C6 Calipers on C5...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Succasunna New Jersey
C6 Calipers on C5...
Clarifying this will help me for my next mod...'00 'Vert, base model. A years back I upgraded to C5 Z06 brakes, new calipers, rotors, braided brake lines, etc.
Just bought a set of C6 Z06 calipers having read on here a few times it was a rather simple swap. But I'm wondering now if I also need to change out the rotors?
Will my current rotors work or perhaps the better question, what is the minimum diameter rotor needed for these C6 Z06 calipers?
Just bought a set of C6 Z06 calipers having read on here a few times it was a rather simple swap. But I'm wondering now if I also need to change out the rotors?
Will my current rotors work or perhaps the better question, what is the minimum diameter rotor needed for these C6 Z06 calipers?
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you will need c6z rotors and new lines, pads as well if your calipers don't have them... what kind of wheels do you have?... the fronts need to be a minimum 18" diameter and the rears minimum 17" diameter in the correct offset otherwise they will not clear the calipers
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Little Rock Arkansas
You front wheel is what has to have a bit of a upgrade in size, so if you're running stock C5 wheels of any sort you'll have to upgrade all around. Some go the simple route and just upgrade to a C6 Z06 wheel (or similar C6 wheel like GS or ZR1), but this is also a good time to select a good set of aftermarket wheels that you can tailor to your preferred looks.Ultimately though you do realize that your initial "C5 Z06" upgrade wasn't really an upgrade, right? The C5 Z06 calipers are the same as the base C5, sans red. Otherwise there's no difference in hardware. If anything your "upgrade" probably was seen in pad selection and braided lines with a fluid flush which should have immediately delivered better braking feedback. Your C6 Z06 install will give the same advantage feedback be it installed on a base C5 or Z06 C5
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 103
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From: Succasunna New Jersey
C6 Calipers on C5...
You front wheel is what has to have a bit of a upgrade in size, so if you're running stock C5 wheels of any sort you'll have to upgrade all around. Some go the simple route and just upgrade to a C6 Z06 wheel (or similar C6 wheel like GS or ZR1), but this is also a good time to select a good set of aftermarket wheels that you can tailor to your preferred looks.Ultimately though you do realize that your initial "C5 Z06" upgrade wasn't really an upgrade, right? The C5 Z06 calipers are the same as the base C5, sans red. Otherwise there's no difference in hardware. If anything your "upgrade" probably was seen in pad selection and braided lines with a fluid flush which should have immediately delivered better braking feedback. Your C6 Z06 install will give the same advantage feedback be it installed on a base C5 or Z06 C5
I have 18's on the front and 19's on the rear, they're off set for the C5 but they're C7 Z06 wheels. I upgraded to braided brake lines a while ago when I initially upgraded from base calipers to C5 Z06 calipers and rotors.
So, I am thinking I have enough room to simply swap because my rotors are clearly larger than base equipment. I know I'll need pads and possibly some bracketry, but my big question is the minimal diameter of the rotor to use the C6 calipers...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
i used a set of OEM C6 GS wheels, rotors and calipers. Yours should work with your replica wheels with the C6 calipers and rotors. The C6 calipers do not need brackets. Good luck. (just to be clear the rotors were for a C6 but not OEM, I also used steel braided lines again not OEM)
Last edited by alxltd1; Nov 21, 2017 at 10:00 AM.
Advanced
Joined: May 2011
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From: CA
There isn't really a "minimum diameter" to use those calipers as much as there is only ONE diameter. The factory C6Z diameter. Whether you use a factory rotor is another thing, but you WILL be using a 355mm/14 inch C6Z diameter rotor. There is no choice here.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: West Virginia
Somewhere on here there's a posting of a gauge you can cut out of cardboard to see if your front wheels will clear the C6 Z06 rotors. Also, you will find write ups by people who have made the swap.
p.s. only difference between C5 base and C5 Z06 calipers is the color.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Succasunna New Jersey
Recommendations...
OK, so if my rotors are too small then do you have a recommendation for where to buy the replacements? Manufacturer and any specs that need consideration?
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Drifting
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From: Bellinum Wa
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
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Former Vendor
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From: Lookin over Hoover Dam
Have had the setup on my car since 2013...massive amount more braking...I've tracked the car, canyon pounded it...no comparison to the stop setup. Clearly AP's are better, but a C6Z setup will get you further than the stock C5Z setup will...and looks a whole hell of a lot better and more "modern" so to speak. Great mod and I wouldn't go back for anything.
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I have the C6 15 spoke wheels with the C6 Z06 brakes. It was a close fit and I might have been okay, but I went with a 6mm spacer just to be safe. Of course on the rear there is plenty of space between the wheels and calipers, but I used a 25mm spacer to pull the wheels out flush with the fenders.
Racer
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From: Renton WA
I have the C6 15 spoke wheels with the C6 Z06 brakes. It was a close fit and I might have been okay, but I went with a 6mm spacer just to be safe. Of course on the rear there is plenty of space between the wheels and calipers, but I used a 25mm spacer to pull the wheels out flush with the fenders.