Brake pads / roller bars (understeer)
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Raleigh NC
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2019
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Based on Randy Pobst's comments, nothing more than an aggressive alignment with lots of neg camber put it right back into true sports car mode... Add a set of Performance Friction pads and go have a blast on open track days.
Of course there are always more upgrades... But it sure sounds like a Z51 package car with a $200 performance alignment and corner balance (it already has adjustable coilovers) is ready to go for light track days.
It also isn't mentioned much, but I believe the Z51 package also adds improved front brake cooling ducts.
Of course there are always more upgrades... But it sure sounds like a Z51 package car with a $200 performance alignment and corner balance (it already has adjustable coilovers) is ready to go for light track days.
It also isn't mentioned much, but I believe the Z51 package also adds improved front brake cooling ducts.
Last edited by pfbz; Jan 14, 2020 at 10:44 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
It will be interesting to see how aftermarket pads effect the algorithm for the brake fade warning system. The C8 uses fluid and brake pad temps to determine if there is a possibility the brake system will experience fade. If the computer determines there will be fade, a warning comes up on the dash. If the driver continues to push the car hard and more heat is generated, a second warning will come up, along with a latched code. That latched code will limit the car to 55 MPH until the owner can take it to the dealer for inspection.
I am very curious to see how this new 'brake by wire' system plays out and how well it works (or doesn't).
I am very curious to see how this new 'brake by wire' system plays out and how well it works (or doesn't).
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 22,598
Likes: 14,556
It will be interesting to see how aftermarket pads effect the algorithm for the brake fade warning system. The C8 uses fluid and brake pad temps to determine if there is a possibility the brake system will experience fade. If the computer determines there will be fade, a warning comes up on the dash. If the driver continues to push the car hard and more heat is generated, a second warning will come up, along with a latched code. That latched code will limit the car to 55 MPH until the owner can take it to the dealer for inspection.
I am very curious to see how this new 'brake by wire' system plays out and how well it works (or doesn't).
I am very curious to see how this new 'brake by wire' system plays out and how well it works (or doesn't).
EDIT - To add... in the ask Tadge section, whenever ice mode, or use with track pads/tires comes up, his standard retort is that they only test/develop on the OEM pads/tires as they don't spend the time/money to test other items. Kind of like how the LS7 cars had oiling issues used on race tires even with the dry sump. It was a use-scenario that never came up in validation testing. To GM's credit they changed the tank design and added capacity.
Last edited by RapidC84B; Jan 15, 2020 at 02:13 PM.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 30,982
Likes: 406
From: Raleigh NC
It will be interesting to see how aftermarket pads effect the algorithm for the brake fade warning system. The C8 uses fluid and brake pad temps to determine if there is a possibility the brake system will experience fade. If the computer determines there will be fade, a warning comes up on the dash. If the driver continues to push the car hard and more heat is generated, a second warning will come up, along with a latched code. That latched code will limit the car to 55 MPH until the owner can take it to the dealer for inspection.
I am very curious to see how this new 'brake by wire' system plays out and how well it works (or doesn't).
I am very curious to see how this new 'brake by wire' system plays out and how well it works (or doesn't).
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 14,553
Likes: 1,548
From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 545
Likes: 245
From: Lower Burrell PA
It will be interesting to see how aftermarket pads effect the algorithm for the brake fade warning system. The C8 uses fluid and brake pad temps to determine if there is a possibility the brake system will experience fade. If the computer determines there will be fade, a warning comes up on the dash. If the driver continues to push the car hard and more heat is generated, a second warning will come up, along with a latched code. That latched code will limit the car to 55 MPH until the owner can take it to the dealer for inspection.
I am very curious to see how this new 'brake by wire' system plays out and how well it works (or doesn't).
I am very curious to see how this new 'brake by wire' system plays out and how well it works (or doesn't).
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Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: DFW Texas
Rich is the service & parts director for a chevrolet dealership so it's pretty safe to say his statement is extremely reliable.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 322
From: Raleigh NC
about the pads < i changed to hawk street race pads and the rotors on 2015 and 2016 z51's melted. rotors on C7 z51's were soft and could not handle much more than a stock pad . yes many guys changed pads to dustless but im talking about a autocross pad, stock rotors did handle hawk hps and 5.0's but they are just street pads, i hope the C8 z51 has a rotor harder than c7. if not the DBA'S are the best value in rotors, AP is the best but big money >
I put almost 2 full seasons (16+ events) of HPDE instructing at VIR on my 2015 Z51 with OEM rotors running very aggressive Carbotech pads (XP12/XP10).
The C7 Z51 J-hook rotors were very good. DBA blanks cost significantly less but wear faster than the OEM rotors. Performance was about the same. I now run APR's which as you say are in a different league, from a price and performance POV.
Last edited by Newton06; Feb 13, 2020 at 10:25 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 262
From: swoyersville pa
What?
I put almost 2 full seasons (16+ events) of HPDE instructing at VIR on my 2015 Z51 with OEM rotors running very aggressive Carbotech pads (XP12/XP10).
The C7 Z51 J-hook rotors were very good. DBA blanks cost significantly less but wear faster than the OEM rotors. Performance was about the same. I now run APR's which as you say are in a different league, from a price and performance POV.
I put almost 2 full seasons (16+ events) of HPDE instructing at VIR on my 2015 Z51 with OEM rotors running very aggressive Carbotech pads (XP12/XP10).
The C7 Z51 J-hook rotors were very good. DBA blanks cost significantly less but wear faster than the OEM rotors. Performance was about the same. I now run APR's which as you say are in a different league, from a price and performance POV.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 635
From: St. Louis
So what about the issue where GM says you cannot use anything but stock pads on the C8 because of some built in sensors? How long will it take the aftermarket brake guys to work around that problem?
Le Mans Master
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From: Austin Texas
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2018
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2013
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Technically not true, but we don't know how the system will react to different high temp compounds. There are two levels of warning:
1. Brake fade feedback - Tells you you're in brake fade
2. You're fucked - Limits the car's max speed in the 50s until you see a dealer.
It's been said you really have to abuse the car after warning 1 to trigger warning 2. No clue if the car will think a high temp pad is in fade when it's not. Lots to learn. I intend to keep this car as OEM as I can and do my 4-5 weekends a year. I'm not buying this car to compete.
1. Brake fade feedback - Tells you you're in brake fade
2. You're fucked - Limits the car's max speed in the 50s until you see a dealer.
It's been said you really have to abuse the car after warning 1 to trigger warning 2. No clue if the car will think a high temp pad is in fade when it's not. Lots to learn. I intend to keep this car as OEM as I can and do my 4-5 weekends a year. I'm not buying this car to compete.