I have a 99 FRC with 44k miles and I am getting ready to have the calipers powdercoated and think its time to change pads. With 44k do I need to have the rotors turned or leave them alone, I am also adding stainless steel lines. Any advice on basic brake service and upgrades for my situation would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

If your going to do it, do it right the first time. New ss lines,New rotors and new fluid. For street driving Carbotech 1521 compound for pads.

 

In order to know for sure about the rotors you'll want to check their thickness with a micrometer in several spots. Min thickness on a stock rotor should be 1.2" That said, most reputable brake companies will recommend scrapping the rotors and starting fresh instead of turning them down. If they aren't showing signs of brake judder and they are not close to min thk then simply scuffing the surface in a non-directional finish with an emery board should do. Of course you'll want to perform the manufacturers break in process after the new pads are installed. If you're on the stock fluid you should replace it with a quality dot 3/4 and bleed the system.

 

Do Z06 brake components wear faster than normal vette brake components? Probably a stupid question but I can't find any references. I have a 99 with Z06 sway bars and brake components the previous owner installed.

 

Like the above poster said, any brake shop or you if you have a good micrometer(preferably digital) you can check for yourself very quickly.

I don't know the factory specs off the top of my head but if you take it to a shop, they'll have the book or I'm sure you can search and find it on here quick if need be and you plan on doing it yourself.

you just run the mic across the rotor and see how thick it is, if you still have enough left(brake shop will tell you how much is required)...definitely at least have them turned.

If not, just throw a set of slotted ones on there. rotors are cheap

 

Someone will chime in if I wrong but I believe the only Z06 braking difference was the color of the caliper being red. Pads, rotors, caliper itself, lines should be the same. The better suspension, lighter wheels(car) and bigger tires would attribute more to the decreased stopping distances..and FRC body style helps too

 

Yup, only difference is the color and rear cooling ducts.

Any time you move to a pad with higher friction rating (mu) the trade off will be reduced rotor life, theres no free lunch.

 

Thanks for replies, I am on a budjet like everybody else is, so I was hoping with only 4oK miles i could avoid new rotors and just get pads and lines, I will check out some rotors. Any reccomendations for pads? mostly spirited street driving and drag racing.

 

I think Z06 pads are different. Check Gene Culley's site. Different part numbers for the Z06 pads.

 

EBC, or HAWK?

 

The Carbotech Bobcat 1521™ is our high performance street compound that is our most successful compound. The Bobcat compound is known for its awesome release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. Like our AX™ & XP™ line of compounds, Bobcat 1521™ is a Ceramic based friction material offering minimal rotor damage and non corrosive dust. Bobcat 1521™ offers outstanding performance, even when cold, low dusting and low noise with an excellent initial bite. This compound’s virtually perfect linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Bobcat 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 900°F. Bobcat 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle, police cruiser, and has won multiple SCCA Solo 2 and Prosolo National Championships. The Bobcat 1521™ compound has been found to last two-three times longer than OE pads you can purchase at a dealership or national retailer. Bobcat 1521™ compound has also been found to extend the life of your rotors 2-3 times. That’s one of the beauties of Carbotech Ceramic brake compounds. Bobcat 1521™ is NOT recommended for any track use.

Corvette - C5 1997-2004
F: CT731 $144 R: CT732 $124 -7% Discount