C5 Brake Conversion....
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
From: Tracy CA
C5 Brake Conversion....
What do I need? Are there kits available?
I currently have the std 12" rotors (no HD). I'm having pressure issues (okay... actually "Dealer" issues!). After replacing the power booster three times in 11 months (ending up with a metal one), I now had the master cylinder replaced. Dealer is now saying I "might" have a leak @ the frt calipers (probably both) and am also leaking at the booster/MC junction.
Them "It's gonna run about $2400."
Me "No, it's not"
I'm through with the brakes on this thing. I'm waiting for a call back from them, but I'm really not bargaining. I'm not dropping $2k+ on factory crap. I mean, they wanna put a $*&#@ PLASTIC BOOSTER back on!
I need more options!
Thanks.
I currently have the std 12" rotors (no HD). I'm having pressure issues (okay... actually "Dealer" issues!). After replacing the power booster three times in 11 months (ending up with a metal one), I now had the master cylinder replaced. Dealer is now saying I "might" have a leak @ the frt calipers (probably both) and am also leaking at the booster/MC junction.
Them "It's gonna run about $2400."
Me "No, it's not"
I'm through with the brakes on this thing. I'm waiting for a call back from them, but I'm really not bargaining. I'm not dropping $2k+ on factory crap. I mean, they wanna put a $*&#@ PLASTIC BOOSTER back on!
I need more options!
Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Granbury TX
The conversion to C5 brakes is available as a kit from "Vett Brakes & Products" (www.VBandP.com). Nearly all the kits I've seen in verious vender catalogs are theirs.
You can also go to Superior Chevrolet (www.superiorchevrolet.com). They have put together a package which is everything except adapters to make the C5 caliper brackets fit your c4. It also lacks new hoses.
The VB&P kit has it all, plus the brake pads they include are superior to the GM pads from Superior Chevrolet.
The Vb&P sounds expensive, on the surface, but I have compaired jobs and it really competes with the scrounge method. Especially if you ask about a discount when you call.
You can also go to Superior Chevrolet (www.superiorchevrolet.com). They have put together a package which is everything except adapters to make the C5 caliper brackets fit your c4. It also lacks new hoses.
The VB&P kit has it all, plus the brake pads they include are superior to the GM pads from Superior Chevrolet.
The Vb&P sounds expensive, on the surface, but I have compaired jobs and it really competes with the scrounge method. Especially if you ask about a discount when you call.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,397
Likes: 0
From: Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffin glue Orlando
You're going to love them. Wait till you put the old 12" rotors up next to the stockers... I was like 
wish i would have took a pic of the two side by side.
wish i would have took a pic of the two side by side.
Last edited by IBEAM700; May 3, 2005 at 02:01 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 81
From: Fishin' Pole FL
The C5 upgrade is worth doing. I got brackets from Ed and the rest from forum members on the C5 Parts/Wanted side. Cost me around $550. Here's a couple of pics side by side. The brackets from Ed look and fit great.Click Thumbs
Last edited by dndrsn; May 3, 2005 at 03:35 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
From: Tracy CA
VBP has the kit on sale right now for $799 (+ $50 to powdercoat both calipers). Talked to Patty (at 2:45 pm PST... that's 5:45 EST--- !!!). Price is for the whole (front) enchilada.
Now... does anyone know how much clearance I'm gonna need to stuff these calipers inside my wheels? I'm running 17 x 9.5 Z06 Motorsports. With the way my luck has been with this car, I REALLY need to know that these'll fit!
Thanks, all!
-Eric
Now... does anyone know how much clearance I'm gonna need to stuff these calipers inside my wheels? I'm running 17 x 9.5 Z06 Motorsports. With the way my luck has been with this car, I REALLY need to know that these'll fit!
Thanks, all!
-Eric
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,295
Likes: 4
From: I'm the walkin dude I can see all of the world...
St. Jude Donor '03
Originally Posted by EPiC Vette
VBP has the kit on sale right now for $799 (+ $50 to powdercoat both calipers). Talked to Patty (at 2:45 pm PST... that's 5:45 EST--- !!!). Price is for the whole (front) enchilada.
Now... does anyone know how much clearance I'm gonna need to stuff these calipers inside my wheels? I'm running 17 x 9.5 Z06 Motorsports. With the way my luck has been with this car, I REALLY need to know that these'll fit!
Thanks, all!
-Eric
Now... does anyone know how much clearance I'm gonna need to stuff these calipers inside my wheels? I'm running 17 x 9.5 Z06 Motorsports. With the way my luck has been with this car, I REALLY need to know that these'll fit!
Thanks, all!
-Eric
The brakes will fit fine with those wheels. Its just the stock sawblades that people have trouble with.
