C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

C6 base ZR1 Brake upgrade

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 25, 2018 | 01:05 AM
  #1  
Osh63's Avatar
Osh63
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Default C6 base ZR1 Brake upgrade

Grabbed a deal on brand new ZR1 calipers to upgrade my 2009 base c6, my question is will 19x9.5 front and 20x10 rear rims fit with the upgrade. WWC style 947 says they fit with "custom brake upgrades" but I'm not felling comfy based on some of what I have read here. Need some guidance as I increased the hp and really need to stop!

any help is appreciated!
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2018 | 07:12 AM
  #2  
Dano523's Avatar
Dano523
Race Director
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,505
Likes: 3,634
Default

Originally Posted by Osh63
Grabbed a deal on brand new ZR1 calipers to upgrade my 2009 base c6, my question is will 19x9.5 front and 20x10 rear rims fit with the upgrade. WWC style 947 says they fit with "custom brake upgrades" but I'm not felling comfy based on some of what I have read here. Need some guidance as I increased the hp and really need to stop!

any help is appreciated!

Semi wasting your time,

Hence brakes will only be as good as the grip of the tire, and when you have too much brake grip, all you end up doing is getting into the ABS with the brakes trying too lock up with less pedal pressure isntead.


So yes, you can get after market rims in 19 front/20 back, and that the inside of the webbing will clear the out side of the calipers without spacer as well. Due to the fender wheel well areas, still going to be limited to about 255/30r19 front, 295/25r20 rear on the rim width's you noted.

As for rotors, don't see you getting the OEM brakes hot enough to justify the carbon fiber discs at over $1k a pop each, so standard iron two piece rotors would be fine.

And to be blunt again, what your really going to end up with, is just getting into the ABS with about 1/3 less brake pedal pressure, short of running something like R6 type track tires (up to temp) to get the needed tire grip isntead. Hell, the brake system is still going to be over kill even with R888's in base size tires.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2018 | 07:53 AM
  #3  
Osh63's Avatar
Osh63
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Default Thanks Dano523

I get everything you are saying and appreciate your help. I plan to move to a wider CCW wheel and tire set up with a widebody kit, pfadt stage 2 suspension, heads, cam, throttle body and intake. I track the car 2 to 3 times a month and dont mind changing pads and rotors on the stock set but as my lap times are getting much better and the car faster braking at tracks like Lime Rock and NJMP gets a bit hairy. So the solution will be short lived as once the investment is made she will be come a trailer queen
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2018 | 08:17 AM
  #4  
Dano523's Avatar
Dano523
Race Director
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,505
Likes: 3,634
Default

No worries, but keep in mind that even the ZR1 calipers are value engineered for GM, and not in the same league as Brembo race calipers instead. Hence would not even think about putting the ZRI system on until you wide body the car, to allow you run wider tires as well.

Also, just a FYI, and when you start going to better grip tire, change your wheel hubs out to SKF race hubs isntead. The oems are fine for slinging a car around an auto cross track with stock Dot tires, but give up the ghost too fast with track tires (even in stock sizes).

As for wide body the base, or just selling it to pick up a Z06, all depends the direction you want to go. Hence Z06 has an aluminum frame and is stiffer and lighter than the base frame to start with. Since it already comes with the LS7, lot cheaper to mod that motor to get to breath up to 7K, then it would be to build the LS3 into a larger displacement motor isntead. Hence for track use, the higher the motor will rev-out to, the easy its to use for road course use instead.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2018 | 11:12 AM
  #5  
jaredtxrx's Avatar
jaredtxrx
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 199
From: TX
Default

The wheels fitting depends on the wheel diameter, offset, and wheel design. You will want to contact the wheel seller on brake clearance and then do some measuring to be sure.

The wheels will fit the car no doubt, but clearing the brakes is tricky without knowing the wheel measurements.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2018 | 05:57 PM
  #6  
timd38's Avatar
timd38
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Great brake! regular Z06 brakes stayed on my car for one track event, the bought Wilwoods, but would get the ZR-1 brakes in heartbeat. Doing work on a Z06 Carbon this weekend and it has those great brakes on it.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2018 | 10:49 AM
  #7  
MYCoupe's Avatar
MYCoupe
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Default

My suggestion is to get the widebody kit put on before you go upgrading the brakes and wheels. For a widebody you'll want 19x10 up front and 20x12 in the back. Easiest (and maybe cheapest) is to get a set of GM Cup wheels as they are designed to clear the ZR1 carbon ceramic brakes. By the way I upgraded to ZR1 brakes on my GS so speaking from experience (I just didn't have to do the widebody conversion).



