VQT88Vette

From what I gather so far, 12" brake pads are the same as 13" GS/ZR1/J55 Pads. Is that mean any Corvette brake pads from 88-96 wil fit to either regular 12" rotors and 13" GS/J55 rotors?
If the pads are the same, how is it that the 13" rotors can improve stopping distance? Or is it just have less fade? :confused:
Is there any difference between 84-87 vs 88-96 rotors & pads?

tommelton

The front pads on 88-96 are indeed the same for the 12" and 13" brakes. The front pads for 84-87 are different from the 88-96 pads.

The reason the 13" work better is due to the 13" rotor being much thicker, and the larger diameter of course. You get more stopping torque since the pads are 1" further out from the center. The heavier/thicker rotors can take more heat, and thus fade less.

Another interesting fact is the rear pads supplied by GM are different for the 84-87 rears vs the 88-96 rears, BUT, the 88-96 rear pads fit perfectly in the 84-87 calipers. This is the easiest way to get better pads for the rear of 84-87 Vettes.

Tom Melton
82 CE
86 Z51 Coupe with J55 conversion and late pads on the rear