Base vs Z51 brake question...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,116
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From: Northwest, AR
Base vs Z51 brake question...
Are the larger driller rotors the only difference? Or are the calipers different too?
What all do I need to buy to convert a base C6 to Z51 brakes?
Thanks.
What all do I need to buy to convert a base C6 to Z51 brakes?
Thanks.
Safety Car
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Le Mans Master
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From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
Former Vendor
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From: Loganville GA
Race Director
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Northwest, AR
Shopdog is always on the money. BUT... If the Z51 brakes do not perform as well as the base brakes, why would GM put them in a performance package? Are there any stopping distance tests comparing the two?
However.... if the base brakes are better, I will keep the cash in my pocket!
However.... if the base brakes are better, I will keep the cash in my pocket!
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CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Tucson Arizona
The Godfather of the C6 Dave Hill was quoted saying the drilled rotors are "just for looks."
I don't have the mechanical expertise of Shopdog but I'd suggest upgrading to a better brake fluid like Motul 600, installing stainless steel brake lines and possibly upgrading your brake pads. See how that works for you. If you find the brakes aren't working sufficiently for your purposes then you could pursue further brake upgrades.
I don't have the mechanical expertise of Shopdog but I'd suggest upgrading to a better brake fluid like Motul 600, installing stainless steel brake lines and possibly upgrading your brake pads. See how that works for you. If you find the brakes aren't working sufficiently for your purposes then you could pursue further brake upgrades.
Team Owner
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From: Short Hills, NJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Los Angeles
The difference is PRIMARILY cosmetic. The Z51 is NOT inferior. In fact it probably has a slight advantage due to the larger swept area on the slightly larger rotor. Calipers are the same but the brackets move them out about 1/4 inch for the larger rotors. Unless you track, there will be no difference in your brakes with or without drilled, slotted or DOT 4 brake fluid.
The problem with the Z51 brakes on the track is that they will indeed crack easier because of the holes. But this depends on your driving style. The real issue is that they are much more expensive to replace and if you track, they will be replaced much more often. The beauty of the base rotor is that there are many aftermarket manufacturers because it's been around since the C5 and they are plentiful and cheap. Brake rotors, just like brake pads are consumable items.
If you don't track don't worry about the performance. Buy what you like for its looks.
The problem with the Z51 brakes on the track is that they will indeed crack easier because of the holes. But this depends on your driving style. The real issue is that they are much more expensive to replace and if you track, they will be replaced much more often. The beauty of the base rotor is that there are many aftermarket manufacturers because it's been around since the C5 and they are plentiful and cheap. Brake rotors, just like brake pads are consumable items.
If you don't track don't worry about the performance. Buy what you like for its looks.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,253
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From: Short Hills, NJ
I would think that all of those little holes/open area would theoretically decrease the size of the larger rotors to that of the smaller stock ones maybe.
Of course that would still allow them some possible cooling and gas release advantages as well a small leverage (caliper grabbing further out on the rotor?) advantage over the stock ones.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,430
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From: Whidbey Island WA
Most of us have read the GM rotor testing released by MAJZ06. That did show a slight benefit in stopping distance with drilled rotors versus a non drilled rotor of the same size and design. The Z51 also has more aggressive pads with better initial bite. My guess would be they would garner most of the 9 ft shorter stopping distance claimed by GM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Hugetown Texas
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
The best (non-ZO6) setup would be Z51 calipers and Z51 sized solid rotors with aluminum hats for track use. You will not suffer cracking due to holes and can easily change rotors when needed without getting new hats. The aluminum hats will save unsprung weight and you can enjoy the better bite from the larger dimensions of the Z51.
Of course, that begins the slippery track slope to ZO6 brakes, then to dedicated brakes from Brembo, StopTech, Rotura, Willwood, ad infinitum.
Of course, that begins the slippery track slope to ZO6 brakes, then to dedicated brakes from Brembo, StopTech, Rotura, Willwood, ad infinitum.
