1996 OEM J-55 Big Brakes Question

[Greg Gore]

Need brake advice. There are two part numbers in the GM catalog that seem to apply for 1996 Corvette front brake pads:

12518935 (J-55 except Z-15, Z-16) [big brakes]
12528691 (J-55, Z-15, Z-16) [big brakes, Collector Edition, GrandSport]

Would this be a difference in pad composition between the standard 1996 J-55 brakes and CE or GrandSport J-55 brakes? I understand all 1996 Corvettes were equipped with the 13" front & 12" rear J-55 brakes but there are some differences. The CE/ GrandSport rotors are the same as standard except for color coated hats and of course the calipers are slightly different. Searching through the forum archives revealed the pads are the same style and physical dimensions so possibly the composition is the difference, can anyone confirm this? I guess my question is what difference in brake performance would I possible see with the 12528691 CE/GS replacement pads on my LT-1 coupe that should otherwise get 12518935 pads? The car is a daily driver driven mostly for enjoyment and won't see competition.

Thanks in advance,
Greg

 

[DMGroh]

I thought I read something posted by a semi-professional racer that said the GS rotors were better than high-priced after-market rotors, and cheap compared to the after-market.

Mine's a daily driver, but when it comes time for brake work, I intended to research the GS rotors....haven't yet, though.

Let us know what you find out.

 

[tlong]

Try ceramic pads for clean wheels and great performance.

 

[Tuna]

Damn good question - When I look in other catalogs for pads, they are all the same.

The only difference I've ever known for the 96 brakes was that the calipers were different - CORVETTE lettered for the CE/GS and finned for the standard model.

All 95 and 96 Vettes got the 'big brakes' which refers to the rotor diameter.

 

[tlong]

Pads are the same except cosmetic black paint. Save money and forget oem on this part. Get PFC-Z or equivelent.