Whats with teh goofy font?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
From: Tracy CA
Originally Posted by VictorRussell'92
The brakes will fit fine with those wheels. Its just the stock sawblades that people have trouble with.
Whats with teh goofy font?
I'm just a goofy guy!
Thanks much!
-Eric
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,494
Likes: 36
From: Livermore Ca
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Eric.... I got the C5 braking system on my car.
I'm sure the Z06 rims will fit (Need 17" rims non-sawblades).
But if you are still unsure take off one of your rims at my place.
What about stainless brake lines and speed bleeders?
Since you got the front end apart will you be going the shocks and hubs?
Are we going to do this on mod day ?
I'm sure the Z06 rims will fit (Need 17" rims non-sawblades).
But if you are still unsure take off one of your rims at my place.
What about stainless brake lines and speed bleeders?
Since you got the front end apart will you be going the shocks and hubs?
Are we going to do this on mod day ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Originally Posted by Coupe89
Eric.... I got the C5 braking system on my car.
I'm sure the Z06 rims will fit (Need 17" rims non-sawblades)...
I'm sure the Z06 rims will fit (Need 17" rims non-sawblades)...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
From: Tracy CA
Gonna have the dealer button up my car tomarrow. They want me to get a new master cylinder, new (plastic) power booster, and new front calipers (or have mine rebuilt). They wanna charge me $1700 + for this service.
Not Boody Likely.
So, I'm gonna tell 'em thanks, but no thanks, just put it back together, please.
The reason I took it in a week ago was because, even though I've got a strong brake pedal feel, I've also got an excessive amount (5-7") of pedal travel. Could you check it out, maybe adjust? It started with the master cylinder (~$650!!). I could see that. Then it snowballed. They've had it for one week.
What KILLS me is that I've got a Track Day @ Thunderhills next Wednesday. Of course, it's already paid for, including the motel the night before. I'm not taking it if it's not safe... but I'm not paying almost $2k to put stock parts (PLASTIC!) back in my car.
So. I'm gonna take a deep breath, get a good nights' sleep, and get on the phone in the morning. Somehow I can make this work. I thought the dealer was gonna be the way to go this time. Warrantied parts/labor and all, but...
Thanks for letting me RANT!
Good night.
-Eric
Not Boody Likely.
So, I'm gonna tell 'em thanks, but no thanks, just put it back together, please.
The reason I took it in a week ago was because, even though I've got a strong brake pedal feel, I've also got an excessive amount (5-7") of pedal travel. Could you check it out, maybe adjust? It started with the master cylinder (~$650!!). I could see that. Then it snowballed. They've had it for one week.
What KILLS me is that I've got a Track Day @ Thunderhills next Wednesday. Of course, it's already paid for, including the motel the night before. I'm not taking it if it's not safe... but I'm not paying almost $2k to put stock parts (PLASTIC!) back in my car.
So. I'm gonna take a deep breath, get a good nights' sleep, and get on the phone in the morning. Somehow I can make this work. I thought the dealer was gonna be the way to go this time. Warrantied parts/labor and all, but...
Thanks for letting me RANT!
Good night.
-Eric
Last edited by EPiC Vette; May 4, 2005 at 12:43 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,832
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From: Canton GA
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St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
Why in the world do they keep harping on the power brake booster? Yeah, I've had mine fail on me, but only once!
I'm just waiting for my adaptors from Ed, then I'll be ready to install my C5 system. Maybe even by this weekend!!!
I'm just waiting for my adaptors from Ed, then I'll be ready to install my C5 system. Maybe even by this weekend!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 5
From: Middle Earth
Originally Posted by VictorRussell'92
The brakes will fit fine with those wheels. Its just the stock sawblades that people have trouble with.
wait i have never heard this before, this wont work with sawblades?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
From: Tracy CA
Originally Posted by CrazyInBlack
wait i have never heard this before, this wont work with sawblades?
Here's the link for the C5 kit @ VBP:
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=292
Heck of a buy considering it comes with SS (frt) lines, upgraded pads, and slotted rotors.
This is definitely in my future...
-E
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,295
Likes: 4
From: I'm the walkin dude I can see all of the world...
St. Jude Donor '03
Originally Posted by CrazyInBlack
wait i have never heard this before, this wont work with sawblades?
Its not the height of the sawblades that hits, its the outside of the inside of the face of the wheel. It will rub.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,295
Likes: 4
From: I'm the walkin dude I can see all of the world...
St. Jude Donor '03
Originally Posted by CrazyInBlack
wait i have never heard this before, this wont work with sawblades?
It will work with the 90 wheels I see on your car in the avitar.