Mix Calipers
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 717
Likes: 105
From: Winston-Salem, NC, USA
Mix Calipers
2006 Z51 M6
Can I run Z06 calipers up front and Z51’s on the rears?
The car is heading towards track only.
I’ll be running XP10 or DTC70’s up front and XP8’s in rear
Need to install longer wheel studs on the rear with a 1/4” spacer to clear the Z06 calipers - when I do that I’ll do bushings/ball joints and hubs.
Can I run Z06 calipers up front and Z51’s on the rears?
The car is heading towards track only.
I’ll be running XP10 or DTC70’s up front and XP8’s in rear
Need to install longer wheel studs on the rear with a 1/4” spacer to clear the Z06 calipers - when I do that I’ll do bushings/ball joints and hubs.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 215
Likes: 74
From: Saskatchewan, Chinada
Track or road?
from an engineering standpoint no.
when you press your brake pedal the master cylinder displaces a measured amount of fluid.
by design your front brakes provide more braking than your rears.
if you change the fluid volume capacity by using different calipers you risk inadvertently changing your front to rear braking ratio which can have several negative effects as you can well imagine, it may also give your ABS system fits.
using equipment NOT specifically offered as factory on your car can also present some interesting insurance complications if you are involved in a collision.
at the end of the day you can do whatever you want, will it work? Probably, possibly. Will it work in a predictable and consistent manner? No idea.
I’ve always, for liability purposes, only used OEM brakes or upgrade brakes specifically designed and manufactured for an intended application.
YMMV👍
from an engineering standpoint no.
when you press your brake pedal the master cylinder displaces a measured amount of fluid.
by design your front brakes provide more braking than your rears.
if you change the fluid volume capacity by using different calipers you risk inadvertently changing your front to rear braking ratio which can have several negative effects as you can well imagine, it may also give your ABS system fits.
using equipment NOT specifically offered as factory on your car can also present some interesting insurance complications if you are involved in a collision.
at the end of the day you can do whatever you want, will it work? Probably, possibly. Will it work in a predictable and consistent manner? No idea.
I’ve always, for liability purposes, only used OEM brakes or upgrade brakes specifically designed and manufactured for an intended application.
YMMV👍
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,670
It's biased towards the front by design BECAUSE the front brakes do at least 80% of the stopping. You're asking for trouble altering the mechanical and electrical engineering. You could probably do this on a non-ABS system by using an adjustable proportioning valve. It would take some dial-in time, is all, but I wouldnt do it on an ABS car. The gains, if any, would be minimal on either system. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,439
Likes: 921
From: CONCORD NC
Is the z06 master different than the base/z51. Just because a caliper is larger, doesn’t mean the piston area is larger. I haven’t researched this, but the exterior appearance does not determine the calipers performance
im running the top of the line AP front brakes with OEM rear calipers. Best bias I’ve had in 30 years of racing
im running the top of the line AP front brakes with OEM rear calipers. Best bias I’ve had in 30 years of racing
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2006 Z51 M6
Can I run Z06 calipers up front and Z51’s on the rears?
The car is heading towards track only.
I’ll be running XP10 or DTC70’s up front and XP8’s in rear
Need to install longer wheel studs on the rear with a 1/4” spacer to clear the Z06 calipers - when I do that I’ll do bushings/ball joints and hubs.
Can I run Z06 calipers up front and Z51’s on the rears?
The car is heading towards track only.
I’ll be running XP10 or DTC70’s up front and XP8’s in rear
Need to install longer wheel studs on the rear with a 1/4” spacer to clear the Z06 calipers - when I do that I’ll do bushings/ball joints and hubs.
Last edited by HOXXOH; Feb 12, 2022 at 09:49 AM. Reason: spelling
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I had Z06 calipers on my car for a week and replaced them with 6 piston Wilwoods. I wouldn't put those junk BPR calipers on a Red Flyer wagon. Keep what you have or spend the money to get a good set of performance brakes.