I have that! 
13" front rotors?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Finland
13" front rotors?
Me and my buddy are thingking of upgrading to 13" front rotors. I have -88 and he has -89 vette. Will those 13" front rotors fit correctly?? We took some freehand measurements and it looks like there's not enough room for 13" rotos?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
Assuming you have 17" wheels, if your car (88 or later) came with 12" rotors, you can put 13" rotors on, but you'll also have to replace your calipers (99% sure) and calpier brackets (definitely).
The base brakes' calpiers are positioned to work with 12" rotors, so the 13" rotor physically won't fit under them. Also, I'm pretty sure the 12"s are slightly thinner than the 13"s, so your calipers won't fit around them. Measure everything to be safe: the 13" rotors are 1.1" thick.
The mounting points on the spindles are the same. The brackets and calipers are standard GM parts from the J55 brack option and are pretty cheap. You can probably find them used on the forum or call Superior Chevy -- their prices are very good.
The base brakes' calpiers are positioned to work with 12" rotors, so the 13" rotor physically won't fit under them. Also, I'm pretty sure the 12"s are slightly thinner than the 13"s, so your calipers won't fit around them. Measure everything to be safe: the 13" rotors are 1.1" thick.
The mounting points on the spindles are the same. The brackets and calipers are standard GM parts from the J55 brack option and are pretty cheap. You can probably find them used on the forum or call Superior Chevy -- their prices are very good.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
You can upgrade to the 13" (J55). but Mark is correct in that you need to replace the calipers & rotors. I went to A-mold wheels but my stock '90 would have cleared. Buy new mounting bolts for the caliper brackets. Service manual says to ALWAYS replace them when out & for the $10 it sure is a cheap peace of mind.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
In '88 the Z-52 option brought 17" wheels (std in '89); actually they were just '89 wheels.
In both years the Z-51 option brought heavy duty brakes:
-13" rotors
-larger calipers
-larger caliper brackets & caliper pin
To up grade you can simply get OEM heavy duty components at your local parts house or go after market.
In both years the Z-51 option brought heavy duty brakes:
-13" rotors
-larger calipers
-larger caliper brackets & caliper pin
To up grade you can simply get OEM heavy duty components at your local parts house or go after market.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,856
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
In the winter, I run 16in wheels.
They fit over my factory 13in brakes, but only certain 16in wheels will work.
You can upgrade, a lot of people on the forum have done it, I personally helped one.
If I was doing and upgrade, I'd go beyond what the factory offered, Willwood etc.
They fit over my factory 13in brakes, but only certain 16in wheels will work.
You can upgrade, a lot of people on the forum have done it, I personally helped one.
If I was doing and upgrade, I'd go beyond what the factory offered, Willwood etc.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Brian are there any close-ups of these wheels. I have heard of them, but no one has actually mentioned a way to identify them. This is of course assuming you are running turbine wheels, at least that is what I am referring to.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,856
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
I'm in California on business, so hopefully someone else will chime in.
I do know the stock wheels are made in Japan
the ones that aren't don't fit. 
When you have them balanced, make sure the weights on the inside won't hit the calipers. Put the weights on the outside if you have to. I lost a wheel weight once.
I do know the stock wheels are made in Japan
the ones that aren't don't fit. When you have them balanced, make sure the weights on the inside won't hit the calipers. Put the weights on the outside if you have to. I lost a wheel weight once.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Finland
Thanks for replys guys. I have Z52 option on my -88 corvette. My buddy has neither Z51 or Z52 but he has the same 17" wheels that I have. So those 13" front brake rotors should fit just fine then, right 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by USAsOnlyWay
Brian are there any close-ups of these wheels. I have heard of them, but no one has actually mentioned a way to identify them. This is of course assuming you are running turbine wheels, at least that is what I am referring to.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Yeah I am looking for the regular style rim identification, I am not sure I know of which rim you are talking about though. Are you referring the one-offs in 87 or something?
Brian, if you could, when you get back home, maybe snap a few pics and post em up here? TIA
Brian, if you could, when you get back home, maybe snap a few pics and post em up here? TIA
Last edited by USAsOnlyWay; Dec 5, 2004 at 06:24 PM.
