WICKEDFRC

For all owners of C5 Corvettes who have converted their braking system to C6 Brakes (Standard C6 brakes or Z06 Calipers), are you pleased with your results?

I tried to gather as much information as I could on the subject, but the threads stem far back as 2005 when C6s just came out. So, since then, I would like to gather new information since the pricing has come way down. Average pricing now seems to be between $1995 and $2195 for the standard package including calipers, padlets, rotors, and stainless lines. (Some include fluid). Ebay shows C6 Z06 calipers as low as $1245 without pins, no pads, and no rotors which is perfect for building your own set.

Why did you go with C6/C6 Z06 brakes?

Are you happy you did?

Did you do it for the looks over the smaller C5 calipers or for the upgraded performance characteristics?

Do you have any regrets, and if yes, what are they? Pricing, maintenance, weight compared to C5 set up (or weight vs BBKs like Brembo, StopTech, etc, etc.)

Did you buy the standard "package" that includes calipers, brake padlets, and rotors, or did you buy calipers alone and purchase separately aftermarket one-piece pads, and aftermarket "lighter" rotors? I hear the padlets suck and the standard rotors are very heavy. Not to mention the C6 Z06 caliper is a whopping 28+ pounds.

If you have photos, please post as well.

I am somewhat torn in between getting new C5 Z06 calipers ($429.00) or C6 Z06 Calipers. I don't track much anymore, but do appreciate the larger "bling" look to overwhelming calipers. I understand maintenance may be more, but without tracking the vehicle, maintenance should be minimul following the initial set up costs. And since I appreciate the bling factor over the standard C5 sized calipers, I think the BBK look is what I would like. Just looking for real-world advice from those who have converted.

DNAST1

FWIW I did it for looks this spring. I was able to get a take off set fairly inexpensive so I'm happy with that also. I also did notice quicker stopping.The only 2 downsides I have is (1) the stock C6Z06 pads are way too dusty compared to the stock C5 pads. (2) When I bought my iForged wheels a few years back, they were made to clear BBK and did not! I had to add 1/8 spacer upfront, and 1/4 in the back.

$$$frumnuttin'

This is a great idea to summarize all of the combinations and come up with a bang for the buck approach...best of luck pulling it all together.

Its_Go_Time

I put these brakes on mainly for the neato factor. The first time I saw them on a C6 in the showroom, I knew I had to have them on my vette. They most certainly stop better than the factory C5 brakes. The people who have driven my car gush about the stopping power more than anything else . As already mentioned, they do dust like crazy. The biggest thing I noticed was the increased ride harshness. The calipers and rotors are MUCH heavier, and the bigger wheels needed to clear these things are also heavier. The extra unsprung weight is surprisingly noticable. If your ride sucks already, it won't be getting any better with this setup. Maybe it's my imagination, but when I first started driving with them, the acceleration seemed a little softer as well. Lightweight two piece rotors might help I guess, and I think one piece pads are available in various formulations.

corvettefrance

First of all C5 Z06 caliper are exactely the same as the stock C5.
They are just red instead of black.

C6 Z06 are just junk break. They are heavy, the pads are expensive, as you mentioned they are terrible to maintain if you track your car.

When I track the car I use 285.30 18" slick on the front.
which is even more grip than a C6Z06.

I changed the aluminium caliper piston for SS from DRM, also added 1.5 mm plate titanium heatshield, DRM cooling duct, SS brake line, and high performance pads. Not to mention High temp brake fluid.

This is still cheaper than the C6Z06, easier to maintain and much lighter.

If you want to upgrade go for Wilwood, or Stoptech.

BTW the shorter braking is not only the brake but also the suspension and the tires.
The stock C5 are plenty for street stock sizes tires.
Now if you want them for the look this is another story as it is true they look good.

_zebra

dos anybody know if these (or any other C5 big brake kit) will fit under an OEM rear 18x9.5 thin spoke on the front? that's what i'm running & i need some extra stopping power.

KCvetteowner

I bought a used set of C6 Grand Sport calipers which are the same as the C6 Z06 calipers only they are silver instead of red. Got them with less than 100 miles on them for $850 on this forum. Bought the DBA standard (slotted only) front/rear rotors with Hawk HPS pads from KNS Brakes for $575 and a set of SS brake lines. Will be installing them in the next week. Documenting the weight differences and will post a DIY once I'm done.

TriplBlk

Like to see the outcome

TriplBlk

C6Z51will, I can't say specifically for the C6Z, cause of the offset.

_zebra

hmm... well i was thinking of creating a Franken-set if i went with C6Z calipers. i want slotted-only rotors & would do a set of better single-piece pads. plus, the drilled Z51 rotors are expensive because of that weird size

TriplBlk

They're only like ~80 a piece? z51 rotors that is. What's your franken set? I think any other rotors than OEM are going to be exoensssiiivvee

_zebra

okay, i meant more expensive than stock C6Z rotors, so if i'm gonna spend more moniez on them, i may as well get a better set

WICKEDFRC

Thank you fo rthe input. That seems like a steal if you ask me. Great find.

What are the DBA "Standard" rotors, are they the 3000 series, 4000 series, or do they just call them "standard" Please do a weight comparison from your current rotors to the DBAs.

I just made contact with KNS as well, so that is a good "ball park" estimate for my set up as well, should I choose C6 Z06 calipers.

Who did you get your SS lines through? I believe I already have SS lines installed, so is there a difference in length or what is the true purpose of having SS lines, so they don't expand under pressure like stock lines?



Looking forward to the photos and DIY.

KCvetteowner

SS lines because you have to disconnect them anyway AND yes they don't expand like plain rubber AND some lines (including the C5 stock) have a "box" type connector on the end. You have to slice a little of the box corner to get them to fit properly on the C6Z calipers.

I purchased Goodrich ss lines and they don't have the "box" end so no modifications necessary. I will show in my DIY what I mean...

Craig Abe

Got sum 17x8.5 Sawblade Rims in the front
&17x9.5 in the rear.
Will the C5 breaks clear These old skoo rims?
1993-96 C4 Sawblade Rims.

tiojames

I agree with post #5. Stock Cr brakes are fine with stock tires.
I went with the bigger C6 brakes along with DRM front ducts and their aluminum hat rotors-saves a bunch of weight over GM rotors
I run 285 front and 335 rear Toyo Proxes so I went with the bigger brakes. I have over 8,000 miles on the set up listed in signature and never had a problem.