Caliper Upgrade
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County New Jersey
Caliper Upgrade
I am not really a DIY guy - do I dare try and install Z06 calipers all around, or go feed my mechanic a check? Looking for others with experience in how tough this is to install...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,723
Likes: 1,089
From: NE OH
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Originally Posted by NJblackrose92
I am not really a DIY guy - do I dare try and install Z06 calipers all around, or go feed my mechanic a check? Looking for others with experience in how tough this is to install...
Caliper painting
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 12
From: Farnham Virginia
I just did drilled/slotted rotors and Z06 calipers a few weeks ago. It's not really difficult, just takes time & patience. You'll probably need someone to help when you bleed the brakes or you can invest in some speed bleeder valves. You'll also need a large C-clamp to compress the cylinders in the calipers. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County New Jersey
Originally Posted by Hrdtop00
I just did drilled/slotted rotors and Z06 calipers a few weeks ago. It's not really difficult, just takes time & patience. You'll probably need someone to help when you bleed the brakes or you can invest in some speed bleeder valves. You'll also need a large C-clamp to compress the cylinders in the calipers. Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Originally Posted by BudgetPlan1
I dunno about specific differences between mechanics of Z06/Stock, but if you're just looking for the nice red color, the do sell paint kits for this purpose; have never used, just seen in catalog:
Caliper painting
Caliper painting
Note: Stock C5 and Z06 brake calipers are identical except for color.
Pull your wheels and clean your calipers extremely well with brake cleaner and a brush several times to eliminate all dirt and contaminants. Remove the top caliper guide pin bolt with correct socket and open-end wrench. Swing the caliper down and pull the pads and clips out to avoid getting paint on them, noting their position and orientation carefully for re-assembly. Paint the outside of the calipers using a brush and epoxy paint or mask everything off and use a spray paint. Allow it to dry and reassemble. Torque the caliper guide pin bolt to 23 lb. ft. and the wheel lug nuts to 35, 70 and finally 100 lbs. ft. using an alternating star-crossing pattern at each torque level. Repeat at each wheel position.
This is much easier than swapping calipers and you don't need a lot of mechanical expertise to do a great job. No bleeding is required since you're not disconnecting lines. Just be careful to torque everything properly and triple check your work. These are your brakes you're working on here so safety is paramount.
