Brake Kit options

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Dec 30, 2023 | 09:55 PM

Adollarwodbnice

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From: New Jersey

Brake Kit options

So my calipers are leaking and one has a seized bleeder nipple that snapped off and i've decided i'm just going to upgrade.

I've found a wilwood kit for front and rear for $1300 and change in red which i do like... would still need rotors. (https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-6...82%2fbrakes%2f)

BUT, i can also just go with a rebuilt kit that has EVERYTHING i'm looking to replace and no more lip seals for about $1200. (https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-6...82%2fbrakes%2f)

I am not going to race this car but i want the brakes to be very safe, do i just go with the rebuilt kit or are the wilwoods worth the extra money?

Dec 30, 2023 | 10:06 PM

leigh1322

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From: Marlton NJ

Or if your calipers are what's leaking, you could just replace those for $450 with stainless steel sleeved calipers.
Almost zero reason to replace your rotors on these cars. They last 100k miles or more.
https://www.fullthrottlecorvette.com...ont_p_895.html

Dec 30, 2023 | 10:24 PM

Adollarwodbnice

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I recently replaced some lines and bled the brakes and that's when i noticed the one leaking and the bleeder nipple broken off. I would have just rebuilt them but at these prices im thinking it's a good idea to just start fresh with new lines and everything. The previous 2 owners barely drove the car for the last 15 years and the 3 years i've owned it, the brakes have never felt great so i'd really like to make an improvement there. Just wondering if the extra money for the wilwoods is really worth it.

Dec 30, 2023 | 11:07 PM

leigh1322

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The wilwoods will not make it feel any better. If it does not feel great, you have an issue that needs addressed beyond leaks.
Look to internally swollen rubber lines, cheap pads, and improper bleeding.
Fix those three and it should stop great.

The Wilwoods are definately lighter. But they have the same piston and rotor sizes so it will stop the same. The seal design is improved. But if you go stainless sleeved iron calipers and o-ring seals, it should stop the leaking issues on those. Using the iron bore as a sealing surface just does not hold up on this fixed caliper design with it's small pistons.

Bleeding these brakes properly to get a good solid pedal is a challenge, regardless of caliper mfgr. It has to do with the 16 pistons. In fact the Wilwoods are more difficult to bleed than stock, the rear bleeders are too low.

Dec 31, 2023 | 12:00 AM

carriljc

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I got the red wilwoods on group sale here on the forum in 2012. They've been wonderful. I was reluctant to spend the money but it turned out to be one of my better wastes of money

.... My kit came with D6 fronts and D4 in rear with SS hoses. Haven't had a brake problem in the last 11 years.

Just get or make yourself a pressure bleeder. Ever since I started using a pressure bleeder the bleeding is easy.... even on these wilwoods.

If you can swing it...just do it.

Don't bother with the rotors unless you are sure they are bad

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adollarwodbnice

Last edited by carriljc; Dec 31, 2023 at 01:45 AM.

Dec 31, 2023 | 12:14 AM

4-vettes

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I'm going to second the idea that replacing the rotors is most likely not necessary. Not only a big waste of money. But a HUGE increase in labor! You do realise that they are riveted on? And new ones will need to be shimmed for run out? Lot's of work that very likely is not necessary.
My car has over 100K's on it and my rotors look near new.

Dec 31, 2023 | 09:38 AM

cottoneg

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Adollarwodbnice

If the bleeder snapped off, that can be a bit of and issue. But I agree with the advice to go with stainless steel calipers. I did it many years ago and have never had an issue since. The fact that you bleed your breakes is great.
I can't see anyone needed more than the stock brakes for the street. As you mentioned, replacing the rubber hoses, new stainless steel calipers and cutting the rotors would make the car very safe.

Dec 31, 2023 | 10:43 AM

gg521

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From: Arvada Colorado

brakes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adollarwodbnice

If you do a little searching, you can find the Wilwoods for a whole lot less money elsewhere. I have the Wilwoods and prefer them over the stock calipers. Are they going to stop you better than the stock ones - maybe not a lot. Are they lighter-yes. Do they leak-no. Are they a lot easier to rebuild -yes. When you mount them, you may have to shim them to center on the rotor. You have to be careful on the rear calipers as the supplied bolt is not the correct length. Hopefully they have fixed this.