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Today's garage project was installing a complete set of PowerStop rotors to go along with the PowerStop Z26 brake pads I've had installed for nearly 2 years already.
The install was straight forward and easy to handle with basic hand tools and a cheap Harbor Freight electric impact. You will need a Torx T30 for the rotors set screws. I suggest an 18mm ratcheting wrench along with a rubber mallet for the rear caliper bolts. Sockets you'll need are: 10mm (negative battery cable), 15mm (parking brake caliper bolts), 21mm (front caliper bolts), & 22mm (lug nuts).
Any questions, just ask! I did the job working solo in the garage using jacks and wheel chocks.
As a little additional info, I used high-temp anti-seize on all the caliper bolts (12 in total) and blue LocTite on the rotor set screws (4). Brake cleaner on the hub surface to remove rust & dirt, and on the friction surface before installation to remove any residue or machining oil, then again after installation to remove any finger prints or grease smudges. You'll want a small flat head screwdriver to release the plastic rear brake line clip. I did not have to disconnect the parking brake wire harness as it has plenty of slack to set it out of the way and rest it the control arm. All 4 brake calipers have enough slack in the brake lines to gently lay them on the ground (I use a cardboard tray underneath them) as long as you don't lift the car too far off the ground (I lift it high enough so the tire just barely loses contact with the garage floor).
Torque your lugs to 140 ft/lbs using a torque wrench (another cheapie from Harbor Freight that works quite well), then retorque them again after a good drive once heat is in them.
Break-in procedure per PowerStop:
To break in new pads with Drilled & Slotted Rotors:
Perform 5 moderate to aggressive stops from 40 mph down to 10 mph in rapid succession without letting the brakes cool and do not come to a complete stop. If you’re forced to stop, either shift into neutral or give room in front so you can allow the vehicle to roll slightly while waiting for the light. The rotors will be very hot and holding down the brake pedal will allow the pad to create an imprint on the rotor. This is where the judder can originate from.
Then do 5 mod*erate stops from 35 mph to 5 mph in rapid succession without letting the brakes cool. You should expect to smell some resin as the brakes get hot.
After this is complete, drive around for as long as possible without excessively heating the brakes and without coming to a complete stop (Try for about 5 minutes at moderate speed).
This is the cooling stage. It allows the heated resin in the brake pads to cool and cure.
After the brakes have cooled to standard operating temperature, you may use the brakes normally.
Great writeup. I have the same rotors and pads for my non Z51. Powerstop is one of only a couple companies that sell brakes for us peasants. Luckily however I have this exact setup on my Camaro and C7 and absolutely love it after years of abuse and no issues. I'll do my install some day when I am bored. Thank you for the write up kind sir. I have a laundry list of things to do to both the C7 and C8. When you jumping on the plane. LOL
Great writeup. I have the same rotors and pads for my non Z51. Powerstop is one of only a couple companies that sell brakes for us peasants. Luckily however I have this exact setup on my Camaro and C7 and absolutely love it after years of abuse and no issues. I'll do my install some day when I am bored. Thank you for the write up kind sir. I have a laundry list of things to do to both the C7 and C8. When you jumping on the plane. LOL
Great question! I need to get back up to Stockton & Lodi sometime soon, and I'll bring the wife with me this time.
From: Early 2020 Z51 Coupe, Original Owner, Ahwatukee Foothills, AZ
Great performance on these PowerStops lightweight aluminum rotors, plus they have got to be at least 5 to 7lbs lighter than the heave stock cast iron. UN-Sprung weigh as we know goes a long way to performance.
Great performance on these PowerStops lightweight aluminum rotors, plus they have got to be at least 5 to 7lbs lighter than the heave stock cast iron. UN-Sprung weigh as we know goes a long way to performance.
Great write up and Congrats!
I really should have weighed them! UGH fail me...
I have my factory rotors I can weigh if someone who orders a set of PowerStops can weigh...
As a little additional info, I used high-temp anti-seize on all the caliper bolts (12 in total) and blue LocTite on the rotor set screws (4). Brake cleaner on the hub surface to remove rust & dirt, and on the friction surface before installation to remove any residue or machining oil, then again after installation to remove any finger prints or grease smudges. You'll want a small flat head screwdriver to release the plastic rear brake line clip. I did not have to disconnect the parking brake wire harness as it has plenty of slack to set it out of the way and rest it the control arm. All 4 brake calipers have enough slack in the brake lines to gently lay them on the ground (I use a cardboard tray underneath them) as long as you don't lift the car too far off the ground (I lift it high enough so the tire just barely loses contact with the garage floor).
