I'm so vain
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MO
I'm so vain
I've always been against the "all show, no go" mentality. I've pretty much been a 4x4 guy most of my life and I never modded my 4x4's in such ways that were just for show. Then on vettes, adding things like fake brake cooler ducts, just doesn't make sense to me.
However, I now find myself looking at new rotors for looks. I just put new chrome wheels on and something just isn't right. I think it needs red calipers and slotted/drilled rotors. I don't do anything other than drive this car normally (hot rodding occassionally or putting a rice burner in their place). So, I don't need performance brakes (if you assume that slotted or drilled give more performance). I just want better "looking" brakes.
Right now I tend to like the "looks" of rotors with dual sets of holes and some slots. Don't know why.
I'm curious as to other opinions on this subject. What are the best "looking" rotors and why? Do you think I'm crazy?
However, I now find myself looking at new rotors for looks. I just put new chrome wheels on and something just isn't right. I think it needs red calipers and slotted/drilled rotors. I don't do anything other than drive this car normally (hot rodding occassionally or putting a rice burner in their place). So, I don't need performance brakes (if you assume that slotted or drilled give more performance). I just want better "looking" brakes.
Right now I tend to like the "looks" of rotors with dual sets of holes and some slots. Don't know why.
I'm curious as to other opinions on this subject. What are the best "looking" rotors and why? Do you think I'm crazy?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,887
Likes: 2
From: Macomb MI
St. Jude Contributor
I see you still like your 4x4 look even on the vette. Lower it on stock bolts bring it down a 1 to 1 1/2 then do the brake calipers and last the drilled rotors for the complete look. But then again it's your car and your money.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
No Comment..EXCEPT the diameter of the REAR rotors just seem so ..
.well damn small....
I'd like to find a big good looking old fashioned hub cap that covered everything... and I;d like the rear wheel well to "look" a little "fuller" with a taller tire...
Besides that its all up to you...
Bob G
.well damn small....
I'd like to find a big good looking old fashioned hub cap that covered everything... and I;d like the rear wheel well to "look" a little "fuller" with a taller tire...
Besides that its all up to you...
Bob G
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,755
Likes: 3,688
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
I don't think you're vain, you just fell in love with the looks of your car!
Slotted/drilled rotors add to the performance as well as ceramic brakes, etc. In addition to my new wheels, I added Z06 sway bars, Baer Eradispeed Rotors and ceramic brake pads. I painted the calipers simply because I like the look. Nothing wrong with that. It's your car and your money!
Slotted/drilled rotors add to the performance as well as ceramic brakes, etc. In addition to my new wheels, I added Z06 sway bars, Baer Eradispeed Rotors and ceramic brake pads. I painted the calipers simply because I like the look. Nothing wrong with that. It's your car and your money!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,853
Likes: 242
From: Hillsboro OR
I just purchased a set of CCW 505A's 18"F/19"R. John @ CCW recommended to me that I upgrade the rotors to the C6 Z51's to fill up the space inside of the wheel. They are ~ 1/2" - 1" larger. The rotors I am getting are Powerslot. They are slotted only and have black e-coat on the hat and vanes. Stock C5 calipers will fit fine. These rotors will require that you also buy C6 Z51 caliper brackets. I ordered everything I needed from forum vendor TPS Motorsports (Mike). He is very helpful and delivers what/when he says.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Northridge CA
I am glad you posted this question, I have the same color C-5 coupe with the stock rotors and calipers, added chrome wheels, and can't decide weather to paint the calipers, buy the caliper covers, or what. Look forward to seeing the comments.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 4
From: Youngsville North Carolina
Not crazy or vain in my book. The drilled/slotted rotors and painted calipers look really good on C5's. I think they would really complete the look you have. Are those deep dish chromed C5 wheels on there? Look great...especially if you consider lowering the car a bit.
I have these. I do think there are better "looking" rotors out there. But they were on it when I bought it.
