C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Which brake upgrade???

Old Apr 27, 2004 | 12:03 AM
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Default Which brake upgrade???

After getting pricing to upgrade the front brakes, I am not sure which one to choose. The choices are C5 upgrade, GS/ZR1 upgrade, or Baer front Claw system. All three are priced within $100 of each other. Which system is the best performer? Please fill free to give me your opinions. Thanks :cheers:
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 12:17 AM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (90 Convertible)

I would say the C5 upgrade is the best of those. I wouldnt get the Baer, but thats just me. Im looking into upgrading my brakes too. But Im not going spend all that cash on corvette tax. Im thinking about getting slotted - NO drilled - rotors and Hawk brake pads. I could probably do this for less than $200 and the performance should be very close to those that you listed.
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 01:03 AM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (90 Convertible)

The basic Baer setup is similar to a C5/Z06 setup, just with different rotors.
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 06:19 AM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (90 Convertible)

If I didn't already have the C5 brakes on my C4, this is what I would be looking at: http://www.stainlesssteelbrakes.com/...ette&year=1992

Tom Piper
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 01:45 PM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (Tom Piper)

Sweet Jesus! That looks like the set up! If I had an extra $1000, Id want that.
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 04:39 PM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (90 Convertible)

C5 setup is a bit better than the GS/ZR1/J55, but you will need A-mold wheels (or replicas). Sawblades and before won't work.

The GS/ZR1/J55 will work with stock 17" wheels.

If you are doing any class racing, watch out. Upgrading the brakes may bump your class enough to require a cage. Read the rules carefully.
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 04:54 PM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (vader86)

The basic Baer setup is similar to a C5/Z06 setup, just with different rotors.
From what I've seen I think that the Baer's are actually closer to the GS setup. I would go with the C5 setup (provided you already have the proper wheels) because of the increased brake pad area.
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 07:45 PM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (Admiral94)

Wheel clearance shouldn't be a problem since I have 17x9.5 ZO6 wheels. If I go with the C5 brakes, would the Bear rotors help performance or should I just get stock rotors? Thanks :cheers:
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 06:46 AM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (McShagger)

Sweet Jesus! That looks like the set up! If I had an extra $1000, Id want that.
When I did my C5 brakes on my '92, it cost me about $800. Now, you can get the adapters cheaper.

For only $400 more, I could have had these larger four piston open-top calipers. Open-top calipers have less brake fade because of the extra cooling from the open tops. And, I don't think you have to pull the calipers to change the pads.

Tom Piper
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 12:20 PM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (90 Convertible)

Use stock rotors. They are inexpensive enough to replace rather than regrind. I don't think I've hear of any rotors that stop better (measured not SOTP).
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 08:28 PM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (John Row)

Has anyone here actually tried the '90 17X9.5 for clearance? I've got the GM 5 spokes but wanted the ability to go both ways with this car. Does anyone have any idea how much spacer would be required for the install?

Thanks,
Dave
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 11:09 PM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (WVZR1)

Any more opinions on this subject? So far it looks like I will go the C5 route, but I will wait until the weekend to make my final choice. :cheers:
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 11:46 PM
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Default Re: Which brake upgrade??? (WVZR1)

The 90 wheels will clear the C5 calipers by about 1/4", which is more than enough. I've got them on mine. I did some checks with other wheels.
Johnny

I'll see if I can find the thread
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