Brake Replacement
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 552
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From: western NC, USA
Brake Replacement
I have an 08 Base with Z51 at 52k miles. Going to have to do a brake job soon.
I've been looking around at what is offered, which is a lot. So many offerings get a little confusing. I don't do any track or racing of any kind, just street.
I've noticed a company called Brake Performance and it looks like they have what I need as far as rotors and pads at $462 (2018 prices) for all four wheels, and the rotors are slotted as well as drilled. Don't know that I really need the extra benefit of slotted but considering it (they do look cool). What do you know about this company?
At 10 years old I'm likely going to go ahead and put new or rebuilt calipers on and replace the hoses as well since it will be a long time before I need to do this again and the calipers could become unsafe (leak) before the next rotor/pad job.
I need a source for the "Corvette" logo calipers. Or, since I'm pretty mechanically inclined (always done my own mechanical work) I was thinking about ordering rebuild kits and doing the calipers myself.
Was thinking about putting steel reinforced hoses on instead of the OEM, if there is any real gain in that.
I've looked at other prices and finding Z51 rotors as cheap as $58 for the drilled kind at local parts houses. In other words I can get by a whole lot cheaper by just buying what I need and not stepping up to better stuff.
I'll likely go with ceramic pads since my OEM pads dust a lot.
I know I'm going to get a lot of suggestions but I'm just curious what's out there that would convince me to step up to something NEW and really cool, but if there hasn't been anything new in the last few years I won't be inspired to make a big changes. I won't consider the $3000 two-piece rotor systems. I'm not willing to go that high just for something like that.
Update: 5/3/18
I believe I will go with the Centric rotors. I will likely go with the Carbotech Bobcat 1521 pads. Still have time to make a decision on the calipers and hoses. I just checked my pads and believe I can make it thru the summer, and do it in the fall. Thanks everyone.
I've been looking around at what is offered, which is a lot. So many offerings get a little confusing. I don't do any track or racing of any kind, just street.
I've noticed a company called Brake Performance and it looks like they have what I need as far as rotors and pads at $462 (2018 prices) for all four wheels, and the rotors are slotted as well as drilled. Don't know that I really need the extra benefit of slotted but considering it (they do look cool). What do you know about this company?
At 10 years old I'm likely going to go ahead and put new or rebuilt calipers on and replace the hoses as well since it will be a long time before I need to do this again and the calipers could become unsafe (leak) before the next rotor/pad job.
I need a source for the "Corvette" logo calipers. Or, since I'm pretty mechanically inclined (always done my own mechanical work) I was thinking about ordering rebuild kits and doing the calipers myself.
Was thinking about putting steel reinforced hoses on instead of the OEM, if there is any real gain in that.
I've looked at other prices and finding Z51 rotors as cheap as $58 for the drilled kind at local parts houses. In other words I can get by a whole lot cheaper by just buying what I need and not stepping up to better stuff.
I'll likely go with ceramic pads since my OEM pads dust a lot.
I know I'm going to get a lot of suggestions but I'm just curious what's out there that would convince me to step up to something NEW and really cool, but if there hasn't been anything new in the last few years I won't be inspired to make a big changes. I won't consider the $3000 two-piece rotor systems. I'm not willing to go that high just for something like that.
Update: 5/3/18
I believe I will go with the Centric rotors. I will likely go with the Carbotech Bobcat 1521 pads. Still have time to make a decision on the calipers and hoses. I just checked my pads and believe I can make it thru the summer, and do it in the fall. Thanks everyone.
Last edited by RobJoy; May 3, 2018 at 06:14 PM. Reason: add
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If you are thinking cheap auto zone Duralast ceramic pads or the ceramic pads that come with the Brake performance kit, then your wasting our time. Hence they don't have the initial bite, feed back, or heat range of the J55 HD OEM pads,and such is not something that you want to give up to start with.
If your thinking Carbotech 1521 ceramic pads, then good choice instead.
Note, the OEM J55 HD semi metalic pads are gm#19152862 and gm#19152862, so don't confuse them with the JL9 base pads that are the same size, but are less aggressive instead.
As for the calipers, if they are not leaking now, then leave them alone. Same goes for changing the brake lines too. Hence if you drain the fluid out of the system with caliper and hose swaps, you will need a Tech II to cycle the abs valves and pump to get the air out of the system.
As for the rotors from Brake Performance (would need rotors CBFR-62086 and CBFR-62096 for the J55 brakes) could be fine, or could end up with rotors that are not machine squared to begin with, and have to play the exchange game isntead.
So on that note, you can pick up OEM F55 rotors for less money that even the Brake Perfomace rotors.
