Question on brakes
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 3
Question on brakes
I need to get new rotors and pads for my 1985 ...I am not sure if i can even get all GM parts to replace anymore...I know AC delco parts are available ...not sure of the quality ..if they are even worth purchasing... also I was thinking about going with powerslot rotors and hawk pads... I am not much of a mechanic so i am relying on the knowledge of my fellow brothers in the corvette forum ..Money is a little tight right now so am i making a mistake going with ac delco or should i wait and save up for the powerslots/hawks... Looking forward to all the responses...Thanks ...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
I have replaced rotors for $15 from a wrecking yard, and bought new for $60.
Depends on if you want new or not.
I have a set of front used rotors from a wrecking yard that I bought for spares for $20 each, yours for what I paid. pay shipping, and the amount goes up.
If you are close, it's a good deal.
i have used the pads from auto zone and checker. no difference. I have used the pads from the wrecking yard and bought hawk pads.
No difference. it all depends on how you drive. I drive hard, and use the brakes a lot.
The good thing is the corvette is easy on brakes if you drive normal. a good pad should last 30,000 miles.
If you bling out the brakes, and the trans fails, where should you have put the money?
If you have factory wheels, you can't see the brakes anyway.
put a good quality pad and turn your rotors if possible, and put your money into soft goods that wearout and make the car look shabby.
If you put money into high performance, engine mods usually require you to put bigger brakes on it. bigger brakes don't necessarily mean more horsepower.
you decide.
Depends on if you want new or not.
I have a set of front used rotors from a wrecking yard that I bought for spares for $20 each, yours for what I paid. pay shipping, and the amount goes up.
If you are close, it's a good deal.
i have used the pads from auto zone and checker. no difference. I have used the pads from the wrecking yard and bought hawk pads.
No difference. it all depends on how you drive. I drive hard, and use the brakes a lot.
The good thing is the corvette is easy on brakes if you drive normal. a good pad should last 30,000 miles.
If you bling out the brakes, and the trans fails, where should you have put the money?
If you have factory wheels, you can't see the brakes anyway.
put a good quality pad and turn your rotors if possible, and put your money into soft goods that wearout and make the car look shabby.
If you put money into high performance, engine mods usually require you to put bigger brakes on it. bigger brakes don't necessarily mean more horsepower.
you decide.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 3
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
with coupeguy to an extent. The stock brakes suck no matter what kind of pad you're using, however Hawk pads are a little better but they also wear out quicker. If you've got the money its worth putting 17" wheels on just so you can put larger brakes in it. At least thats what I plan on doing. I just use the $20 NAPA pads until then.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
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From: Northern California
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
brakes
I gave up on the factory stock brakes, and I just bought C5 calipers, rotors, wheels, tires and hoses.
I will be converting to the bigger brakes on my 86 in an effort to make the C4 stop like my C5.
I may eventually go to hydroboost since I have an extra unit, and all it takes is a couple lines, and matching up a master to the hydroboost.
I am currently putting hydroboost on my 57 chevy pickup in order to make that thing a little safer.
I will be converting to the bigger brakes on my 86 in an effort to make the C4 stop like my C5.
I may eventually go to hydroboost since I have an extra unit, and all it takes is a couple lines, and matching up a master to the hydroboost.
I am currently putting hydroboost on my 57 chevy pickup in order to make that thing a little safer.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 557
Likes: 0
From: chiefland fl
there was a sale here on this forum a while back i got all four slotted and drilled rotors and hawk hps pads for $299 it was a pretty good deal, i cant for the life of me remember the company, pretty sad im getting old and stupid, but they were cyrogenically frozen, still no rust, they should be in the vendors list on this site, decent people to work with though, A+!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
I would also recommend that you flush and replace the brake fluid while you're doing this job.
I just did the first real maintenance on my '85 that I bought new. It still had the original brake fluid in it and not one caliper was leaking. I'm sure I was on borrowed time however. I rebuilt the calipers and painted everything along with the new brake fluid.
Of course it only has 8k miles, so I didn't need pads or rotors, but I did bead blast the rotors and paint them to eliminate the rusting that happens over time with bare rotors. Since you're starting with new rotors, it's really quite simple to wipe them down with some lacquer thinner or even brake clean and paint them before installing them. They will look new for a long time if you take the time to do this.
Good luck... GUSTO
I just did the first real maintenance on my '85 that I bought new. It still had the original brake fluid in it and not one caliper was leaking. I'm sure I was on borrowed time however. I rebuilt the calipers and painted everything along with the new brake fluid.
Of course it only has 8k miles, so I didn't need pads or rotors, but I did bead blast the rotors and paint them to eliminate the rusting that happens over time with bare rotors. Since you're starting with new rotors, it's really quite simple to wipe them down with some lacquer thinner or even brake clean and paint them before installing them. They will look new for a long time if you take the time to do this.
Good luck... GUSTO
