What is the least expensive path to big brakes on C3?

[bhays]

After letting it sit for a few years I am getting back to work on my '82. I have been pleasantly surprised by the advancement on rack and pinion conversion, hydro boost conversion and electric headlight conversion from where things were a few years ago.

Has anything happened on the brake options? I see C6 conversion sets as complete kits, but are just the caliper brackets available from anyone so that we can source our own calipers and rotors?

I am not ever going to the track, but I am going to have to find a way to get some larger brakes in these new 19" front and 20" rear wheels. I can't stand the way it looks.





Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[denpo]

This guys : http://www.store.corvettengineering.com/
Sells adaptator plate that let you use the standard willwood dynalite caliper on a Corvette. Cheaper than the dedicated willwood C3 conversion kit for who can spend time finding the right parts.

 

[rtj]

Wilwood offers 17 and 18 in wheel big brake kits.

 

[MYBAD79]

if you can get complete c5 or c6 brakes from a junked car that may be your best option, these brakes are great, even stock.... the Z51 option brakes on my C6 look and perform great

now that said, this thread makes me wonder:why is there (or maybe there is?) a bracket that allows moving the existing calipper outwards to fit a larger diameter rotor? The stock calippers (or the Wilwood D8) could then be used with i.e. 13" rotors - would that larger diameter cause a problem with stock pads that are curved for a 11" rotor instead of 13" ? Even if that was a huge issue: a kit that has rotors, brackets and pads that match the larger rotor would be way cheaper than changing the calippers, which are, even bone stock and well maintained not all that bad......

 

[68/70Vette]

I can understand trying to reduce weight of the stock brake system. Removing unsprung weight is a good payoff for riding improvement. However, the stock brake system was successfully used for racing and my experience driving these cars since 1970, is that their brake system is very effective. Both my 68 and 70 have been rear ended at least once, so I guess the brakes are pretty effective. What I've done is gotten rid of the cast iron calipers. I have Stainless Steel Brake Corporation (SSBC) aluminum calipers. They are about 1/2 the weight of the cast iron calipers. I think 8 pounds versus 16 pounds. The standard SSBC calipers fit under 15 inch wheels, they do make a bigger pistoned caliper that requires 16 inch wheels. Wilwood calipers are apparently less expensive and have become very popular. I think Vette Brake Products sells a two piece rotor, aluminum "hat" or spindle and a cast iron rotor. It reduces weight a few pounds. ($$$) This rotor is stock diameter. I wouldn't have any problem with a stock diameter rotor. My experience is that the stock Corvette C3 brake system is more than adequate for street driving. I have a 68 with the SSBC calipers and it has tremendous stopping power. Getting rid of about 200 pounds of weight was a help. I have a Hydroboost/SSBC Calipers on the 70 but haven't driven it yet. When/if it hits the road, the 70 will be quite a bit lighter also.

 

[bhays]

now that said, this thread makes me wonder:why isn't there (or maybe there is?) a bracket that allows moving the existing caliper outwards to fit a larger diameter rotor?

That's exactly what I would like to find. I am not looking for anything a lot better performing than the stock setup, I just would like to fill up the wheels a bit more.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

$10.40 each



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Aluminum-Disc-Brake-Racing-Cover-Drum-Silver-/260600680681

you can even get them in different colors

I get wanting something to be better looking, but when it comes to brakes - IMO better looking will bite you hard when you most need them the most...

Potential pitfalls of the upgrade:
Larger disks won't get warm enough to work predictably;
will create more unsprung weight;
and won't stop you as well as what is on your car now.

 

[MYBAD79]

more unsprung weight is correct but if you apply the same clamping force with the same size pad 1" further outward from the hub then it makes a difference....

now that said, I have the exact same situation on my Mustang: I can get 13" rotors and 2 piston calippers from a Cobra - this is a very common brake upgrade over the 1 piston calipper 11" rotors.... however: I can lock up the wheels with my current setup so why go for bigger brakes ????

I also agree with the OP that the small rotors look kinda funky behind the huge wheels.....

 

[mrvette]

more unsprung weight is correct but if you apply the same clamping force with the same size pad 1" further outward from the hub then it makes a difference....

now that said, I have the exact same situation on my Mustang: I can get 13" rotors and 2 piston calippers from a Cobra - this is a very common brake upgrade over the 1 piston calipper 11" rotors.... however: I can lock up the wheels with my current setup so why go for bigger brakes ????

I also agree with the OP that the small rotors look kinda funky behind the huge wheels.....

Yet another reason I chose to do C4 sawblades then '89 C4 wheels now....

can't SEE the brakes....they mimic the OLD TYME wheels well enough, and are CHEEP and sufficient size to handle decent rubber without going NUTZ on tire prices.....

18+ tire sizes and you start talking 200+ EACH tire, sorry guys, I not into racing, and can't see that as being anything I can live with....

and as we all know, prices are going krazy these daze.....

:cussing::rain:

 

[Twin_Turbo]

C6Z06 calipers & 14" rotors, pretty economical. They will bolt to any C5 brake adapter bracket. might have to trim down the axle flanges though

 

[Ralphy]

Damn good thread!

Ralphy

 

[bhays]

C6Z06 calipers & 14" rotors, pretty economical. They will bolt to any C5 brake adapter bracket. might have to trim down the axle flanges though

Really?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Yes, all the brakes on those cars interchange. The difference is merely in the rotors and the rotor size is matched by the abutment brackets on the floating calipers and by the mounting ears on the C6Z06.