Fronts,
Backs,
To bottom line it, you have the J55 brake system with HD pads on the car, not the Base JL9 system with smaller rotors and less aggressive base pads . Hence the J55 brakes are a lot better than the base model brakes, so don't move backwards by trying to JL9, the F55 brake system isntead.
As for power flushing the system with all new flesh fluid when you are done, you really don't need motul 600 for street use (dry boiling point of 560), and would be fine with Pennzoil dot 4 instead (dry boiling point of 510).
As for power flushing the brake fluid with all new fluid for street use, every two years, or after each autocross/HPDE event instead (which every comes first). In just a few years, the brake fluid has wicked enough moisture out of the air, to really water contaminate the fluid that makes a huge difference in pedal performance.
If your thinking Carbotech 1521 ceramic pads, then good choice instead.
Note, the OEM J55 HD semi metalic pads are gm#19152862 and gm#19152862, so don't confuse them with the JL9 base pads that are the same size, but are less aggressive instead.
As for the calipers, if they are not leaking now, then leave them alone. Same goes for changing the brake lines too. Hence if you drain the fluid out of the system with caliper and hose swaps, you will need a Tech II to cycle the abs valves and pump to get the air out of the system.
As for the rotors from Brake Performance (would need rotors CBFR-62086 and CBFR-62096 for the J55 brakes) could be fine, or could end up with rotors that are not machine squared to begin with, and have to play the exchange game isntead.
So on that note, you can pick up OEM F55 rotors for less money that even the Brake Perfomace rotors.
Fronts,
Backs,
To bottom line it, you have the J55 brake system with HD pads on the car, not the Base JL9 system with smaller rotors and less aggressive base pads . Hence the J55 brakes are a lot better than the base model brakes, so don't move backwards by trying to JL9, the F55 brake system isntead.
As for power flushing the system with all new flesh fluid when you are done, you really don't need motul 600 for street use (dry boiling point of 560), and would be fine with Pennzoil dot 4 instead (dry boiling point of 510).
As for power flushing the brake fluid with all new fluid for street use, every two years, or after each autocross/HPDE event instead (which every comes first). In just a few years, the brake fluid has wicked enough moisture out of the air, to really water contaminate the fluid that makes a huge difference in pedal performance.
Last edited by Dano523; May 2, 2018 at 03:51 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
About Brake Performance - based on a few reviews here several years ago I decided to try them on my daily driver (not Corvette). Definitely looked like nice parts. I paid a local shop (heavy into Corvettes and other nice cars) to install the rotors and pads so I'm confident it was done right. I bedded the pads per instructions provided. Everything worked fine but the brakes had a constant "sing" while driving. Couldn't here it in the car but if the windows were down, constant noise, especially going past a wall. Customer service was worthless.
So I was unlucky, some here had a good experience. Typical. Good luck.
So I was unlucky, some here had a good experience. Typical. Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 566
Likes: 277
From: Amarillo TX
I’m at basically the same point you are, ‘05 base coupe w/Z51 and it’s time for brakes on a. At that gets pretty spirited street action but will never see the track. I will preface by saying the parts have not been installed yet as I’m waiting on a 2 day weekend (which I rarely get!) for installation (I’m also painting calipers and need an overnight to dry).
I chose Centric high-carbon cross-drilled rotors. Centric is a quality brand with both low and high-end products. My particular rotor has painted hats and edges, holes are chamfered, etc. I chose Duraladt GT pads as they are a ferro-carbon compound and I did not want ceramic pads. Price-wise the front rotors were $80 each, rears were $67 each and the pads were $162 for both front and rear.
I chose Centric high-carbon cross-drilled rotors. Centric is a quality brand with both low and high-end products. My particular rotor has painted hats and edges, holes are chamfered, etc. I chose Duraladt GT pads as they are a ferro-carbon compound and I did not want ceramic pads. Price-wise the front rotors were $80 each, rears were $67 each and the pads were $162 for both front and rear.
Last edited by Racer1735; May 2, 2018 at 05:53 PM. Reason: updated parts prices
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 552
Likes: 58
From: western NC, USA
Tirerack
I’m at basically the same point you are, ‘05 base coupe w/Z51 and it’s time for brakes on a. At that gets pretty spirited street action but will never see the track. I will preface by sYing the parts have not been installed yet as I’m waiting on a 2 day weekend (which I rarely get!) for installation (I’m also painting calipers and need an overnight to dry).
I chose Centric high-carbon cross-drilled rotors. Centric is a quality brand with both low and high-end products. My particular rotor has painted hats and edges, holes are chamfered, etc. I chose Duraladt GT pads as they are a ferro-carbon compound and I did not want ceramic pads. Price-wise the rotors were approximately $80 each and the pads were $150 for both front and rear.
