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

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.
 
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....
 
C6z06 works with 17s if you use a 13 inch 1.25 wide rotor but you need massive caliper clearance with them
 
Twin_Turbo said:
C6z06 works with 17s if you use a 13 inch 1.25 wide rotor but you need massive caliper clearance with them
Click to expand...

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.
 
Yes because the rotor hat has much less offset. They woild't fit my serioudly concane 19 inch wheels without a spacer
 
68/70Vette said:
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.
Click to expand...

You definitely caught my attention with that.
 
Twin_Turbo said:
C6z06 works with 17s if you use a 13 inch 1.25 wide rotor but you need massive caliper clearance with them
Click to expand...

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

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?

uba4a4u4.jpg
 
the BS of the wheel is not the only thing to consider, often it's the shape of the backside of the rim's spokes that cause the interference, regardless of backspacing.
This is the advantage of a spacer/adapter: it moves the spokes away from the caliper.
 
C6 Z06 brakes on C3

The C6 Z06 calipers and rotors will fit on the C3 with the correct mods. I have them on my 1980 C3, had to make my own brackets for front and rear. I have 17" by 9" wheels with 5" backspace, and also used a 3/8" spacer and the wheels did clear the rotors. I changed the location of the rotors to match the C6 Z06 location. This moves the bleed screws to the top and makes brake bleeding a 5 minute affair. No more air stuck in the system. It was a long complicated project, but it will work with the right parts. I myself also wonder why no one makes a bracket to mount the factory C6 Z06 parts on a C3?
 
Buddy 1980; said:
I myself also wonder why no one makes a bracket to mount the factory C6 Z06 parts on a C3?
Click to expand...

Would you consider making a few sets of brackets to sell or could you share the measurements, etc. so I could get a local machine shop to make me a set?
 
C6 Z06 brakes on C3

I am totally swamped right now with my job, I do not even have time to look at my car. I have not yet come up with an idea for the emergency or parking brake. Thanks
 
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