I have an '88 vert, and it appears that I have neglected to check my brakes too long; it sounds like I am grinding into the rotors. If I am going to have to change both the pads and rotors, I would like to do something to improve my braking without doing an expensive upgrade. I would appreciate any input on an affordable rotor/pad
combination that would give me noticeably improved braking power.
As much as I love my '88, I have always felt that the brakes were a little weak. Any guidance would be very welcome.

 

Well, everyone has opinions, and here is mine.

I like Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads. Unfortunately I do not remember how much they dust, but I seem to recall they weren't too bad. I'll know after I replace my C4 pads, my fronts are low. PFCM pads are a bit weird to drive, tho, because the are a VERY hard compound. You will feel a stiffer pedal and they don't "grab" right away, but the hotter they get, the harder they bite.

The most aggressive pads I've ever used was Hawk HP+ on the front of my '96 WS6. I could trigger the ABS at about 60% pedal pressure on dry pavement, but they dusted like crazy. You might as well by black rims if you run those pads, lol.

I have never used anything but stock rotors, so I cannot comment on that. Back when I hot lapped my F-bodies and looked into brake upgrades, I found that many people, for cost reasons, used stock rotors even on the track. They would season a whole bunch of them, and go to the track with a stack of rotors and replace them when they were shot.

One thing I have considered, and might do is:
http://www.frozenrotors.com/
I actually did buy a pair for a suburban, but I sold the truck before I ever got to use them. I should have done it when I put new rotors on my C4, but I just didn't think of it at the time.

also, I dunno if they are compatible with '88, but they are, stock parts from a J55 heavy duty C4 brake package would probably be a big improvement. I do not know if you have to have 17" rims or not to fit them. I know you do for the C5 brake upgrade I've seen people talk about.

Here is a relevant thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...for-input.html

HTH

 

Buy stock replacement rotors from your favorite auto parts place.
See if you can get the PFC-Z pads, if not the Carbotech street pads are pretty good.
Hawk HPS are another option.
Get a couple of bottles of Valvoline Syntec Brake fluid.

Replace all the brake fluid and a week later replace it again (thats why you got 2 bottles)

Change the fluid every two years going forward!

 

You might check NAPA they had some quality rotors at a decent price last time I checked. The better pads are pricey but worth it.

 

Many thanks for the thoughtful input, guys. Good info here.
Jeff

 

i sencond the recomindation for the Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads. thats what i have now... as the other poster noted they do work best when warm, but when they are warm they bite really good. i have them on my 88 right now. also i wouldn't bother spending the money on fancy rotors.... Most rotors no adays are made in china, so if you spend $30 on a rotor or $60 on a rotor chances are pretty good they both are made in china and are equal in quality to one another.... go with cheap rotors and expensive quality pads and you should be happy... also why your at it why not spend another $100 and get some stainless steel brake lines. they will firm up you brake pedal and give you a more confidet brake feel. good luck