Braking options
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 2
From: port charlotte fl
OK, lets start from the beginning:
The standard brakes on a C4 and the J55 option are the same for the rears. J55 is fronts only, the rotors are 13" diameter and about 1" thick (vs 12" x 7/8" standard). C5 front rotors are 13" x 1 1/4", the rears are 12' x 1 1/8" (I think, I'd have to measure them). In any event the C5 rotors are too thick to use with C4 calipers.
Additionally, the C5 and C4 parking brakes are totally different. If you use a C5 rear caliper on a C4 you will not have a parking brake. The difference in rear braking power of the C4 and C5 is minimal so most C4 owners don't even attempt to convert the rear brakes.
Finally, the calipers for the base C5 brakes and the Z06 were the same, the only difference is the color: red = Z06, black = base.
If you search Superior Chevrolet's web site they've posted a parts list for the C4 to C5 brake conversion. You'll note that it only addresses the fronts. As I posted earlier most owners who do the conversion just paint the rear calipers to match the fronts. https://www.superchevyperformance.co...les.asp?ID=124
One last thing, C5 rotors are heavy and are usually not worth shipping. Most good auto parts stores, like NAPA and Chevy dealers stock them.
The standard brakes on a C4 and the J55 option are the same for the rears. J55 is fronts only, the rotors are 13" diameter and about 1" thick (vs 12" x 7/8" standard). C5 front rotors are 13" x 1 1/4", the rears are 12' x 1 1/8" (I think, I'd have to measure them). In any event the C5 rotors are too thick to use with C4 calipers.
Additionally, the C5 and C4 parking brakes are totally different. If you use a C5 rear caliper on a C4 you will not have a parking brake. The difference in rear braking power of the C4 and C5 is minimal so most C4 owners don't even attempt to convert the rear brakes.
Finally, the calipers for the base C5 brakes and the Z06 were the same, the only difference is the color: red = Z06, black = base.
If you search Superior Chevrolet's web site they've posted a parts list for the C4 to C5 brake conversion. You'll note that it only addresses the fronts. As I posted earlier most owners who do the conversion just paint the rear calipers to match the fronts. https://www.superchevyperformance.co...les.asp?ID=124
One last thing, C5 rotors are heavy and are usually not worth shipping. Most good auto parts stores, like NAPA and Chevy dealers stock them.
Thank you.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: Albany Oregon
Just how fast do you need to stop? My stockers were junk too and that's why I went and got a new set of Hawk pads and slotted rotors. I stop better than I think I'll ever need to and I didn't have to spend a fortune either. ...Oh, jeffvette helped out a lot too!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 43
From: Auburn MA
Ive had them fade on me a couple times and I seriously dont feel confident with the braking in this car during everyday driving so I find myself covering the pedal all the time