I chose Centric high-carbon cross-drilled rotors. Centric is a quality brand with both low and high-end products. My particular rotor has painted hats and edges, holes are chamfered, etc. I chose Duraladt GT pads as they are a ferro-carbon compound and I did not want ceramic pads. Price-wise the rotors were approximately $80 each and the pads were $150 for both front and rear.
Last edited by RobJoy; May 2, 2018 at 04:59 PM. Reason: add
Safety Car
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 508
From: Oshawa, Ontario
I have an 08 Base with Z51 at 52k miles. Going to have to do a brake job soon.
I've been looking around at what is offered, which is a lot. So many offerings get a little confusing. I don't do any track or racing of any kind, just street.
I've noticed a company called Brake Performance and it looks like they have what I need as far as rotors and pads at $462 (2018 prices) for all four wheels, and the rotors are slotted as well as drilled. Don't know that I really need the extra benefit of slotted but considering it (they do look cool). What do you know about this company?
At 10 years old I'm likely going to go ahead and put new or rebuilt calipers on and replace the hoses as well since it will be a long time before I need to do this again and the calipers could become unsafe (leak) before the next rotor/pad job.
I need a source for the "Corvette" logo calipers. Or, since I'm pretty mechanically inclined (always done my own mechanical work) I was thinking about ordering rebuild kits and doing the calipers myself.
Was thinking about putting steel reinforced hoses on instead of the OEM, if there is any real gain in that.
I've looked at other prices and finding Z51 rotors as cheap as $58 for the drilled kind at local parts houses. In other words I can get by a whole lot cheaper by just buying what I need and not stepping up to better stuff.
I'll likely go with ceramic pads since my OEM pads dust a lot.
I know I'm going to get a lot of suggestions but I'm just curious what's out there that would convince me to step up to something NEW and really cool, but if there hasn't been anything new in the last few years I won't be inspired to make a big changes. I won't consider the $3000 two-piece rotor systems. I'm not willing to go that high just for something like that.
I've been looking around at what is offered, which is a lot. So many offerings get a little confusing. I don't do any track or racing of any kind, just street.
I've noticed a company called Brake Performance and it looks like they have what I need as far as rotors and pads at $462 (2018 prices) for all four wheels, and the rotors are slotted as well as drilled. Don't know that I really need the extra benefit of slotted but considering it (they do look cool). What do you know about this company?
At 10 years old I'm likely going to go ahead and put new or rebuilt calipers on and replace the hoses as well since it will be a long time before I need to do this again and the calipers could become unsafe (leak) before the next rotor/pad job.
I need a source for the "Corvette" logo calipers. Or, since I'm pretty mechanically inclined (always done my own mechanical work) I was thinking about ordering rebuild kits and doing the calipers myself.
Was thinking about putting steel reinforced hoses on instead of the OEM, if there is any real gain in that.
I've looked at other prices and finding Z51 rotors as cheap as $58 for the drilled kind at local parts houses. In other words I can get by a whole lot cheaper by just buying what I need and not stepping up to better stuff.
I'll likely go with ceramic pads since my OEM pads dust a lot.
I know I'm going to get a lot of suggestions but I'm just curious what's out there that would convince me to step up to something NEW and really cool, but if there hasn't been anything new in the last few years I won't be inspired to make a big changes. I won't consider the $3000 two-piece rotor systems. I'm not willing to go that high just for something like that.
Last edited by irok; May 2, 2018 at 04:51 PM.
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Hence the point to be made, is pad sizes, both the JL9 and J55 calipers uses the same size pads per front per back calipers, but the HD Pads for the J55 are a lot more aggressive pads than the base pads, and what gives the J55 brakes the adding initial bite, better feed back, and higher working temps instead.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 873
From: Bay Area CA
Yes, both semi metallic in that sence, but the HD pads where way more aggressive that the ones used on the base model isntead .
Hence the point to be made, is pad sizes, both the JL9 and J55 calipers uses the same size pads per front per back calipers, but the HD Pads for the J55 are a lot more aggressive pads than the base pads, and what gives the J55 brakes the adding initial bite, better feed back, and higher working temps instead.
Hence the point to be made, is pad sizes, both the JL9 and J55 calipers uses the same size pads per front per back calipers, but the HD Pads for the J55 are a lot more aggressive pads than the base pads, and what gives the J55 brakes the adding initial bite, better feed back, and higher working temps instead.
This is why I replaced my pads and rotors with oem Z51 parts. I like the initial bite, no brake squeal and I never feel any brake fade on the street. Downside is they produce brake dust, but my black rims have made it more tolerable. I am not a fan of ceramic pads because of the lack of initial bite. Finally, I always flush the brake fluid when completing my brake jobs.Dano is spot on in post #2, even where to buy them! I found Amazon as a good source for oem parts, especially being a prime member you save on shipping.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; May 3, 2018 at 11:35 AM.