gene284

The design of the caliper adapters for the early C4 Corvettes to run front C5 or Z06 calipers and rotors is nearly completed. Arrangements are being made to machine only 10 sets in stainless steel. Current design does not require major modification to aluminum forging, where others do. It also does not require expense of the Doug Rippie adapters, as others do. The machine shop estimates the front adapters to be $345 in stainless. Please do not send money. Just want to know who would want them, before I have them made. Anticipate completion by September15. Email me if interested. grobb284@aol.com

VetteRacer282

$395?!?!
What does DRM charge for theirs? They list conversion hardware at $190

How complicated is the design, from what I can see online, the C5 brakes bolt the same way the C4 brakes do, just be a matter of moving the mounting holes. Am I missing something?

gene284

When this was discussed recently in an earlier post, I was informed that two brackets were needed on 1984-87 vehicles, one to convert to the 1988-96 pattern, and another to the C5. At that time there was no direct conversion. This also can be verified at : andersonperformance.net, where it is mentioned that for the C5 adapters sold there, you must also buy the Doug Rippie adapter for 1984-87, ie two brackets, (approximate cost totaling $565, two brackets stacked, and not in stainless).

This seemed unusual to me, as it does you. I too wanted a direct adaptation of the C5 to my car. A set of new take off C5 calipers and rotors were purchased,and a rigid bracket was designed going from 1984-87 directly to C5. I really doubt that DRM is selling a pair of rigid stainless brackets for $190. The others sold are probably not even having the strength of the original aluminum forging, much less stainless. Probably cast or bar stock. If anyone is please inform me, for I too don't wish to waste my time, or money, anymore than you do.

Also, following posts for the earlier C4 to later 13" C4 conversion required major aluminum forging modification. Followed any of the posts about dissapointment for long lead times on their delivery?

Wanting direct adaptation to the C5 calipers, no forging modification, prefering stainless for the adaptation, and not wanting to wait for a long period of time for them, I wanted these for my own application. And if it was necessary to find a way to make these, others may have encountered these same problems. They do seem pricey if they were in aluminum stock, but they need not be purchased by anyone, if there is a cheaper alternative.

18carfan

Gene,
Am I to assume that these brackets will allow you to bolt-on C5 calipers to an '84-'87 using the '88-'96 13" rotor? What is the adavantage of using the C5 calipers instead of the C4 calipers? Just curious. I may be interested in a set of brackets but this is the first I've heard of them so I'd like to gather a bit of information first. -Jeff


[Modified by 18carfan, 11:51 AM 8/5/2001]

gene284

It was pointed out to me on the forum, why design a bracket for early C4 to late C4, when the latest are the C5? My original thoughts were to do what you are inquiring about, until I was corrected.

The brackets are designed to be used with the C5 calipers, as well as the C5 rotors. Incidentally, it is my understanding, the C5 calipers and rotors are the same as what they use on the Z06. The Z06 are just painted red, which can be done yourself with Rustoleum Sunrise Red. Check out my, as well as others posts on the C5 tech/performance forum for pictures.

For the 1984-87 adapters, these are not designed for the 13 inch rotors of the late C4's.

Some of the advantages are the latest production design for the Corvette, what is understood to be a caliper that flexes less. It is a dual piston floating caliper, made by PBR of Australia.
Also, the Corvette name is is cast raised, which facilitates the painting, when using large window wheels.

The rotors are approximately 12.7 dia. with 1.250-1.265 width, with directional ventilation. These are much larger than the stock rotors, and an increase from the .812 standard width. This would give greater heat capacity and larger swept area.

18carfan

So let me get this straight, C5 rotors will bolt right onto C4 spindles and the C5 calipers and rotors used together will work in conjunction with this bracket you're referring to? Aren't the calipers used with the 13" C4 brakes (the 12" also maybe) made by PBR and dual piston floating type too? I'm not doubting you, I just want to get as much info as possible. I think you may be onto something. -Jeff

GlennS87

From what I've read on this board, the C5 rotors have a tendency to warp. (I'm not sure about the ZO6 though). While trying to find an adapter for my GS brake upgrade, eithe Vettebrakes or stainless steel brakes offered me the C5 conversion for $950 complete.

VetteRacer282

I beleive since the 1984 the Vette calipers have been made by PBR. The 1988+ front calipers are all dual piston floating caliper systems. The differences I have been told between the normal calipers and the Grand Sport calipers is the structural design, the GS calipers are supposed to be strong and flex less, therefor giving better braking under hard use.

I thinkt he C5 brakes have a bigger bore and bigger pistons, which I think gives better braking, along with stronger calipers, less flex.

Hope that helps you out some, unfortunatly I dont have the bore #'s or any flex specs and all that. Oh yeah... pad size also makes a difference, the more pad the better the braking (to an extent)

Gene, I hope I didnt come across the wrong way with my reply, just seemed like alot to get them done. The DRM adapters are aluminum I beleive, not sure on what type of alum or anything though. Do you have anything mapped out? I could check with a few people around here for prices. I can open autocad files and probably anything else if you have it designed already.

gene284

I like the GS calipers, too. They look nice, that's what started this project.

Looking to go forward, and that is toward the latest available.

Not seen any stainless adapters that bolt right on. I will have about $545 for my personal front conversion, as comparative to the $950 mentioned.

$345 for the stainless adapters.
$100 for the left front new take-off: includes caliper assy, rotor, flex line.
$100 for the right front new take-off: includes caliper assy, rotor, flex line.


You could purchase new Z06 calipers, all four corners for $325 on the forum here recently. Other forum members have listed sources for new GM C5 rotors for $50 each. All totalling well below the price mentioned.

I'm not selling or pushing these items, and suggest purchasing them from the forum vendors. Just letting out that there are alternatives.

That $950 you mentioned is a bargain for the individual that doesn't want to pursue the parts, wishes to purchase from one source and have it come in one box with step by step instructions. This is a valuable service, and this is what many people want.

My car has a Moon tank underneath the front roll pan. It didn't come as a kit with instructions, or all the necessary mounting brackets. That's what makes our cars different. I like the difference, and can appreciate other cars that are unique.

I am quite sure that anything unusual is of interest to most of us. It wouldn't have cost any more probably to make adapters for the "big red" Porsche Turbo Calipers, than for the C5. The magazines rate them "excellent" to the C5's "very good". That just wasn't the point. Just couldn't put the Porsche name out there. (of course this could change tomorrow!)

gene284

Matt, I defer to you and others on the forum for your knowledge of the different caliper configurations for bore and pad sizes, and to what years they are.

I'm just adapting them to my early C4 chassis. Anything that will approach the performance of a Porsche 911 Turbo for a fraction of the cost has to be good! And it has the American good looks with all the performance! Wait a minute, are we still talking about cars?

theseal

You still have any of these brackets?

Tact

14 year old thread.