Torque your lugs to 140 ft/lbs using a torque wrench (another cheapie from Harbor Freight that works quite well), then retorque them again after a good drive once heat is in them.
Break-in procedure per PowerStop:
To break in new pads with Drilled & Slotted Rotors:
Perform 5 moderate to aggressive stops from 40 mph down to 10 mph in rapid succession without letting the brakes cool and do not come to a complete stop. If you’re forced to stop, either shift into neutral or give room in front so you can allow the vehicle to roll slightly while waiting for the light. The rotors will be very hot and holding down the brake pedal will allow the pad to create an imprint on the rotor. This is where the judder can originate from.
Then do 5 mod*erate stops from 35 mph to 5 mph in rapid succession without letting the brakes cool. You should expect to smell some resin as the brakes get hot.
After this is complete, drive around for as long as possible without excessively heating the brakes and without coming to a complete stop (Try for about 5 minutes at moderate speed).
This is the cooling stage. It allows the heated resin in the brake pads to cool and cure.
After the brakes have cooled to standard operating temperature, you may use the brakes normally.
Shouldn't the blue Loctite be on the caliper bolts and the anti-seize be on the rotor set screw?
Shouldn't the blue Loctite be on the caliper bolts and the anti-seize be on the rotor set screw?
Personal preference I suppose. I've never found the need for LocTite on caliper bolts when torqued down. You could use LocTite on all if you prefer, or anti-seize on all, and not have any issues either way. Both will keep the threads from rusting or oxidizing.
Chris, are you concerned about cracking by the drilled holes? I’m looking for racing rotors and all the manufacturers have told me to just do slotted and don’t do drilled.
Chris, are you concerned about cracking by the drilled holes? I’m looking for racing rotors and all the manufacturers have told me to just do slotted and don’t do drilled.
I'm not really concerned necessarily, but it is something I'll be keeping my eye on, just in case. They're cheap enough and easy enough to swap out if it does become an issue down the road. I'll definitely keep the group updated one way or another!
From: Early 2020 Z51 Coupe, Original Owner, Ahwatukee Foothills, AZ
Originally Posted by Kracka
I really should have weighed them! UGH fail me...
I have my factory rotors I can weigh if someone who orders a set of PowerStops can weigh...
When I weighed my Gyrodiscs they were 5 lbs lighter each on the rear or 10 lbs back axle. Fronts a little less weighing in at 3 lbs lighter each on rears and 6 lbs front axle.
When I weighed my Gyrodiscs they were 5 lbs lighter each on the rear or 10 lbs back axle. Fronts a little less weighing in at 3 lbs lighter each on rears and 6 lbs front axle.
could you please share the items part numbers you used ?
I was shopping for the brake pads where I noticed that part numbers Z26 8009 & 8010 for brake pads does not fit my 2021 z51 corvette according to the website.
could you please share the items part numbers you used ?
I was shopping for the brake pads where I noticed that part numbers Z26 8009 & 8010 for brake pads does not fit my 2021 z51 corvette according to the website.
The below are for all 2020-2024 C8 Stingrays (with links to avoid any confusion):
When I weighed my Gyrodiscs they were 5 lbs lighter each on the rear or 10 lbs back axle. Fronts a little less weighing in at 3 lbs lighter each on rears and 6 lbs front axle.
The class I run in doesn't allow lighter rotors. I'm probably going to use DBA slotted rotors from KNS ( Forum supporting vendor).
From: Early 2020 Z51 Coupe, Original Owner, Ahwatukee Foothills, AZ
Originally Posted by Dimrode
could you please share the items part numbers you used ?
I was shopping for the brake pads where I noticed that part numbers Z26 8009 & 8010 for brake pads does not fit my 2021 z51 corvette according to the website.
Couldn't believe the amount of brake dust on the stock Z51. One of my first mods was the 1521 Low Dust Break Pads from CarboTech. Very little dust, and are outstanding and quiet for street use. Also which helps with brake dust is a few layers to the wheels of ceramic coating.
A few months later, wanted to save on unsprung weight, increase performance and add some looks going with the Girodisc 2-Piece Floating Rotors from KNSBrakes. They match up very well with the 1521 LD pads. Front A1-242-J55. Back A1-242-J55. 2-Piece Rotors alone (not counting Non RFT and 1-Piece Aluminum Monoblocks) will save unsprung weight on the front axle 6lbs and 10lbs on the back axle. Stayed with my Vossen aluminum lighter Lugs and recently added locks.
Great performance on these PowerStops lightweight aluminum rotors, plus they have got to be at least 5 to 7lbs lighter than the heave stock cast iron. UN-Sprung weigh as we know goes a long way to performance.
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PowerStop drilled & slotted brake rotors installed
