I've got a 92 C4 and am in the process of installing a 383 stroker. While I've got the thing off the road, I'd like to do something with the original factory "base level" brakes. I'd like to upgrade all the way around, but most of the stuff I've found online can cost $3000 to $4000. Maybe my expectations are unrealistic, but I'd like to do something that won't take me broke ... maybe $2000 for all 4 corners. Any ideas???

 

I've found clearance is the real issue. It isn't just the diameter of the rim it ishow much the space between the caliper and spokes has. Basically anything over a 2 piston wwon't fit without specific rims. IMO, not worth upgrading the rears unless moving to a serious caliper in the front.

Basically your only option is upgrading to c5 brakes on the front. It cost about $650 in parts and if you buy used even less.

I track mine pretty hard and am never completely satisfied but am reasonably satisfied. Considering a 6 piston would cost min of 1200 and set of z06 rims $1000 plus extra set for street/race slicks, I'm looking at 3k also.

I'd say get the c5, focus on pad material more. Really depends on what you are doing also. Spirited street driving isn't even close to tracking it and diving into a corner 120-40mph braking zone lap after lap.

 

What are your goals? topping power, or thermal capacity? If you want to stop faster, you need more friction. Easiest way to do this is more aggressive pads.

Most of the time a caliper upgrade is accompanied by a rotor upgrade (in size), and they're done to increase thermal capacity, so you can stop repeatedly with less brake fade.

 

The C5 brakes can be affordable if you already have some 17" rims that will clear them (like factory A-Molds from '94 and '95 ZR-1's and Grand Sports) otherwise buying wheels and maybe tires will cost quite a lot. I would look for a used caliper conversion kit that is complete so you don't have to chase down every single part. Time is money too, right?

Don't forget that even the C5 front brake conversion has many details people often over look like the fact that the spare tire will no longer fit the fronts ever again. You will need to purchase an '04-'06 GTO 17" spare for that if you want to do it right. Budget $1000 at least. The one plus side of the C5 front brake conversion is that C5 pads and rotors are a lot cheaper than the C4 stuff when it comes time to replace them.

That said, it would probably be easiest to just convert to late model J55 rotors and caliper brackets to get that big 13" rotor up front and maybe use a high temp street semi-metallic pad that dusts a lot but can take a bit of heat.

 

Well said. If you are only running the car on the street, just stick with the stock 12" rotors/calipers and get some good pads such as Hawk HPS. If you plan to do some HPDE's go to the J55 13" and a track pad such as Hawk HPS + or similar track pad.

 

What do you plan on using the car for?

 

My intention is to use the car as a daily driver and weekend drag strip warrior. That said, what do you guys recommend in the way of brake upgrades?

 

I would just go new fluid, lines, rotors and pads. Clean your old calipers up. Carbotech offer a few pads that will work for you a description is below. If interested l will be more than happy to help you.

Brake Compounds


Carbotech™ 1521™

The Carbotech™ 1521™ is our high performance street compound. The 1521™ compound is known for its release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. 1521™ is also a very low dusting and low noise compound with an excellent initial bite. This compound's excellent linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Carbotech™ 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 800°F (426°C+). 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle or fleet vehicle. Carbotech™ 1521™ is NOT recommended for ANY track use.


Carbotech™ AX6™

The AX6™ is specifically engineered for Autocross applications. A high torque brake compound delivering reliable and consistent performance over a very wide operating temperature range of 50°F to 1000°F + (10°C to 537°C+). The advanced compound matrix provides an excellent initial bite, high coefficient of friction at lower temperatures along with very progressive brake modulation and release characteristics. Many drivers use the AX6™ for street driving as well, even though Carbotech™ doesn't recommend street driving with AX6™ due to possible elevated levels of dust and noise. AX6™ is NOT recommended as a race compound in most applications.

 

I did the C5 brake upgrade with Hawk HPS pads. It's fantastic!

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...done-pics.html

 

If street and drag race, stick with the stock 12" and get some good pads from Adam @ Carbotech or Hawk. Don't waste money on going with bigger brakes kit, all you are doing is slowing yourself down with more weight. If you were tracking the car that would be different and larger brakes would be a good upgrade.