter brackets and C7 same. C3 brakes as is are better than C5 and C5 rotor with the bracket my not clear the stock wheel. What are you trying to do?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2019
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I figure if I'm spending $1,500 on parts, might as well buy used Vette parts, regardless if it increases in value by that amount. Thought it might have more 'appeal' if people see Corvette branded calipers, etc...
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2019
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The original C3 braking system has several leaks and rusted solid parts. I want to replace everything with newer Vette parts even if that means paying for custom fabrication or getting bigger wheels to make more room for the rotors.
Moderator
Joined: May 2010
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From: Northern Illinois
2023 Corvette of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
Instead of retrofitting, maybe look into something like Wildwood to upgrade
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
You can purchase aftermarket parts that will FIT on your C3 and upgrade the braking system as much as you want. $1500 would go pretty far to do that.
Why try to re-engineer a vehicle [that took a few years for Chevy engineers to design]....in your garage?
Why try to re-engineer a vehicle [that took a few years for Chevy engineers to design]....in your garage?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Dont think people care as long as its done right and works well. Most that "have to have correct" only exists in internetland or a rest home.
Dealt with purists....no offense but most just wanna tell you how smart they are trash you car then lowball you like the typical CL dude.
You didnt marry hoping the next guy would dig her right? Make it yours and turn that odometer over.
Dealt with purists....no offense but most just wanna tell you how smart they are trash you car then lowball you like the typical CL dude.
You didnt marry hoping the next guy would dig her right? Make it yours and turn that odometer over.
Last edited by cv67; Aug 31, 2019 at 10:11 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If the OP has design engineering experience, good modeling software, and a super-computer, he can probably do a decent job of re-engineering his brakes. Those who have no clue will tell you that you can do anything your want. The only problem with that is when you drive the car and the brakes don't work, that guy will not be around to take any 'heat'.
Do what you want to YOUR car; just be smart about it.
Do what you want to YOUR car; just be smart about it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
How to C6 ZO6 on a C2- basically the same for a C3- Article
https://streettechmag.com/2015/06/03...a-c2-corvette/
Speeddirect sells a kit-
Z06 Brakes for your 1963-82 Corvette!
https://www.speeddirect.com/index.php/brakes
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Something around $800-$900 can get you all the brake parts except the booster and the longer hard brake lines. The stock brakes on a C3 can work pretty damn well if setup properly.
$1500 may get you a car with the brake parts, but it requires more parts and fabrication to get them installed on a C3 so the installed cost will be higher. Better off to scrounge the brake parts used and work from there then buy a parts car unless you're willing to part out the rest to make your money back.
I too would love to see where a $1500 parts car comes from that isn't so badly trashed or burned that most of it isn't usable.
$1500 may get you a car with the brake parts, but it requires more parts and fabrication to get them installed on a C3 so the installed cost will be higher. Better off to scrounge the brake parts used and work from there then buy a parts car unless you're willing to part out the rest to make your money back.
I too would love to see where a $1500 parts car comes from that isn't so badly trashed or burned that most of it isn't usable.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,949
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From: Virginia
You could probably turn a profit scrapping a C5 if you pick it up for $1500.
It's been said before on the forum, the C3 brake design, when set up correctly, is better than anything ever put on a C4 or C5, and most C6s. Only with the C6 Z06 (see above) did GM get away from the floating caliper design and back to a racing-style caliper used in all Corvettes from 65-82.
Plus, the stock C3 brakes, and the Wilwood direct replacements, fit under the stock 15" wheels. Or you could possibly run the C5 wheels with adaptors, assuming they aren't still on fire.
It's been said before on the forum, the C3 brake design, when set up correctly, is better than anything ever put on a C4 or C5, and most C6s. Only with the C6 Z06 (see above) did GM get away from the floating caliper design and back to a racing-style caliper used in all Corvettes from 65-82.
Plus, the stock C3 brakes, and the Wilwood direct replacements, fit under the stock 15" wheels. Or you could possibly run the C5 wheels with adaptors, assuming they aren't still on fire.