I disagree with that as I found C5 brakes lacking. It would be a nice upgrade on a street car. If you're going for track time go with something better than C6 Z06 brakes.

 

You were able to fade stock brakes on the street? How? Repeated strong braking isn't a normal street maneuver. A simple pad upgrade makes it damn near impossible unless you're driving like a crazy person.

I switched from stock size rotors to a wilwood BBK setup and found absolutely zero difference on the street.

 

Yes mountain run with pad upgrade. Brembo 4 piston on 13" rotors was very much worth it.

 

/shrug

I'd recommend downshifting for downhill runs, tends to keep the brakes happier; regardless, a pad upgrade is all you need, as evidenced by the fact that your rotors are only a teensy bit bigger than stock. C6Z rotors are a hair under 14", significantly larger - and significantly heavier.

 

I was and actually the rotors were the same size 322mm/12.8". Feel was just never great on C5 calipers. I tried Hawk and Performance Friction pads. Loved the same Performance Friction pads on my C4 with the 96 PBR calipers and I wasn't pushing the C5 that hard.

 

So it was just you not being happy with the feel, rather than a need to get big brakes to avoid fade, right?

 

Both

 

The rotors are the same size, and a better caliper design isn't going to prevent fade, so to prevent fade you changed out the pads, and to improve feel you changed out the calipers. Right?

 

I have been swamped projects lately and haven't had much free time. I don't think I can brake the stock knuckles doing what I'm doing. I'm in Jax Florida which is flat, the roads are straight and my car is an automatic, however if I'm ever in that deep, mechanically, for whatever reason I may swap the knuckles.

In the beginning of this, I was more concerned about the tie rod mount arm possibly providing better steering (sharper turning radius and better road feel via a shorter arm).

I originally wanted the C6 Z06 brakes because I thought the stock ones looked tiny with the C6 Z06 rims. After driving on I-295 & 95 where traffic often flows between 75-80mph, making frequent lane changes and maneuvering out of blind spots, I noticed substantial brake fade.
That is when I decided to pull the trigger and purchase a set. After installing them I noticed a huge difference. Not just in brake fade but in the the response to the brake pedal. These things really grab.

The un-sprung weight difference isn't much. I don't hear anyone complaining about them. When carbon rotors become more affordable I may get a set. I noticed brake technology has come a long way since '97, even for family sedans. The Corvette is supposed to be a performance car so why not keep up with the times.

 

I wouldn't say significantly heaver but the wheels and tires are because they are significantly wider. With the rest of my suspension being essentially C6 Z06 why leave out the brakes?

 

Because it's added cost you don't need. Wanna spend the money? Go for it. I'm not here to tell you it's a bad brake kit, just saying you don't need big brakes unless you're at the track. Or for looks. If the looks are worth the cost then it's an easy decision.

 

The whole car is an added cost I don't need but I like it.

 

Then fantastic! Put on em big brakes. They do look way better.

 

OE replacement pads on the Brembos, they were the Porsche 993 Big Red calipers. I added heads and cam, and never a fade problem. Next owner tracked it at Little Dega and loved the brakes on the OE pads.

 

I like the way the Brimbo's com off for service. I have the earlier PBR calipers with the pins. The pins are made of some really soft steel. I will probably go with one piece pads if I ever wear out the padlets.