Wilwood Big BRake Kit
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 348
Likes: 37
From: Syracuse NY
Wilwood Big BRake Kit
I have a Wilwood Big Brake Kit on the front of my C5 Z. It is designed and fits using the stock Z06 wheels. Has anybody installed this kit on a C6 GS or C6 Z06?
It's the AERO6 14 inch 6 piston model. I originally had aftermarket rims on the car and had to get stock 18inch Speedlines to clear the calipers. I thought Wilwood could give me an application but they said to trial and error or draw a templet. Seems if somebody has tried them or uses them that would be easier.
If I had a Z06 or GS wheel I could just try to see if it works, but I don't. And there's no guessing since Wilwood doesn't;t know the answer.
Thanks
Btw. They really work great. Bought them from Ken at KNS
It's the AERO6 14 inch 6 piston model. I originally had aftermarket rims on the car and had to get stock 18inch Speedlines to clear the calipers. I thought Wilwood could give me an application but they said to trial and error or draw a templet. Seems if somebody has tried them or uses them that would be easier.
If I had a Z06 or GS wheel I could just try to see if it works, but I don't. And there's no guessing since Wilwood doesn't;t know the answer.
Thanks
Btw. They really work great. Bought them from Ken at KNS
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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The Z06/GS already have 6 piston with 14" front rotors, I doubt you'll find anyone who would have swapped to the Wilwood as it's not really an upgrade.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 163
Likes: 58
Lot’s of us have done this. It’s discussed in the Autocross/Road Race forum. Stock Z06/GS front calipers work well for a few laps at HPDE’s, but can be easily overheated after a few laps. The Wilwoods handle the track much better. I have the AERO6 calipers on the front of my 2011 GS, and stock rear calipers.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 348
Likes: 37
From: Syracuse NY
Wilwoods
Lot’s of us have done this. It’s discussed in the Autocross/Road Race forum. Stock Z06/GS front calipers work well for a few laps at HPDE’s, but can be easily overheated after a few laps. The Wilwoods handle the track much better. I have the AERO6 calipers on the front of my 2011 GS, and stock rear calipers.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,204
Likes: 119
From: tempe Arizona
On paper the Aero6 option, either just the "caliper kit" or better yet; the complete BBK, won't alter your braking performance much. But in reality the benefits of a better built caliper, greater and lower cost pad options prove there's more than meets the eye.
The Aeroa6 fit stanard with Stianless steel pistons (not even upgraded to Thermlock insulated pistons) has a better thermal barrier to keep heat from building in the caliper body. The ultra stiff bridge gives a more robust design under high pressure and the 6617 pads (17mm) while not 'easy' to change are not nearly as tempermental or costly as a padlet design caliper. When you move to the "complete" BBK- meaning the full on 2pc hat/rotor combo you get true directional castsings, lighter weight and more durable materials for those hard track days.
Overall....will the Average Joe notice all that driving to work? Probably not. But for those who truly push their car harder and do the occasional open track day the benefits have proven over and over to be money well spent.
The Aeroa6 fit stanard with Stianless steel pistons (not even upgraded to Thermlock insulated pistons) has a better thermal barrier to keep heat from building in the caliper body. The ultra stiff bridge gives a more robust design under high pressure and the 6617 pads (17mm) while not 'easy' to change are not nearly as tempermental or costly as a padlet design caliper. When you move to the "complete" BBK- meaning the full on 2pc hat/rotor combo you get true directional castsings, lighter weight and more durable materials for those hard track days.
Overall....will the Average Joe notice all that driving to work? Probably not. But for those who truly push their car harder and do the occasional open track day the benefits have proven over and over to be money well spent.