 

[bhays]

Yes, all the brakes on those cars interchange. The difference is merely in the rotors and the rotor size is matched by the abutment brackets on the floating calipers and by the mounting ears on the C6Z06.

Do you know of a source for just the conversion brackets? Seems they are only available in some $4000 kit where they are marking up the oem parts an order of magnitude.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Twin_Turbo]

You must mean the speed direct kit with the super flimsy brackets and it uses 13" rotors, not 14" like it should.

I don't know of any brackets. I have a spare set of these calipers, I may grab a spindle and see if I can figure out a bracket.

4000 is insane,

 

[bhays]

<==== first customer

I don't know of any brackets. I have a spare set of these calipers, I may grab a spindle and see if I can figure out a bracket.

4000 is insane,

 

[bhays]

:crylol:
first customer

I don't know of any brackets. I have a spare set of these calipers, I may grab a spindle and see if I can figure out a bracket.

4000 is insane,

 

[MYBAD79]

4000 is insane

Looks like you can get the 4 rotors and calipers and pads on Ebay for $1500 .... Powdercoated c6 z06 brakes.... Not too shabby .... But no adapter brackets

 

[bhays]

4000 is insane

Looks like you can get the 4 rotors and calipers and pads on Ebay for $1500 .... Powdercoated c6 z06 brakes.... Not too shabby .... But no adapter brackets

Yeah, that's the problem. Everyone wants $3000 for $30 of plate. It just seems that since we have managed to engineer rack and pinion brackets, Ford Probe headlight motor brackets, etc. we could come up with a cad file someone could use to get brackets cut. Or we could each get them cut locally.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[mrvette]

I agree, the prices are outta site on most of this ****, but figger selling what?? 2 sets/month?? if that..??

this custom car hobby is just flat done on a one on one basis, and if not for the .net we would not be exchanging concepts/ideas like this.....

but when it comes down to fabbing....we on our own....really.....


:hunter::zzz:

 

[68/70Vette]

Just curious. Under what driving situations are the stock C3 brake system inadequate? In particular, if you replace the ultra-low technology Delco cast iron calipers with aluminum SSBC or Wilwood aluminum calipers, how are you still disadvantaged from modern cars as far as stopping power?. Maybe I'm living in a dream world, but I don't think many new cars can out stop my 2800 lb C3 with it's 9 inch wheel width tires. Recognizing that the C3's don't have ABS brakes. (Actually, I think a good case can be made for NOT having ABS brakes...but that's another story.)

A problem with the C3 brakes is that the pads always rub against the rotors by some small degree. This doesn't diminish their stopping power.

 

[MYBAD79]

The OP never said the stock brakes are bad, it's just that the small rotors look funny behind 20" rims.... which I have to agree with....

I have the Wilwood calipers myself, once installed I'll post how much improvement it is over the stockers.....

The stock system (well maintained) isn't bad, it's just that I am very spoiled with the Z51 option brakes on my C6, I can't imagine how brutal the 14" Z06 brakes must be.

Price: hindsight is 20/20 - had I known at the time that I could get the Z06 brakes for $1500 I might have bough these instead of the $1000 Wilwood calipers. Too bad these don't seem to fit with 17" rims.

The Z51 option brakes seem to be a good option to replace the stock C3 brakes for under $1000.

But again: adapter brackets are not available....

 

[Twin_Turbo]

C6z06 works with 17s if you use a 13 inch 1.25 wide rotor but you need massive caliper clearance with them

 

[bhays]

C6z06 works with 17s if you use a 13 inch 1.25 wide rotor but you need massive caliper clearance with them

More clearance than the stock C3 calipers? My new rims just clear the stockers. Would hate to buy a C6Z06 kit to find out they won't clear.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Yes because the rotor hat has much less offset. They woild't fit my serioudly concane 19 inch wheels without a spacer

 

[69427]

Just curious. Under what driving situations are the stock C3 brake system inadequate? In particular, if you replace the ultra-low technology Delco cast iron calipers with aluminum SSBC or Wilwood aluminum calipers, how are you still disadvantaged from modern cars as far as stopping power?. Maybe I'm living in a dream world, but I don't think many new cars can out stop my 2800 lb C3 with it's 9 inch wheel width tires. Recognizing that the C3's don't have ABS brakes. (Actually, I think a good case can be made for NOT having ABS brakes...but that's another story.)

A problem with the C3 brakes is that the pads always rub against the rotors by some small degree. This doesn't diminish their stopping power.

You definitely caught my attention with that.

 

[MYBAD79]

C6z06 works with 17s if you use a 13 inch 1.25 wide rotor but you need massive caliper clearance with them

really depends on the wheel..... there's not a whole lot of clearance between the stock C3 caliper and the 17" American racing wheel....
Also, there's not a whole lot of clearance between the 18" c6 rim and the Z51 option caliper ....

"they" say that the C6 Z06 calipers will fit the aftermarket ZR1 style 18-19" rims but there's no way these huge calipers fit the stock c6 wheel....

I believe it is safe to say, unless you're running 18" on a C3 don't bother looking at 14" rotors nd z06 calipers, these are huge.....

now this is beside the point of this thread but I am considering upgrading to Z06 style brakes on my C6 and use the z51 brakes on the C3.... LOL

 

[MYBAD79]

You definitely caught my attention with that.

2800 lbs ???

is that without the engine ???

 

[bhays]

Yes because the rotor hat has much less offset. They woild't fit my serioudly concane 19 inch wheels without a spacer

I've got about .25" clearance with the stock calipers in the rear and about twice that in the front. Would the C6Z06 calipers likely fit?

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Cerrainly not. With a 1" adapter maybe