86 brake up grade

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Jan 19, 2006 | 02:55 PM

rickthejetman

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Cruising

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From: l98 86 coupe

86 brake up grade

i've been told that it is possible to put 88 and later two piston calipers on 85-87.if so does anyone know how to do this?thanks for any info

Jan 19, 2006 | 05:30 PM

Ramanstud

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Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Cincinnati Oh

do a search (I'm too lazy to do it for you) for J 55 brakes. It's the grand sport calipers and larger, thicker rotors that can be made to fit with custom brakes. There's info about what fits, where to get the parts, and whom can provide the brackets all within the archived posts of this section.

Also, the F/S section will occasionally have "packages" for sale by other members. Heck, I think you can even get C5 brakes on the front if your wheels are 17".

Jan 19, 2006 | 07:39 PM

AZC4Guy

Drifting

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 1,302

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From: Tomahawk WI

I put 17" wheels and C5 brakes on my '86.
Do a web seach for Vette Brake Products.
This will give you an idea what you can do

Jan 19, 2006 | 08:06 PM

03whitecoupe

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From: Lawrenceville PA

Not cheap though. The J55 upgrade is about $900 for the front end alone from Ecklers(yes I know they aren't the cheapest) and won't work with the stock 16" wheels.

Jan 19, 2006 | 08:43 PM

rickthejetman

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: l98 86 coupe

actually i was talking about the standard brakes on 88 and on they were two piston calipers and 12" rotors.im not trying to make a track car just want to get a little better brakes than what i have now.can't afford 17"wheels and c5 brakes.
thanks

Jan 19, 2006 | 08:57 PM

Ramanstud

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Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Cincinnati Oh

Honestly, if you just want "better" brakes - it's probably not worth the effort to convert to the base level 2-piston calipers. You'd still have to "convert" with brackets and rotors because the wheel knuckles are different (I believe).

Even if they're not - you're likely going to be better off by swapping to braided steel brake lines, flushing and bleeding the brake fluid properly, having your stock rotors turned to ensure straightness, and investing in quality name-brand brake pads while observing proper break-in procedures.

This or any combination of these suggestions will likely give you a noticable increase in "feel."

Jan 19, 2006 | 09:36 PM

jsinga

Pro

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 506

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From: Savannah GA

The early single piston spindles need a custom caliper bracket or adapter plates to mount J55 13" rotor 2 piston calipers. None are made for the JL8 standard 12" 2 piston calipers.
Upgrade to either J55 or C5 can be done for @$500 with careful shopping for used parts. In fact, the C5 upgrade is easier and a little cheaper to do. C5 Rotors are @$30 at the right NAPA store. The people who track their cars just use them up and replace them.
The J55 rotors are more expensive, almost $100 a pair.
If you have Enkei 9 1/2 in wheels the J55 brakes will JUST BARELY fit under them. (Z51 or Z52 car) Any other 16" wheels won't fit. C5 brakes require 17" wheels and some of them need spacers.

JS

Jan 19, 2006 | 10:31 PM

rickthejetman

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Cruising

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From: l98 86 coupe

thats funny you mention enkei 9 1/2 wheels because i have a set of 4 that came with the car when i bought it.i havent put them on because the center caps are screwed up and i haven't looked for new ones yet.if you say they fit with the j55 brakes then that is probably the way to go.thanks for the info do you know where i can get the custom brakets for the j55 calipers?