I'm interested in upgrading the brake system on my C5 Vert. Is there a difference between standard calipers and Z06 calipers? There are a lot of offers to sell new OEM Z06 calipers. I like the red color, but wonder if the difference is only the color before I buy a set. My car has ProCharger kit to about 525 RHP, so thinking I may need more braking ability, but car is mainly a street driver, not track.

 

Only difference between standard c5 calipers and c5 zo6 calipers is the red paint.

 

^^^^^
True story.

 

But the Z06 uses a very special red "caliper" paint.

 

Paint your calipers red and you've got it!

 

Thanks to All of You - Saved some money!

 

If you want an upgrade, put C6-Z06 brakes on. Pretty much bolt on

 

I would suggest that the C5 calipers are adequate for a street-driven car. If you want "more braking ability", all you really need to do is change your pads. Hawk HP+ pads will give you amazing stopping ability (in the words of my father-in-law, "keep your lips closed or your dentures will fly out!"), but may be noisy until they heat up; Hawk HPS is a good compromise on stopping power and quietness. If you change out your pads, you might also consider changing your fluid to a high-performance brake fluid like Motul 600 or Ate Type 200. It's good practice to do that regularly anyway, and a high performance brake fluid will match the performance of a better pad.

Higher performance braking systems are designed to either accomodate or reduce the build-up of heat as happens in repeated, high-energy application - as you would encounter on a track. Let's face it, on the street, if your brakes work well enough to activate the ABS, it's not your brakes that are the limiting factor in stopping, it's the tires. Upgrades won't make you stop quicker; they may help you modulate your braking force more easily, and will certainly enable you to maintain braking performance over repeated heavy application. But for street driving, you'll be adequately served with the stock calipers and rotors.

Of course, there's always the bling factor of 4-piston calipers and drilled and/or slotted rotors.

 

Just paint

 

Yes, just paint. But, keep in mind that the OEM Z06 calipers are powder coated. Not the same as just hand painting.

 

I bought the Z06 Red Calipers from GM. Everything new inside - powder coated. About $400 but you just bolt em on and your done. Since I was in there I also went with ss brake hoses and new rotors. That should be good for a few years. My calipers looked really bad. Old and corroded.