I am looking to replace my brakes soon; and I want to upgrade and avoid some of the problems I have encountered with my stock brakes. My car is used 99% on the street and .5% on the road track .5% at the strip (no auto-xing).

The following is a Prioritized list of desired features:

1. Stopping distance performance: less than or equal stock
2. Fade resistance: better or equal to stock
3. Brake Life: 75% stock (@40k+ want at least 30K+ miles)
4. Cost: 30%-35% over new stock replacements (rotor & pads)
5. No noise
6. Brake Dust not very important
7. C6 Z51 Brake Upgrade??

My stock brakes have been pretty good. I have pushed them to the limit a few times as far as fading goes. I pulled over & let them cool down for 15-20 mins after which they were just fine again. However, lately 40k+ miles, they have developed a Brake Pad vibration at over 100mph; but under 100 they are fine. When the brakes are vibrating there does not appear to be any fading or loss of braking ability. However, I am reluctant to press the brakes as hard as I might if they were not vibrating.

Basically I would like a moderate performance improvement over stock at a moderate price increase.

Any suggestions?

TIA

btw: My high speed driving is done on various tracks; and not the public roads.

 

As close to stock replacement rotors - FYI all the C5 mafia uses them at the track

Hawk HP+ or Carbotech xp8 will fit your requirements. WARNING: both of these dust like crazy. In my opinion the XP8 is a better pad, but its a personal preference.

I put Hawk HPS on the wife's 04 and they are fine for the street - absolutely NO track use. I've seen students fade them in 10 min on the track.

 

Hawkes------me too---

 

Any idea why I got the Brake pad vibration at high speed only?

Rotor Wear?

Also, I and running 18" and 19" wheels.

Any reason I should not go with C6 Z51 rotors?

The reason, I ask is that I am hoping the bigger rotors would last longer before fading.

 

My Research results:

After many hours of research I have come to the following Conclusions:

• You can't have the Best of both worlds (street & track).
• Best hi-temp performance = lesser low-temp performance
• Best stopping perf = Dust & Noise
• Best = big $$$
• Serious Track HPD requires switching between Street/Track components
• X-drilled holes look cool but may promote Rotor cracking

So based upon my research and my priorities (listed below), I have decided on the following:

1. Z51 Caliper Brackets (I am already running 18s & 19s)
2. DBA Std Series Slotted Z51 Rotors
3. StopTech Street Performance Pads (no noise)
4. Staying with stock brake lines

For over 40k miles, I have been very pleased with my OEM brakes. The above components should provide me with a moderate and noticeable improvement over the OEM C5 brakes; and meet my priorities except for budget. The Z51 upgrade will increase my costs by about 50%-60%. However, it turns out that my choices (which were made prior to pricing) are much less costly than the more popular HPD products. In addition, I believe that I have found a very good vendor in terms of pricing and customer service (KNS Brakes).

Reasons I am going with the Z51 setup:

1. Bigger rotor = more brake torque
2. Larger surface area = better heat distribution
3. Bigger rotors with bigger wheels = better looks

I am not a mechanic nor an expert, so I hope my research and conclusions are correct, because I am about to spend some of my hard earned money.


Original Post Summary Asking for Suggestions:
I am looking to replace my brakes soon; and I want to upgrade and avoid some of the problems I have encountered with my stock brakes. My car is used 99% on the street and .5% on the road track .5% at the strip (no auto-xing).

The following is a Prioritized list of desired features:

Stopping distance performance: less than or equal stock
Fade resistance: better or equal to stock
Brake Life: 75% stock (@40k+ want at least 30K+ miles)
Cost: 30%-35% over new stock replacements (rotor & pads)
No noise
Brake Dust not very important
C6 Z51 Brake Upgrade??

 

Do the C6 Z51 Rotors and Brackets - you will not regret it at all - Thoroughly bleed your brakes

Everything about them are a plus and exactly what you are wanting

Thanks,Matt

 

I just ordered the following:

Z51 Caliper Brackets
DBA Std Series Slotted Z51 Rotors
StopTech Street Performance Pads

Opps! It is costing $679 for the Z51 Brake parts. If I had not upgraded to Z51, I could have had the same brand parts for a total of $314. Oh well, spent a little more than I intended; but I am sure I am going to like my new brakes.

I got the best prices I could find on the net at KNS Brakes and GMPARTSGIANT.

I probably could have saved $50 - $125 on some used Z51 brackets; but did not want to spend the extra time finding a good deal.

 

DRM used to sell a bigger brake rotor setup for the C5s. Not sure how it compares to the C6 Z51 rotor size but probably similar. I suspect you will see some improvement but the calipers will be the same and you will still have same issues with them.

Bill

 

You are in good shape. The last important item is the brake fluid. For your purposes Superblue should do just fine.

 

Unfortunately the Z51 rotor is an odd size so they cost more than the larger C6 Z06 rotors. You might want to replace your caliper bracket bolts, they are rated as single use but I know a lot people re-use them. You might add "apply locktite to caliper bracket bolts" to your pre-track event checklist.


Enjoy the new setup.

 

Do not forget about your tires. A stickier tire will decrease your stopping distance and extra braking force is meaningless if the tires can't handle it.

 

KC,

Thanks for the Heads Up on the bolts.

I did not know that.

I don't suppose I could have gone with C6Z06 rotors?

I have Lewis-5 Flared fenders and I am running wheels & tires slightly bigger than C6Z06 stock.

Oh well, the Z51 will be a nice improvement.