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I wanted to upgrade my brakes on my 86. I wanted to know does it matter which generation is used? Is one easier to install? It seems getting the parts for either isn't a problem. I just want to do it once.
You will need a custom adapter bracket for C5 front brakes, in addition to the C5 calipers, pads, rotors, and caliper abutment brackets. VetteBrakes has a C5 conversion package. You will also need 17" wheels for the C5/C6 brakes. The OEM 16" wheels won't clear the rotors.
Also, you will need a different brake bias spring for the master cylinder. IIRC, Doug Rippie has them but make sure you get the correct version. There are 2 different springs; ABS and non-ABS.
For an '86 you'll need an adapter for either J55 or C5/C6 calipers. Most go for the C5 set up as the rotors are thicker and a little cheaper. Supposedly the factory Enkei '86 wheels will fit with J55 brakes. I went with 17" wheels when I did my C5 conversion. 'Soooo much better than the poor OE brakes. (Course new pads and rubber helped)
I have 18 inch wheels so that's not a problem. I know I will need adapters for any of the upgrades. I see that a lot of people go with the C5 conversion. Are the C5 brakes better for the C4's than the C6? The parts all seem to be around the same price.
That answers my question. I was thinking of the ZO6 set up. I definitely see the difference. I think the ZO6 set up would be overkill.....HAHA. I think I will go with the C5 conversion.
C5 brakes gain you nothing, other than unsprung weight, vs. C4 j55 13" brakes.
Some claim the extra weight is better for fade resistance during racing, but you can compensate for that with better pads (hawk) and fluids being sure to bleed your brakes every year to remove any water which decreases the boiling point of your brake fluid.
What you should be considering is j55 vs. C6 z06 imho.
I went with C5 Z06 brakes for the pretty calipers on my 86, needed an adapter bracket and then the C5 parts. You will buy brake lines for the 86 model year, not C5 brake lines.
I may at some point go to C6 Z06 on the 88 but the C5s felt like night/day compared to the 86's brakes.
I went with C5 Z06 brakes for the pretty calipers on my 86, needed an adapter bracket and then the C5 parts. You will buy brake lines for the 86 model year, not C5 brake lines.
I may at some point go to C6 Z06 on the 88 but the C5s felt like night/day compared to the 86's brakes.
Do the brake lines need to be longer?? I have stainless lines installed now.
C5 brakes gain you nothing, other than unsprung weight, vs. C4 j55 13" brakes.
Some claim the extra weight is better for fade resistance during racing, but you can compensate for that with better pads (hawk) and fluids being sure to bleed your brakes every year to remove any water which decreases the boiling point of your brake fluid.
What you should be considering is j55 vs. C6 z06 imho.
i went with C5 brake calipers and rotors,my 85' needed new rims,4x rear 18" wagon from 2 C5 donors.Adapters,bleeding and bam! she slams down the nose !
Whether you go J55 or C5 calipers you're still gonna need mounting adapters for the early model C4's. When I was getting ready to do my conversion I had J55 calipers but at the time couldn't locate fairly priced adapters. After reading the positive results of C5 swaps I elected to sell my J55 calipers and picked up some used C5 calipers (and mount adapters). It's a pretty close call either way; anything is better than the marginal (performance) braking on the early C4s
And here's a good comparison of caliper and rotor dimension. Note the slight difference in piston surface area. J55= 3.53 compared to C5/6=3.99 (C6 Z06= 7.95 )
I think I already know the answer but; I want to make sure. When buying parts rotors, pads, etc. Which year do I buy the parts for?? Or do I just pick a C5 year? I don't think there are any differences from 97-04??
I think I already know the answer but; I want to make sure. When buying parts rotors, pads, etc. Which year do I buy the parts for?? Or do I just pick a C5 year? I don't think there are any differences from 97-04??
thanks
The rotors, calipers, pads, and abutment brackets are all the same for the base C5. The only difference between the standard C5 calipers and the Z06 calipers is paint color. Z06-specific pads are a semi-metallic compound and slightly more aggressive than the base C5 pads and will dust a little bit more.
Don't forget a full flushing of the brake fluid when you do the conversion. For general street use, I would recommend using the Ford Motorsports HD fluid. You can get the small bottles at any Ford dealer. For a DOT3 fluid, it has a very good wet boiling point. Castrol LMA is another good street fluid.
For a good DOT4 fluid, ATE TYP200 is a good choice. A quart can will run about $12.
C5 or C6 Brakes??
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