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...-114-6273.html
I have these. I do think there are better "looking" rotors out there. But they were on it when I bought it.
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...-114-6273.html
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
Likes: 1,330
From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
For stock sized rotors the best are the Baer Eradispeeds. They are a two piece rotor with aluminum center hats for reduced rotational weight.
I got them and they aren't bad, but they aren't really all that hot when you consider the money dumped on them.
The C6z brake kits are coming down in price... look killer, but you'll need new hoops.
There's a vendor that has dimpled or cross drilled rotors for cheap, something around $230ish for the set? They don't look bad and they've gotten good reviews so far. Not sure of the name, somebody will chime in I'm sure.
Personally, just save your money and make sure your current rotors stay rust free.
I got them and they aren't bad, but they aren't really all that hot when you consider the money dumped on them.
The C6z brake kits are coming down in price... look killer, but you'll need new hoops.
There's a vendor that has dimpled or cross drilled rotors for cheap, something around $230ish for the set? They don't look bad and they've gotten good reviews so far. Not sure of the name, somebody will chime in I'm sure.
Personally, just save your money and make sure your current rotors stay rust free.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
Likes: 1,330
From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 720
Likes: 2
From: Walnut Creek CA
Good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Depending on your size wheels up front you can have the best of both worlds by doing the C6 Z51 Brake Rotors and Brackets! (You'll need 18" wheels on the front)
Go to Gene Culley @ GMPartshouse and get them or look for his specials here on the forum.
They not only look great but work fantastic and they are economical and bigger than the standard C5/C6 base brakes. That is why they come with the larger or taller brackets.
You still use you same calipers - new ones are "NOT" needed!
Here is a pic of my Vette with them: I have 19x11 and 18x9.5 wheels
Thanks,Matt
Go to Gene Culley @ GMPartshouse and get them or look for his specials here on the forum.
They not only look great but work fantastic and they are economical and bigger than the standard C5/C6 base brakes. That is why they come with the larger or taller brackets.
You still use you same calipers - new ones are "NOT" needed!
Here is a pic of my Vette with them: I have 19x11 and 18x9.5 wheels
Thanks,Matt
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,520
Likes: 5
From: Long Island NY
Driled and slotted rotors will look a lot better, I'm doing the same to mine within the next few weeks. I'm leaning towards the Baer Decelarotors and Hawk HPS street pads but still doing my homework. As far as painting the calipers I will have them color matched (mag red) IMO color matched looks better, but thats me. Your back wheel looks kind of small, or maybe your suspension is too high. Mine is stock and looks lower than that and shows a lot less wheel well, or maybe it's just the pic. Good Luck Bro!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MO
Then I'll paint calipers and put on new rotors all at the same time.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,469
Likes: 136
From: SacCityCorvette.com in Sacramento Ca Join us on Facebook!
St. Jude Donor '12,'13,'15,'16,'17
I don't think you're vain, you just fell in love with the looks of your car!
Slotted/drilled rotors add to the performance as well as ceramic brakes, etc. In addition to my new wheels, I added Z06 sway bars, Baer Eradispeed Rotors and ceramic brake pads. I painted the calipers simply because I like the look. Nothing wrong with that. It's your car and your money!
Slotted/drilled rotors add to the performance as well as ceramic brakes, etc. In addition to my new wheels, I added Z06 sway bars, Baer Eradispeed Rotors and ceramic brake pads. I painted the calipers simply because I like the look. Nothing wrong with that. It's your car and your money!
Your wheels are awesome!
What kind are they? Do they make 18" for the front and 19" for the rear? Are those stock center caps?
__________________
Don't forget to check out our products at www.saccitycorvette.com
If you like our products, tell others! If not, tell us!
Don't forget to check out our products at www.saccitycorvette.com
If you like our products, tell others! If not, tell us!
Last edited by SacCityCorvette; Apr 6, 2011 at 05:57 PM.