C6Z big brake upgrade install
 

My C6Z big brake kit should arrive tomorrow. Kit comes with calipers, fluid, stainless lines, rotors, and pads. I've done numerous brake jobs (rotors/pads/brake bleed, etc). I've removed calipers on a different vehicle to paint them and I'm assuming its the same process on the Vette? Brake lines I've never replaced before, I'm assuming its pretty straightforward? Any tips you guys recommend? Anyone familiar with how much time the install will take?

Correct. There is an order to bleed them. Here is a link to a thread. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-on-a-c5.html

Secondly, with C6Z brakes there are inside and outside piston bleeder valves. I used a tech 2 to automate it but not everyone has that option. Hopefully you don't get air stuck in the ABS system.

You need more fluid than usual with the bigger calipers and 8 valves to bleed.

It's about as straightforward as it gets, mine only took a bit longer as I grabbed the wrong brake hoses.

take your time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very easy and straight forward install. Remember, bleeders point up, and bleed the calipers from the inside out.

where did you purchase your c6z kit?

C6Z brake kit from KORE3, excellent people to deal with. http://www.kore3.com/proddetail.php?prod=10336-03

TPS Motorsports
http://www.tpsmotorsports.com/corvet...-brake/gm.html

I've seen a 50lb gain in weight posted, before. So, I did a little research.
What's the weight difference, between a C5 and C6Z caliper? What's the weight difference, between a stock 12.8" C5 brake rotor and a 14" C6Z unit?
Oem C5 front rotors weigh 18.9lbs/ea
Oem C6Z front rotors weigh 26.5lbs/ea

Oem front C5 calipers w/bracket weigh 10.1lbs/ea
Oem front C6Z calipers weigh 11.4lbs/ea

50lbs difference? Not even close, more like less than 20lbs, total.

I am assuming the rotors weigh less than that? The 4 rotors I was shipped came in one box and weighed in at 90lbs.

They may have included the weight of the necessary rims and tires. Its all rotating weight too. I haven't heard any complaints about handling.
The stopping power is a huge improvement. Most family sedans today have bigger brakes than the C5. I used to get brake fade on the highway but not with the C6Z's
A little weight doesn't seem to be an issue. Maybe ceramic rotors will be cheaper soon. That would be a weight savings over stock.

As an FYI......I did a comparison on the rotors when I did my C6Z stuff. I had C5 Delco Drilled/Slotted rotors on the stock calipers, then moved to Racing Brake two piece rotors for the C6Z stuff. 18.5 lbs and 18.5 lbs. I was VERY pleased about that. You can actually make this upgrade and only add caliper weight. But it'll cost you.

I agree. I'll be using DBA two-piece rotors, which are pretty light, also.

That is good to know. The C6 Z06 calipers are light and don't have the iron frames.

What pads were you running with your C5 rotors? Everyone pretty much praises the stock C5 brakes. People track them. Original road tests showed 112-118 ft stopping distances with zero fade. Never, ever heard of anyone complaining of brake fade in normal highway driving.

What did you do about your wheels?

I was told that if you get a 2pc C6 Z06 that it will weight the same as the OEM C5.

Also some business about the ABS, proportioning valve, etc being set up for the volume of the C5 calipers - and the system getting "wigged out" by the added volume of the C6 calipers?

I actually have a 19/20 setup already on the car.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...54b0f844a7.jpg

:iagree:
Seriously....:skep:
Brake fade on the highway? What highway is this?

My new front wheels clear the C6Z brake kit, super tempting to do but then the spare CCW's won't clear :willy:

There is no comparison to the C6 Z06 brakes. The people I have seen track the C5 brakes wear them out quick. The original road test wasn't bad for 1997 but a lot has changed in 23 years. The C6 Z stopped in the 90 ft range. My C5 brakes did have ceramic pads but to be fair, so does my C6 Z set up.