Last edited by MYCoupe; Apr 26, 2018 at 10:55 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2018 | 12:38 AM
  #8  
Lexicon's Avatar
Lexicon
Racer
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 426
Likes: 11
From: Kennewick WA
Default

What else was needed other than the rotors and calipers? Are there different brackets needed? I am considering adding the zr1 c6 brakes to my base C6 but want to know exactly what it takes.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 First Look: Everything You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-8

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
Old Dec 7, 2018 | 08:22 AM
  #9  
Turbo6TA's Avatar
Turbo6TA
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,151
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

I am happy with the stock Z06 brakes that came standard on my 2011 GS .... but

I have always wished for a set of the ZR1 brakes, but I was under the impression that those massive ZR1 ceramic brake rotors where very very very expensive.

Just gotta ask ..... What does just one ZR1 front rotor cost ? ?
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2018 | 12:40 PM
  #10  
jaredtxrx's Avatar
jaredtxrx
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 199
From: TX
Default

Originally Posted by Turbo6TA
I am happy with the stock Z06 brakes that came standard on my 2011 GS .... but

I have always wished for a set of the ZR1 brakes, but I was under the impression that those massive ZR1 ceramic brake rotors where very very very expensive.

Just gotta ask ..... What does just one ZR1 front rotor cost ? ?
$1,114.00 a piece at Rock Auto. But you can put iron rotors in there if you also change the pads. Lots of people have made that switch.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2018 | 01:26 PM
  #11  
Turbo6TA's Avatar
Turbo6TA
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,151
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

Thank's for the info
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2018 | 06:30 PM
  #12  
MYCoupe's Avatar
MYCoupe
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Default

Originally Posted by Lexicon
What else was needed other than the rotors and calipers? Are there different brackets needed? I am considering adding the zr1 c6 brakes to my base C6 but want to know exactly what it takes.
Nothing else needed other than the rotors, calipers and brake pads from the ZR1. Adding these brakes to a base C6 will definitely entail some sort of custom wheel to clear the calipers up front.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2018 | 07:55 PM
  #13  
Turbo6TA's Avatar
Turbo6TA
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,151
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

Originally Posted by jaredtxrx

$1,114.00 a piece at Rock Auto. But you can put iron rotors in there if you also change the pads. Lots of people have made that switch.
Jeeeze ... That just short of the price of a round-trip airline ticket from the US to the Philippines .... I'll pass
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2018 | 09:25 PM
  #14  
MTPZ06's Avatar
MTPZ06
Team Owner
Supporting Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,601
From: Honolulu HI
Default

Originally Posted by Turbo6TA
I am happy with the stock Z06 brakes that came standard on my 2011 GS .... but

I have always wished for a set of the ZR1 brakes, but I was under the impression that those massive ZR1 ceramic brake rotors where very very very expensive.

Just gotta ask ..... What does just one ZR1 front rotor cost ? ?
Originally Posted by Turbo6TA
Jeeeze ... That just short of the price of a round-trip airline ticket from the US to the Philippines .... I'll pass
If you're just after the "look" of the lager brakes...probably the most cost effective way is to pick up some take-offs for ZR1 calipers and then buy the iron conversion rotors (rings & hats) rather than CC rotors.

You can buy all (4) iron rotors & hats for ~$2500. Still expensive, but less than the CCB's.
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2021 | 09:33 PM
  #15  
yaba94070's Avatar
yaba94070
4th Gear
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by MYCoupe
My suggestion is to get the widebody kit put on before you go upgrading the brakes and wheels. For a widebody you'll want 19x10 up front and 20x12 in the back. Easiest (and maybe cheapest) is to get a set of GM Cup wheels as they are designed to clear the ZR1 carbon ceramic brakes. By the way I upgraded to ZR1 brakes on my GS so speaking from experience (I just didn't have to do the widebody conversion).


did you upgrade the brake master or booster? Direct bolt on I’m assuming? How about lines?
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2021 | 10:03 PM
  #16  
Turbo6TA's Avatar
Turbo6TA
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,151
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

yaba94070 ...

Jeeeze ... You have been a member of the Corvette Forum for almost 15 years now, and only have 4 total posts.

That may be a record !

Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C6 base ZR1 Brake upgrade





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:10 PM.

story-0
2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 First Look: Everything You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Is the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 the best Silverado yet?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-16 08:01:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers

Slideshow: 5 best and 5 worst Corvette daily drivers

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 10:32:13


VIEW MORE
story-2
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained

Slideshow: The headlights of every Corvette generation explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 10:17:14


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-5
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE