So, I'm sure this has come up before and I've tried to do the research but I'm getting confused and want to be sure that I can actually do this without issue. My right side caliper jut seized up on me the other day, so I figured I should use this as an opportunity to replace the whole front end. But when I was looking into ordering the stock calipers and rotors i ran across some articles talking about a swap to the '96 dual piston calipers and 13 inch rotors. The more I read into it though the more unsure I was that this would work mainly 'cause there isn't a lot of info on it. So, I know I have the 8.5 base rim size if that means anything. If anyone can shed some light on this for me I would greatly appreciate it...not a moron by any means and will be doing the job myself but if you can break it down for me that would be super awesome.

 

The stock 16" wheels will not clear the 13" J55 brake set up. The front suspension changed in 88 so trying add 13" C4 (J55) system may not be worth the trouble. It maybe easier to add the 13" C5 front brakes and 17" wheels

 

If money is unlimited go for it. If not, rebuild your calipers and replace the rubber hoses with stainless steel. Also the hawk hps pads DO improve the braking for our cars.

 

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.

 

Another thing for the OEM J55 calipers is that you will need a custom bracket to be able to install the caliper abutment bracket. These could be hard to find and probably cost as much as it would to get a custom bracket for C5 front brakes.

Like the J55 brakes, you would need a 17" wheel to clear the C5 front brake upgrade. And one thing about the C5 front brake upgrade, places like VetteBrakes sell a complete installation kit; just bolt everything on and go (or stop! ) I have the C5 front brakes on my '87 and I use OEM Z06 pads in front and HPS pads in the rear. Great combo for autocross and I also do track days with that setup.

Drilled and slotted rotors are fine for general street use, but for high performance braking, I would consider only slotted rotors, and then a high quality rotor. The low end drilled rotors are cast first, then the holes are drilled into the rotor surfaces. This will cause the area immediately around the hole to be weaker and with the heating and cooling cycles of the rotor, they will crack.

Hawk HPS pads on stock-style rotors will get you braking improvement even with the stock brake setup. And don't forget to do a complete flush of the brake fluid. For street use, Castrol LMA works well as does the Ford HD Motorsports fluid. These fluids are at the high end of the DOT3 Wet boiling temps.

 

This is NOT done often but if the parts were available inexpensively as "take-offs" and near you it could be an improvement. The JL9 with the use of adapters should work with your 16" wheels and I would think an improvement. Anyone that's done a J55 or C5 change would have the parts.

I'd consider posting a WTB and try to find in your location. If the car is a "driver" there's likely no need for the rest of the upgrades. You would need the same adapter as used from an early car to the J55 so if you wanted to change later you've wasted perhaps nothing

Post the WTB for JL9 calipers, abutments and rotors with a separate one for the early to later adapters. Rotors are heavy so you would want to avoid a ship of those but they might force into a USPS Priority Large Box which is cheap. A JY Buy in your area or maybe a CL part out?

 

If you don't want to change your rims, then keeping it stock would be the way to go. I have 18" rims and I put 2004 Zo6 calipers all the way around. The upgrade is worth the money but; I bought everything new and it was expensive. I didn't want to buy used.
Just my experience..Good Luck

 

Thanks for all the advice guys. This upgrade job was definitely more in depth then I thought it would be so I'm glad I asked on here. I do drive pretty fast and brake hard sometimes but besides a few drag runs a year, she's just my regular street car. So, I'm gonna stay stock for now but get those Hawk pads I've heard so much about. I appreciate the tip about the rotors, it makes sense, so until I can afford to spend the type of money that the good slotted ones cost regular rotors will be just fine....if you're not gonna do it right then don't do it, right? Never used anything but standard brake fluid but I'm definitely gonna look into that. Thanks again guys!

 

I have JL9 front calipers, rotors & pads that I could almost give away but as mentioned you would need brackets. If you stepped up to 17s then there would be many more options.

PM me if you or anyone is interested in them.

Who makes the JL9 or J55 to early C4 adapters?

 

USER ID "76LS1BIRD" I'm sure can fix you up with some first class stuff.

Where are you located? Are you and the OP neighbors?

OP - since you need a caliper anyway the JL9 would be an "UPGRADE" - JL9/J55 pads are the same and the calipers are 2 piston.

 

For my 88 Z52 I changed out the rotors (at 20 years old) to AC/Delco slotted (from China - please?), Hawk Pads, and SS brake lines. With a good brake fluid flush the braking was much improved. I had changed the Master cylinder out before I made the above changes but that did not help my braking.

 

I may be adding to the confusion BUT IIRC the Factory OE "Turbine" wheels manufactured by Enkie would clear at least some 13" rotor/caliper options. At least that's according to research. My '86 had Enkies but I swapped them out for 17" ZR1s(and forgot to at least test them) before I changed to a C5 rotor/caliper.

You need to scare up an adapter bracket depending which caliper and rotor combination you use.

 

Your '88 is a 2 piston caliper vs. the single piston caliper that the OP has. That's why I suggested the OP source some JL9 hardware and adapters. The JL9 even though it has the smaller rotor diameter the calipers are 2 piston, the pad is the same as a the J55 and the OP would certainly notice the difference. The OP has 16" wheels and the JL9 fits with the 16" wheel.

I'd think it a good, inexpensive brake option the OP should consider.

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!!

 

Forgot about the number of brake piston difference. Why did Chevy do a single piston brake/single master cylinder system? They always had duals in the front.
Good advise from WVZR-1.

 

'88 Corvette and the 1LE F-bodies I'm quite sure were the first for the 2 piston calipers.

 

No, started on the C2 in1965 and continued into the C3 run. Why did the 2 piston front brake stop in the early C4's?

 

It's difficult to consider that stuff brakes - LOL - I was only concerned with mentioning the aluminum stuff but really it's very difficult to consider that earlier mid-year hardware brakes.

 

FYI, I have an 87 and I did a C5 brake upgrade via a kit from VBandP. I had change my factory wheels to a 17inch wheel but as for the brake upgrade the kit came with everything needed. I then just ordered the rotors I wanted versus the ones offered in the kit.

I installed the system and bled it in my driveway, really not that bad of job if you want to do it. Best of luck

Oh yea, I will tell you this, the difference in stopping power is indescribable! You need to wear your seat belt because if you hit the brakes you will kiss the windshield, now I no longer wonder if I can stop instead I am worried if the car behind me can stop!

 

I have 13" J55 brakes on my 87. It's a Z52 with 9.5x16 wheels
As far as I have read the 8.5" wheels won't work.
I got used calipers. Brackets came from Corvette Central. They mount the 2 piston caliper to early spindle. I believe they are made by SS brake from the casting marks. They were the most expensive part of the swap since I gave up finding them used. I think Doug Rippie also made adapters to work with the 88-96 brackets. Went with a set of Carbotech Bobcat pads. Didn't have to change hoses.
Was worth the effort to me.
C5 parts used are easier to find so the swap is less expensive. Just have to get at least 17" wheel and tire.
If you want to know what will and won't fix your wheels go to Baer brakes. you can download templets to check fit.
Oh, by the way, I had to file about 1/8" of the top of the calipers to get clearance. There are rock scrapes around the wheels in the center.

 

That's a question I haven't heard before.