Brake upgrade
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Newport News VA
Brake upgrade
I have the 12" brakes and would like to upgrade them. The front pads are worn down pretty close to the wear indicators. What is the best way to upgrade without changing wheels ? I've read that just getting cooling air to them will help alot. If this is the case, then better pads and the air spoiler/ brake cooler from Mid America may be perfect. I plan on changing the front pads and rotors. What advantage of slotted rotors ? Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Re: Brake upgrade (9T4YY1)
I would go to a better break system. Its not much more but well worth it.
First step up would be to go to the 13" Grand Sport or J55 brakes. These have much more stopping power. You would need to only change the calipers in addition to the rotors and pads. This is two bolts, and unscrew the brake line, then screw on the new caliper and reattach the brake line. Bleed brakes and done.
The other option is to go up to C5 brakes. They will fit the stock sawblades but will need two additional parts to work: wheel spacers so the wheels sit out 1/4" more and adapter plates. This would be another $200 more than the GS/J55 but the rotors are cheaper and the brakes are far superior, with thicker rotors than the GS and larger calipers for even more stopping power.
Slotted rotors are good for cooling but they also chew up pads and make more brake dust. The amount of improvement you'll realize is minimal and not worth the bang for the buck. Better pads would yield as much improvement and cost less.
Drilled rotors are mostly for show because they are prone to cracking and no rotor company will warranty them against cracking.
I did the C5 upgrade. It cost around $650 for everything though I upgraded to better pads than stock (hawk) and polished brackets so my final cost was in the $750 range. I couldn't be more pleased. Figure the GS/J55 option is around $550. Talk to Jeff Kopp 18carfan for parts and cost.
:thumbs:
First step up would be to go to the 13" Grand Sport or J55 brakes. These have much more stopping power. You would need to only change the calipers in addition to the rotors and pads. This is two bolts, and unscrew the brake line, then screw on the new caliper and reattach the brake line. Bleed brakes and done.
The other option is to go up to C5 brakes. They will fit the stock sawblades but will need two additional parts to work: wheel spacers so the wheels sit out 1/4" more and adapter plates. This would be another $200 more than the GS/J55 but the rotors are cheaper and the brakes are far superior, with thicker rotors than the GS and larger calipers for even more stopping power.
Slotted rotors are good for cooling but they also chew up pads and make more brake dust. The amount of improvement you'll realize is minimal and not worth the bang for the buck. Better pads would yield as much improvement and cost less.
Drilled rotors are mostly for show because they are prone to cracking and no rotor company will warranty them against cracking.
I did the C5 upgrade. It cost around $650 for everything though I upgraded to better pads than stock (hawk) and polished brackets so my final cost was in the $750 range. I couldn't be more pleased. Figure the GS/J55 option is around $550. Talk to Jeff Kopp 18carfan for parts and cost.
:thumbs:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,143
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Brake upgrade (9T4YY1)
Go for the J55 brakes, try Jeff Kopp at Superior Chevrolet. (913) 384-1550.
He could get them cheaper for you.
This will require no wheel changes if you already have 17" wheels.
Dont go for the drilled rotors, as they will crack easily unless theyre cast with the holes in them.
Then get a good pad, like Performance Friction Z.
He could get them cheaper for you.
This will require no wheel changes if you already have 17" wheels.
Dont go for the drilled rotors, as they will crack easily unless theyre cast with the holes in them.
Then get a good pad, like Performance Friction Z.
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Re: Brake upgrade (92TripleBlack)
I would go to a better break system. Its not much more but well worth it.
First step up would be to go to the 13" Grand Sport or J55 brakes. These have much more stopping power. You would need to only change the calipers in addition to the rotors and pads. This is two bolts, and unscrew the brake line, then screw on the new caliper and reattach the brake line. Bleed brakes and done.
The other option is to go up to C5 brakes. They will fit the stock sawblades but will need two additional parts to work: wheel spacers so the wheels sit out 1/4" more and adapter plates. This would be another $200 more than the GS/J55 but the rotors are cheaper and the brakes are far superior, with thicker rotors than the GS and larger calipers for even more stopping power.
Slotted rotors are good for cooling but they also chew up pads and make more brake dust. The amount of improvement you'll realize is minimal and not worth the bang for the buck. Better pads would yield as much improvement and cost less.
Drilled rotors are mostly for show because they are prone to cracking and no rotor company will warranty them against cracking.
I did the C5 upgrade. It cost around $650 for everything though I upgraded to better pads than stock (hawk) and polished brackets so my final cost was in the $750 range. I couldn't be more pleased. Figure the GS/J55 option is around $550. Talk to Jeff Kopp 18carfan for parts and cost.
:thumbs:
First step up would be to go to the 13" Grand Sport or J55 brakes. These have much more stopping power. You would need to only change the calipers in addition to the rotors and pads. This is two bolts, and unscrew the brake line, then screw on the new caliper and reattach the brake line. Bleed brakes and done.
The other option is to go up to C5 brakes. They will fit the stock sawblades but will need two additional parts to work: wheel spacers so the wheels sit out 1/4" more and adapter plates. This would be another $200 more than the GS/J55 but the rotors are cheaper and the brakes are far superior, with thicker rotors than the GS and larger calipers for even more stopping power.
Slotted rotors are good for cooling but they also chew up pads and make more brake dust. The amount of improvement you'll realize is minimal and not worth the bang for the buck. Better pads would yield as much improvement and cost less.
Drilled rotors are mostly for show because they are prone to cracking and no rotor company will warranty them against cracking.
I did the C5 upgrade. It cost around $650 for everything though I upgraded to better pads than stock (hawk) and polished brackets so my final cost was in the $750 range. I couldn't be more pleased. Figure the GS/J55 option is around $550. Talk to Jeff Kopp 18carfan for parts and cost.
:thumbs:
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Pitman NJ
Re: Brake upgrade (9T4YY1)
I upgraded to the Grand sport package and the difference is amazing. I also did the brake cooling duct package and now on open track events I've got plenty of pedal after 20 min of hard braking. :D
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 1
Re: Brake upgrade (92TripleBlack)
...First step up would be to go to the 13" Grand Sport or J55 brakes. These have much more stopping power. You would need to only change the calipers in addition to the rotors and pads...
We also took the opportunity to replace the front brake line hoses (both sides) since everything was opened up and they are cheap (~$15.00ea). The difference in size (and weight) between the stock 12" and GS 13" rotors is amazing... expecting a noticeable difference in stopping power. :yesnod: (we are also replacing the stock rear setup with Brembo components - but that's another story...).
[Modified by linkschamp, 7:53 AM 4/16/2003]
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Re: Brake upgrade (92TripleBlack)
I wanted to do the C5 upgrade on my Vette, but was a little leary about the wheel spacers. I have the factory sawblades and would like to keep them, but I know thw C5 brakes won't fit behind them. Do you know of any problem that I might have with the wheel spacers? Otherwise I might just go with the GS brake upgrade. :yesnod:
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