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Z51 Brake Calipers

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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 10:47 PM
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Default Z51 Brake Calipers

Are there any problems with installing C5 Z06 brake calipers on a C6 Z51? Are they a direct bolt-on with the larger rotors? Thanks.
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Old Jul 13, 2007 | 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Silverton
Are there any problems with installing C5 Z06 brake calipers on a C6 Z51? Are they a direct bolt-on with the larger rotors? Thanks.
yes they are a direct bolt-on if you use the Z51 brackets. The pistons on the rears are slightly larger, but you won't notice a difference in day to day driving. The lettering on the front calipers is smaller on the C5 ones though.
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Old Jul 13, 2007 | 12:56 PM
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I thought the calipers were identical; I was mainly worried about capatability with the Z51 bracket and the large rotors. Are the front pistons the same? Do you know why the rear pistons are larger? Would that throw off the front-to-rear balance? This is important because these calipers (I'll use the DRM SS pistons in the front) will be used for HPDEs. Thanks.
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Old Jul 13, 2007 | 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Silverton
I thought the calipers were identical; I was mainly worried about capatability with the Z51 bracket and the large rotors. Are the front pistons the same? Do you know why the rear pistons are larger? Would that throw off the front-to-rear balance? This is important because these calipers (I'll use the DRM SS pistons in the front) will be used for HPDEs. Thanks.
They are physically identical on the outside, but the piston is 42mm vs. 45mm on the C5 and standard C6. The front pistons are the same. I believe it has been written on here that the engineers did it for better brake feel, but I know many members have upgraded to the Z51 brackets and rotors without changing the rears. Not sure how many do HPDE's though. I myself am currently running the standard rear caliper with the larger piston and rear Z51 brackets/rotors, but I have front C6Z calipers and thought the larger piston might be better in the short time until I get my rear C6Z calipers in.
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Old Jul 13, 2007 | 04:09 PM
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Since the Z51 rotors are bigger, the leverage effect requires a smaller piston, I think.........
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Old Jul 13, 2007 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by timd38
Since the Z51 rotors are bigger, the leverage effect requires a smaller piston, I think.........
exactly my thinking, but the fronts are larger too, so that kind of throws that off a little.

I think the EBFD really takes care of most of it.
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Old Jul 14, 2007 | 01:04 AM
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Randy at DRM has posted that they offer a master cylinder with a brake bias system that is used to increase the rear braking performance relative to the front. It would seem that the larger pistons in the rear might be a good thing.
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Old Jul 14, 2007 | 08:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Silverton
Randy at DRM has posted that they offer a master cylinder with a brake bias system that is used to increase the rear braking performance relative to the front. It would seem that the larger pistons in the rear might be a good thing.
I happen to agree with you, but that being said, why would GM add another rear caliper part number if they didn't need to? Trust me when I say adding a part number at GM is a big deal.
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 02:18 AM
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I have someone that wants Z51 rotors installed on a conventionl C6, it appears that I need to order a set of caliper brackets for a Z51 in order to mount the front rotors in place. The rears rotors are a direct drop in fit is that correct?
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 07:56 AM
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Originally Posted by tjwong
I have someone that wants Z51 rotors installed on a conventionl C6, it appears that I need to order a set of caliper brackets for a Z51 in order to mount the front rotors in place. The rears rotors are a direct drop in fit is that correct?
You need front and rear brackets to go with the rotors. I think Gene at gmpartshouse.com has them on sale.
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by timd38
You need front and rear brackets to go with the rotors. I think Gene at gmpartshouse.com has them on sale.
Cool, thanks for the tip. I have a local dealer that I work with that supplies my shop with all our GMPD needs. We get GM parts for a little over what they pay so it works out cheaper than buying from Gene or from GM Parts Direct especially when you figure in their shipping costs.
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by corvette pilot
They are physically identical on the outside, but the piston is 42mm vs. 45mm on the C5 and standard C6. The front pistons are the same. I believe it has been written on here that the engineers did it for better brake feel, but I know many members have upgraded to the Z51 brackets and rotors without changing the rears. Not sure how many do HPDE's though. I myself am currently running the standard rear caliper with the larger piston and rear Z51 brackets/rotors, but I have front C6Z calipers and thought the larger piston might be better in the short time until I get my rear C6Z calipers in.
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 07:03 PM
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Default Using C5 Z06 calipers on a C6 Z51, what lines?

I just ordered a set (4) of C5 Z06 calipers for my C6 Z51. I want to put on Stainless braided brake lines while I'm at it. What lines will fit this combo?
Do I get stainless lines for a C6 Z51 or a C5 Z06? or are they the same?
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 08:41 PM
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get the C6 lines. The C5 are a little different.
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Old Jul 16, 2007 | 08:14 AM
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What about wheel fit? I have heard of spacers being needed but not sure if that applies to this combination.

I also ordered the Hawk ceramic pads for C5 Z06.
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Old Jul 21, 2007 | 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by dtwalkerfl
What about wheel fit? I have heard of spacers being needed but not sure if that applies to this combination.

I also ordered the Hawk ceramic pads for C5 Z06.
wheel fit is only an issue if going to C6 Z06 calipers.
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