Finally put my 85's stock brakes where they belong, on the shelf. Put these on weekend before last... still have a few odds and ends to finish up.


Ed Salinas helped me out on getting the adapter design, and Nelson V from the C5 forum was instrumental in finally getting them made. Other machine shops had put me off and delayed it. Big thanks to both of em!!!

Before:


After:


Wilwood does not make a brake kit for the 84-87 C4s... This is the C5 front Wilwood kit, 6 piston calipers and 13.07x1.25" rotors, which sounds impressive compared to a single piston on a 11.5" rotor. Looking at it next to the stock one is amusing.





I've faded my stock brakes too many times and risked it all on too many occasions, so it was either them or me. I still need to safety wire the bracket bolts, always a good idea when going into aluminum which can't take as much tightening torque as the stock steel.

The brakelines are Earl's, and I pieces them together with the appropriate fittings since Wilwoods are a ripoff and aren't even made for this appication. It ended up being about 40 bucks for the front pair. I also shrink wrapped the SS lines. Some new lines are being sold with a sheathing over the SS, apparently grit getting caught in the braids gets abrasive on the teflon line and chews holes in it.



I haven't had time to bed them in yet... but I'm going to install the DRM bias spring still, so I'll probably wait. The slotted drilled option wasn't my first choice, but the deal was too good to pass up. I get a little more pedal travel from the increased piston area, but the master cylinder is plenty big enough... if anything it gives me more braking control with more pedal to work with. This biased it to the front about 16% also... so hopefully the bias spring will get me back closer to the stock bias. The regular C5 upgrade puts 10% more to the front, and those guys seem to be doing ok.

Also considering new rear rotors to match up.. Custom mounting the wilwoods in rear just wasnt gonna happen. Anyone seriously interested in this setup, I'll let you know what parts you need, and keep you front reinventing the wheel. Might also be able to get you a great price.

 

This pic is without my 1" adapter in... which I used to push the Y2k out a little to match the original offset.

 

Nice! I want those brakes! Do they have a kit for the rear?

 

real nice i have brake envy

 

Nice work. Those are really sharp!

Ron

 

that is way cool!!!

 

Indeed! Brakes are worth every penny. I definently like the looks of the brakes. Definent upgrade. Now besides incredible stopping power, you have a more intricate look to your wheel. People are actually going to be able to see some of the mechanics that make your car tick. Great job. How much did this all end up costing you? Just curious.

 

Eh... something like a measley $1700.

Holy crap! I think I just crapped my pants.

 

I wish I could afford the complete set. They look great and stop fantastic. I'm jealous.

 

Awesome

 

my drilled and slotted rotors are weak and flacid compred to yours!

 

Very nice Kevin Me want

 

I love it when a good plan comes together, so beautifully!

I'm looking around for wheels and really like yours. Are they GM or aftermarket? If they're not GM, what offset (backset) are they? What brand are they? and, Are you satisfied with them? Any recommendations on where to get them?

Thanks

 

Yeah, 1700 big ones.....that's my cue to back away and keep on window shopping.