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Howdy folk,
Several years ago, I replaced the rotors and brakes on my 99 C5 with slotted rotors and raybestos QS (quiet stop) ceramic pads. I have since parted ways with that vette. Now, my 03 C5 has the stock rotors and original brakes with 25k miles. Occasionally, the brakes squeal and I'm not exactly a fan of that. Was wondering what the best solution is currently for quiet, yet good braking and reduced brake dust (if possible). I guess I don't need to replace the rotors, as they seem fine. But if there is a sexier option over stock or if slotted rotors are still the way to go to keep temps down on ceramic pads, then I can have that done at the same time. Not worried about cost (unless it is crazy pants), as I rather get it done right the first time and have it be good for years to come.
Thanks.
p.s. May be a good time to get some powder coated calipers. Anyone running powder coated calipers on a 50th Anniversary Red vette? If so, what color and have pics?
Howdy... You could state the cars use... Nothing wrong with 100 percent stock... That's what I did and I'm happy. What's wrong with stock for heaven's sake!? You're not a racer... I'm being presumptuous. 😎
My 03 vert's brakes are perfectly quiet with next to no brake dust.
My 5 series BMW on the other hand squeaked occasionally and the brake dust was horrendous. When it was time, I got new rotors and switched over to ceramic pads, Now no squeak and no brake dust. Ceramic is the answer for eliminating dust. Although they do not stop quite as effectively as a regular pad, under most normal driving conditions they are just fine.
+1 for advocating stock brakes. If you are not racing, I find the stock brakes more than adequate and to be noise free. I've tried other pads and rotors and always ended up with squeaking brakes. Stock is best.
When I got my 2000 Vert a few years ago, I thought about doing the slotted rotors, aftermarket pads thing, but the more I drove the car, the more I am impressed with the stock brakes.
Assuming the pads are not worn down to nothing, I've found that every car I've had with squealing brakes was remedied by using brake lube on the caliper pins and pad backing plates.
That being said if the OP is looking for a replacement, I used the Powerstop KOE1560 stock replacement kit in early 2020 to change out the OEM rotors and pads on my 2001 cruiser. I pull the wheels annually to clean them up and inspect/service the brakes. At the time the original brakes were still serviceable with the exception of the right front outer pad which was experiencing uneven wear due to a caliper pin dust boot failure.
The replacement parts fit perfectly, the bedding procedure was simple, and no noise.
You might want to try the Powerstop Z23 rotor set. You can get the whole set of 4 on Amazon that comes with matching carbon ceramic brake pads. They look good, They are quiet, and low dust. Plus, despite being decent quality, they are cheap. For your purposes, they will be great. For high performance applications they don't work well due to heat soak. However, based on your stated use, that won't be an issue.
As for calipers, I have a mag red II convertible. I think these match pretty well.
They are candy red.
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Silent braking
