Dave S

So I've had my '05 Z51 since new & figure it's time to change pads & maybe rotors this winter (just turned 48K miles). Started to check different websites to see what's available; prices; etc. First thing that's confusing me is that there doesn't seem to be separate listings for Z51 pads vs. non-Z51 pads. There are certainly separate listings for Z51 vs. non-Z51 rotors, but not the pads themselves (checked Rock Auto, Auto Anything, Advance Auto, etc). Is it correct that the pads are the same & only the rotors are different?

EVRose

You wont find "Corvette Z51" listed anywhere because Z51 is not a model. Any brake pad listed for your year will fit since the calipers are the same weather you have Z51 or not.

Dano523

The Z-51 performance option brake pads (J55) are the same size as the base model pads (JL9), but the Z-51 option pads are a great deal more aggressive over the base pads instead. Hence they offer more initial bite and better over all feed back then the base pads instead. Also at the same time, they will dust a lot more, and wear themselves and the rotors out over base pads faster too.

So the J55 HD front pads are gm#19152862 , and the rear J-55 HD pads are GM#89026853







As for aftermarket HD pads over the OEM J55 pads, this becomes a grey area with heat range intent. The OEM pads have a heat range for both DD and autocross, while some of the after market HD pads to the same grip at the j55 pads, have a lower heat range use instead (will work for DD, but may burn them up if you are auto-crossing instead).

schizcat

Yup. Do a search for the AC Delco part #'s and look for them on Amazon. Cross check them with some of the aftermarket stuff. Also remember what you will be doing with the car. Road race, track, street, etc.

Adam@Amp'dAutosport.com

Yes! If you want a quality aftermarket pad take a look at the Carbotech 1521 pad. low dust stops like OEM if not better and last longer. 100% non corrosive dust will not harm your paint or wheels.
If interested let me know I will be happy to help you.

Carbotech™ Bobcat 1521™ The Carbotech Bobcat 1521™ is our high performance street compound that is our most successful compound. The Bobcat compound is known for its awesome release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. Like our AX™ & XP™ line of compounds, Bobcat 1521™ is a Ceramic based friction material offering minimal rotor damage and non-corrosive dust. Bobcat 1521™ offers outstanding performance, even when cold, low dusting and low noise with an excellent initial bite. This compound’s virtually perfect linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Bobcat 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 900°F. Bobcat 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle, police cruiser. The Bobcat 1521™ compound has been found to last two-three times longer than OE pads you can purchase at a dealership or national retailer. That’s one of the beauties of Carbotech Ceramic brake compounds. Bobcat 1521™ is NOT recommended for any track use.


F:$148 R:$128 Less 5% forum discount.

Dave S

Aha.....perfect answer to my question. I had seen the J55 & JL9 references on some listings but was unsure what they meant....now I know. Thanks....

HOXXOH

Back in '04 when the '05's were introduced, the aftermarket suppliers were only aware that the Z51 option included larger rotors along with some other parts and therefore called all non-Z51 optioned cars a "base" model. Most all of them still don't know that the J55 brakes were a stand-alone option, nor do they know that starting in the '07 model year all F55 optioned cars used the same J55 brakes.
When you called your car "my '05 Z51", you made the same assumption, which is why EVRose brought it to your attention. It's also why, you should not refer to rotors as non-Z51 rotors, since about 20% of non Z51 option cars had J55 brakes.

artinist

educational thread. thanks

Cor430vette

Were lucky to have Dano he is always willing to help and provide great information. Thanks Dano...

SC-C6

Thx, Dano you have been a great help.