'86 front brake upgrade
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,373
Likes: 2,736
I can definitely vouch for the quality of the OEM brakes on the C4 early models. I own a 1985, and a 1987, the key is to truly bleed them and, if equipped with ABS, you must cycle the ABS pump and then bleed the second time afterwards. I achieved the ABS cycling on my 87 by going to a gravel road, blasphemy I know, but it worked great. There is something about the ABS pump that overtime reoduces breaking power. It is been covered many times on this forum. And the cycling of the pump fix has also been covered. On my 1985 the brake fluid was disgusting and my calipers needed to be serviced meaning reapply Break lubrication to the caliper pins and slider mounts on the caliper pad connection. I also took each pad from the 85 facedown on 100 grit sandpaper her and gently pushed it with even force forwards and backwards to skim the glaze off the surface. the 85 which by the way had horrible breaking to the point where we could not even come close to locking wheels. now it is incredible. way better than my 87 and just as good as any new car I've driven.
personally for simplicity sake I would rebuild the front brake caliper if it is actually seized.
I should also note that on my 85 there was so much junk in the brake hose that the caliper was not getting full movement. Once all the junk was cycled out the caliper was moving as it should. My brake bleed screw was clogged and filled with junk I needed to remove the bleeder screw itself and clean it out on the right front to carry out the bleed process.
whichever way you go good luck and I hope you get the high-performance breaking you deserve!
personally for simplicity sake I would rebuild the front brake caliper if it is actually seized.
I should also note that on my 85 there was so much junk in the brake hose that the caliper was not getting full movement. Once all the junk was cycled out the caliper was moving as it should. My brake bleed screw was clogged and filled with junk I needed to remove the bleeder screw itself and clean it out on the right front to carry out the bleed process.
whichever way you go good luck and I hope you get the high-performance breaking you deserve!
Thanks guys...I kinda figured that...I actually have already replaced all the hoses with steel braided. So I'm thinking now just some cheaper drilled and slotted rotors but use the Hawks, because I have heard a lot about those, or the thermoquiet Wagners...and just stock OEM calipers...I appreciate the clarification guys.
Last edited by VikingTrad3r; Jan 9, 2016 at 10:52 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 15
From: Wallingford Vermont
The OP would only need to find a "local" with a J55 optioned C4 and try one of his wheel to see what's required OR if possible at all. If only a thin "pass-through" spacer is required it's another option for him BUT he needs the same adapters so he could do the JL9 and if/when he decided to do maybe 17" or larger wheels the basics would be done. He would need only the J55 calipers, abutments and rotors.
He could also hunt down someone with a C4 that's had a C5 package done and see if that's even possible. Sometimes the "shoes" just need tried on before the buy!!
He could also hunt down someone with a C4 that's had a C5 package done and see if that's even possible. Sometimes the "shoes" just need tried on before the buy!!
I would like to believe that anyone that has converted brakes on their Vette would be more than happy to arrange a "fitting" for you.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
The OP needs to confirm that his are maybe Enkei and I believe that Enkei has the JWL on the rim edge outside.
Originally Posted by DanZ51
Would the later year 88-96 wheel offset be a factor in brake clearance? Just a thought....
I would like to believe that anyone that has converted brakes on their Vette would be more than happy to arrange a "fitting" for you.
I would like to believe that anyone that has converted brakes on their Vette would be more than happy to arrange a "fitting" for you.
