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Our C8 came with the brake cooling duct in the trunk? I was going to have the Dealer install them and they said they are for Track only?
They suggested to not install them for everyday driving? Anyone else know anything about this? I guess I don't see what they would hurt?
Thanks!
I installed mine and haven’t taken them off. The front ducts don’t hang down so I’m not taking them off. The rears are 2 piece and you can remove the part that hangs down if you are worried about ground clearance.
Can someone with the rear ducts installed and standard ride height measure the clearance of duct. The place should make going over speedbumps, or driveways head-on, no problem. I am wondering is a soda can on its side a problem, a squirrel, ......?
Speed bumps are not an issue because the ducts are by the wheels. As I stated, the rear ducts hang down 2-3” so they could be damaged by road debris. Front ducts don’t.
Here is the official Owners manual info. Page 183 in manual.
Brake Cooling Kit Prior to any track event, high speed driving event, or competitive driving, the following should be completed: . Ensure all brake cooling parts are correctly and securely installed. . Install the rear lower control arm cooling ducts per the instructions below also included with the kit. After any track event or competitive driving, remove the rear lower control arm cooling ducts. These parts are for track use only. Removing the ducts helps prevent debris from being channeled into the rear brakes during regular use of the vehicle. . Inspect for and remove any blockage in the ducts. . Inspect and replace any duct that has damage. Passenger Side Front Shown, Driver Side Front Similar 1. Front Brake Cooling Duct 2. Front Lower Control Arm Deflector Passenger Side Rear Shown, Driver Side Rear Similar 3. Rear Knuckle Mounted Cooling Duct 4. Rear Lower Control Arm Cooling Duct
Here is the official Owners manual info. Page 183 in manual.
Brake Cooling Kit Prior to any track event, high speed driving event, or competitive driving, the following should be completed: . Ensure all brake cooling parts are correctly and securely installed. . Install the rear lower control arm cooling ducts per the instructions below also included with the kit. After any track event or competitive driving, remove the rear lower control arm cooling ducts. These parts are for track use only. Removing the ducts helps prevent debris from being channeled into the rear brakes during regular use of the vehicle. . Inspect for and remove any blockage in the ducts. . Inspect and replace any duct that has damage. Passenger Side Front Shown, Driver Side Front Similar 1. Front Brake Cooling Duct 2. Front Lower Control Arm Deflector Passenger Side Rear Shown, Driver Side Rear Similar 3. Rear Knuckle Mounted Cooling Duct 4. Rear Lower Control Arm Cooling Duct
GM doesn't want to recommend the cars have the ducts installed on the street since they might be held liable if debris did damage the brake rotor/pads. In reality, it is up to you and how much risk you want to take on with the ducts potentially channeling stones, sand or other debris into the brakes. The risk isn't high but it is there.
I don’t think it likely to heat up the Z51 heavy duty brakes too much off the track, so why put them on anyway? Seems like it’s all downside risk to me.
Our C8 came with the brake cooling duct in the trunk? I was going to have the Dealer install them and they said they are for Track only?
They suggested to not install them for everyday driving? Anyone else know anything about this? I guess I don't see what they would hurt?
Thanks!
The front brake cooling ducts are to be installed on a Z51 during PDI:
This is a quote:
"The GM spokesperson said the following in regards to the Z51 brake duct installs during PDI:
“During the 2020 Stingray Z51 pre-delivery inspection, the lower and upper front rubber brake intake cooling ducts and the upper rear brake intake duct shall be installed on every Z51 C8.” Also as specified in the PDI, “the cooling ducts attached to the lower rear control arm are for track use only and should not be installed during the PDI.”
If you have a 2020 Z51 in the driveway, now may be a good time to make a visual inspection to ensure your required Z51 brake ducts were installed while the two optional lower rear brake ducts are not. At the very least, confirm that you have only two ducts remaining in the bag that was given to you at delivery."
I have a great Corvette Tech who reads the requirements and installed my front cooling ducts during the PDI!
GM doesn't want to recommend the cars have the ducts installed on the street since they might be held liable if debris did damage the brake rotor/pads. In reality, it is up to you and how much risk you want to take on with the ducts potentially channeling stones, sand or other debris into the brakes. The risk isn't high but it is there.
Bill
This makes a lot of sense. Although yeah it could just really be about safety considering that those things could really happen on the road.
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I trimmed a piece of foam to fit inside the contour of the duct opening.
The duct tapers down so the foam can't migrate through it.
When I get to the track I'll reach under the car & pull the foam out.
A good idea.
One thing I considered when deciding what to do was water. I drive my Corvette daily, rain or shine (OK not ICE I have Z-51 and so maybe not safe anyway). What if you drive thru standing water, they could channel a HUGE amount of water on the brakes, or just rip the lower duct right off or both. In the end, I had the install the upper half of the lower duct on the a-arm, and not the lower half that hangs down. That should solve both water and debris and if I go to the track it is only a few screws to install that can be done on the ground with a short screwdriver.
If it doesn’t say it above anywhere, the issue is potential fire. The rear ducts have scooped up things like leaves and other combustibles which caught fire when they hit the hot brakes.
So I lost my rear brake duct - it a small animal on track and it took it out. Is there anywhere to buy replacement or should I just go to the dealer - I can't seem to find them anywhere - but the part number is: 84713462
IMHO, the ducts are BS. I suspect that at the 98th%, they may have some effect.... I never put them on my C7 Z51, and had zero problems on the track.... however, you MUST put high temp DOT4 racing fluid in, and also follow their oil recommendation, and make sure the dealer does this so you are on record for warranty protection.
Now, unless you are a very novice driver, I would highly recommend replacing the stock pads with high-performance track pads when you go to the track to eliminate material build-up... this takes about 2 hours, and is easy to do (notice they don't mention this in the owners manual).
Most of this stuff is a** covering, and also ( I suspect) making it appear harder to comply with the warranty requirements... but give GM kudos for even providing warranty coverage for track... no other MFG does this.
I agree. I’ve done what you suggested my first time on track. I replaced pads with cobolt. Not cheap but they are amazing. I also just replaced tires for better grip. I did the brake fluid transmission fluid and alignment. I just drive the car to and from track so I leave the ducts on. Not sure if they make a difference but they don’t hurt either.
only 2 montgs on the track and I’m now getting competitive lap times to my instructors. It’s been a blast and it now consumes my weekends
i also recommend the following if you go on track besides what’s listed in the owners manual
a high performance brake pads are a must
b get private instruction for a at least 4 to 8 sessions
c learn how to inspect the car after a track aession
be safe push and have fun!
Originally Posted by jcp911s
IMHO, the ducts are BS. I suspect that at the 98th%, they may have some effect.... I never put them on my C7 Z51, and had zero problems on the track.... however, you MUST put high temp DOT4 racing fluid in, and also follow their oil recommendation, and make sure the dealer does this so you are on record for warranty protection.
Now, unless you are a very novice driver, I would highly recommend replacing the stock pads with high-performance track pads when you go to the track to eliminate material build-up... this takes about 2 hours, and is easy to do (notice they don't mention this in the owners manual).
Most of this stuff is a** covering, and also ( I suspect) making it appear harder to comply with the warranty requirements... but give GM kudos for even providing warranty coverage for track... no other MFG does this.
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Brake Ducts
