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C7 Z06 front brakes for $1,150 + pads! (and rear for another $1040)
Using a similar approach to Dropspeed's cheap CTS-V/ZL1 brakes thread, after a thorough search, I found all the parts I need to get J56 brakes for my Z51 for much cheaper than what the kit is sold!
Front rotors:
Z51: 345x30 mm (13.6x1.18") 20.2 lbs.
Z06: 371x33 mm (14.6x1.3") 23.8 lbs.
(Z06 front caliper is about 1lbs heavier loaded; 14 lbs vs. 13 lbs)
Amazon uses algorithms to change price depending on demand (this very thread increases prices; imagine a world with Amazon being the only seller!). If the actual prices at Amazon are much higher than listed here (it oscillates a bit), search elsewhere.
When I had to buy a replacement part (damaged one of my rear calipers), the best price I found was actually at an online dealer (23198739).
Query at online dealer (cheapest I found on 8/24/2018) for alternative pricing is here.
The total comes in about $1150!!!
Remarks:
I picked black calipers since Z51 comes with those. You can pretty much order any color; pricing may vary a little bit per color chosen.
I did not include stock pads since I will buy track pads for my use (Raybestos ST47s). If you want the stock pads, I believe its part number is 25940447, costs $235.
Amazon is currently low on stock. This happened last year for those who wanted to buy CTS-V components as well, but people got their parts in a week or two, even though the automated estimator states 1-2 months. Nevertheless, if you're in a hurry, this option might not be for you. I just ordered my kit tonight, so we'll see how long it will take.
I could not find the pin kit number from C7 online parts dealer sites, but since I know that the calipers are identical to CTS-V/ZL1 units besides pistons, I used their part number. It must be the right part, but wanted to mention since I looked up different catalogs to find it.
WARNING: GM says these brakes don't fit stock base/Z51 wheels; you might need to run a small spacer (just a few millimeters) for the required clearance. I intend to run a wide wheel set for track, but will definitely try them on stock wheels, too.
Rear brakes:
If you'd like matching rear Z06 brakes with their awesome 2-piece rotors (pads are same for all C7s):
Very excited to see the results! Any plans for a non-scientific 60-0 stop distance comparison?
I doubt it would have any effect. After all, what we're after is more heat capacity so the brakes can survive and stay more consistent at the road course track : )
I too am very interested in the results. It looks like a great option for track days. I am hoping your stock Z51 wheels will fit without issue.
Thanks for posting this!
GM states they don't fit on base/Z51 wheels. I'm guessing it probably just needs a very small spacer, perhaps a few millimeters? The wheel's size is definitely enough; it must be the offset.
I'm also going to order track wheels, so this is not an issue for me. I'm leaning on CCW's TS12 monoblock wheels, and CCW said they should clear the Z06 brakes. They're very secretive on their offsets until the payment, but my calculations show that the following should fit well:
The instruction sheet says lists these kits for off road use only. May on a street car, they may be fine but on a track car with good pads and a set of sticky DOT tires, they will not. It's not a tune change, per se, but a different calibration for the ebcm
The instruction sheet says lists these kits for off road use only. May on a street car, they may be fine but on a track car with good pads and a set of sticky DOT tires, they will not. It's not a tune change, per se, but a different calibration for the ebcm
As it was also mentioned, GM itself sells this as an upgrade to Z51 and base C7 owners. The master cylinder is same, so there won't be any issue there. The EBCM, which also includes ABS, actually adapts itself to the available traction and brake bite, which is dictated by tire, road surface, temps, brake pad material, piston surface area, etc. Installing a race pad, for instance, actually has a much much bigger impact on your brake balance than any caliper upgrade would do.
In other words, the brake balance is always a moving target at all times, and it keeps changing per traction and as the heat builds up on the pads. Even if the car is bone stock, it will keep changing since the fronts will heat up much faster than rear brakes at a road course track, and their friction co-efficient will move. Rest assured, your EBCM can adapt to all that with no issues. If it were an issue, GM would never offer it as a kit.
Keep in mind, brake upgrade packages like this is offered by many manufacturers. GM also offers the very same C7 Z06 brakes in ZL1 branding to the regular Camaro SS owners; it works great with no issues. When it comes to Camaro V6 owners, though, you need to change the brake master cylinder for correct brake pressures.
Not to start a pissing match, but my information came directly from a GM brake design engineer and also from Brembo. Again, it may work fine for most all street applications & most drivers, but in a road race situation with good pads and say, Hoosier A6's or A7's, the cal is incorrect. I can't vouch for Camaro applications, but with the Global A architecture of C7's, flashing a Z06 or Z07 cal in a Z51 vin can't be done.
Not to start a pissing match, but my information came directly from a GM brake design engineer and also from Brembo. Again, it may work fine for most all street applications & most drivers, but in a road race situation with good pads and say, Hoosier A6's or A7's, the cal is incorrect. I can't vouch for Camaro applications, but with the Global A architecture of C7's, flashing a Z06 or Z07 cal in a Z51 vin can't be done.
Speaking of racing, there is actually a race cup supported by GM, called "Michelin Corvette Challenge" (mentioned here), which uses Z51 and Z06 iron brakes (what we have here) for racing! I know what you're talking about, which is most important for using slicks. With better calibration, your brakes would be less likely to enter ice mode, for instance. That's not really going to change with different calipers, though. You'd only have a substantial change if you buy a car with R-compound tires, like Z07. In short, it is really insignificant, very clearly evidenced by GM throwing Z51s with Z06 iron brakes on a racing challenge!
In short, GM is using these brakes on Z51s for a race series. There are differences in programming, but they are insignificant until the car comes with a much better tire (like Z07). As such, you need not worry. Gm certainly doesn't : )
So this so called ebcm change and ice mode. Why wouldn't this happen when a wilwood or AP front kit goes on a z51 car with slicks? A few people have done it with great stopping power on Hoosiers,pirellis and other sticky tires. I'm certain the AP kit is stronger than the oem z06 kit as well.
05-19-2016, 05:30 AM
C7 Z06 front brakes for $1,150 + pads! (and rear for another $1040)
