Brake upgrade
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 77
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
Brake upgrade
I need some help guys. I tried searching and couldn't find the answer.
My question is....
Can I upgrade to Z06 rotors and calipers on by base C6 without any modification?
Thanks!!!
My question is....
Can I upgrade to Z06 rotors and calipers on by base C6 without any modification?
Thanks!!!
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
As noted, wheel fitment will be a consideration. FWIW know you can do quite-a-few things to improve the effectiveness of your stock brakes...more aggressive pads, better solid/slotted rotors, stainless steel brake lines, stainless steel pistons, improved brake fluid, brake air ducting and a better (adjustable bias) master cylinder come to mind. Depending on how you use your car and what you're looking for in a brake "upgrade" I suggest you at least explore some options other than Z06 brakes. You might check Doug Rippie Motorsports or LG Motorsports to see what they might suggest just to compare. Good luck with whatever you decide on.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
Is this just for looks?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,209
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From: Yorktown Heights NY
As noted, wheel fitment will be a consideration. FWIW know you can do quite-a-few things to improve the effectiveness of your stock brakes...more aggressive pads, better solid/slotted rotors, stainless steel brake lines, stainless steel pistons, improved brake fluid, brake air ducting and a better (adjustable bias) master cylinder come to mind. Depending on how you use your car and what you're looking for in a brake "upgrade" I suggest you at least explore some options other than Z06 brakes. You might check Doug Rippie Motorsports or LG Motorsports to see what they might suggest just to compare. Good luck with whatever you decide on.
I have basically done ALL the upgrades he lists and now my Z51 brakes are solid as a rock for hard threshold braking on track days. I've probably got about $1,300 in the brakes with front rotors, track pads, lines, cooling ducts and SS pistons. Did all the installs myself with my buddy who's a mechanic. All great incremental upgrades over the past two seasons, but I feel like I'm there now.
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Joined: May 2013
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
What Wayne said... I have basically done ALL the upgrades he lists and now my Z51 brakes are solid as a rock for hard threshold braking on track days. I've probably got about $1,300 in the brakes with front rotors, track pads, lines, cooling ducts and SS pistons. Did all the installs myself with my buddy who's a mechanic. All great incremental upgrades over the past two seasons, but I feel like I'm there now.
I have basically done ALL the upgrades he lists and now my Z51 brakes are solid as a rock for hard threshold braking on track days. I've probably got about $1,300 in the brakes with front rotors, track pads, lines, cooling ducts and SS pistons. Did all the installs myself with my buddy who's a mechanic. All great incremental upgrades over the past two seasons, but I feel like I'm there now.Corvette Stories
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Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
Ok just a word of caution the brake pads for the ZO6 caliper are a lot more money than the regular caliper. They will make a nice improvement though. If you decide to go ahead with the project I will be happy to help you out with some great street pads.
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Joined: May 2013
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
I will like to keep the brake dust down. Probably don't need 3 piece pads, I can go with single pad. What kind of cost am I looking at?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
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save yourself a ton of money and get the base calipers powder coated and put slotted/drilled rotors and pads... You don't track so good pads will make an improvement.... I went cheap and bought the brakemotive package for $208 and they are a perfect upgrade for me. Looks 100% better than my rusted OEM rotors and stops perfectly. I went cheap and am happy, if you don't want to go cheap you can still do it for a ton less than Z06 package. Powder coating is only about $250 for all 4 calipers. 
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 77
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
save yourself a ton of money and get the base calipers powder coated and put slotted/drilled rotors and pads... You don't track so good pads will make an improvement.... I went cheap and bought the brakemotive package for $208 and they are a perfect upgrade for me. Looks 100% better than my rusted OEM rotors and stops perfectly. I went cheap and am happy, if you don't want to go cheap you can still do it for a ton less than Z06 package. Powder coating is only about $250 for all 4 calipers.
Getting the existing calipers powder coated and getting new rotors, will cost close to the same. So why not go ahead and upgrade calipers??
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From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
The Carbotech™ 1521™ is our high performance street compound. The 1521™ compound is known for its release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. 1521™ is also a very low dusting and low noise compound with an excellent initial bite. This compound's excellent linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Carbotech™ 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 800°F (426°C+). 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle or fleet vehicle. Carbotech™ 1521™ is NOT recommended for ANY track use.
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
The 1521 pad in a 1 piece design is $509 total front and rear.
The Carbotech™ 1521™ is our high performance street compound. The 1521™ compound is known for its release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. 1521™ is also a very low dusting and low noise compound with an excellent initial bite. This compound's excellent linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Carbotech™ 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 800°F (426°C+). 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle or fleet vehicle. Carbotech™ 1521™ is NOT recommended for ANY track use.
The Carbotech™ 1521™ is our high performance street compound. The 1521™ compound is known for its release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. 1521™ is also a very low dusting and low noise compound with an excellent initial bite. This compound's excellent linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Carbotech™ 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 800°F (426°C+). 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle or fleet vehicle. Carbotech™ 1521™ is NOT recommended for ANY track use.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Norman OK
5mm spacer will work, BUT you will also need the stock Gumby wheel and the extend-o-lug nuts as well unless you are willing to put longer studs on the car. The Gumby wheel is the only stock one that the Z06 caliper will fit behind on a regular C6.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 310
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Z06 stuff you say $900, carbotech pads $509 Total $1409
BIG DIFFERENCE
Even if you don't go carbotech, hawk pads are around $200 so total would still be $1100 compared to $458....
Last edited by NY3quartrs5-oh; Oct 24, 2013 at 04:09 PM.
