Brake kits

[JohnnieC]

Hi, i just started autocrossing this past weekend and i kind of messed my brakes up a bit... i figure since im planning on doing this sport often, i should make sure the most important part of my car (the brakes) work well. so im looking to upgrade my brakes including: rotors, calipers, pads, brake lines, fluid, and anything else that may be important that im missing.

does anyone have any suggestions on parts to get? i drive a 1992 c4, with basic mods (exhaust, filter stuff) but i may upgrade the car more. they need to be fine for street use, but more importantly keep me ok on the track when im really pushing it.

 

[Moonunit 451]

Welcome to Jonnie. There are several ways to go depending on your budget and how serious you want to get. Find a set of J55 calipers and 13" rotors which I believe came on the ZR1's GS's and other 96 and later C4's. They'll bolt right up for ya and give MUCH better braking. A Brake cooler (like a tranny cooler) is also a good idea.

DRM makes a brake bias spring that installs in your booster some like, I don't find I need it. With the J55 upgrade, I'm doing nicely. Don't forget you can add cooling to your rotors fairly cheaply.

Next, C5 brakes can be had at a reasonable price, and adapters are available for your application. It's the sky from there what some guys do :cool

 

[JohnnieC]

thanks! i'm actually an old member but forgot my password :ugh i heard that c5 brakes required different wheels if you want to be able to attach them. i don't want to have to change my wheels because that would really be overkill... as for the budget i think im looking at $2k to get parts.

how does the cooling hook up?

 

[Edmond]

Check out www.VBandP.com They're a supporting vendor here and specialize in brake and suspension for our 'Vette's.

 

[JohnnieC]

i'll definitely check them out, thanks a bunch.

 

[Hilmarbjorn]

C5 brakes

I have c5 brakes on the front of my ´89 and they clear the a-mold wheels (it´s pretty close), not sure about clearance if you have sawblades.

 

[Toms007]

Check out www.VBandP.com They're a supporting vendor here and specialize in brake and suspension for our 'Vette's.

And because they are a vendor of this forum they give members a discount.

Check out this thread http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66812

 

[Topless]

First off, what type of autocross will you be running? SCCA, NCCC, other?
NCCC has specific rules on what you are allowed to change and stay in your category. You can run J55 calipers, but not the Grand Sport/Collectors Edition calipers in stock class for a '92.

You can run Stainless lines, add cooling ducts, and run performance pads and notice an improvement. Going to the HD setup (13") will really make a difference.

Oh, and don't forget to change your fluid. Boiling fluid at the track usually makes for a scary ride.

 

[jwilliams]

Hi, i just started autocrossing this past weekend and i kind of messed my brakes up a bit...

Can you expand on what is "messed up" about your brakes. SCCA, like NCCC has specifc rules depending on your class on what you can/can't do to your brakes. That said, my 89 is set up for and strictly used for SCCA A Stock autocross. I run stock rotors, aftermarket brake pads, DOT 4 fluid and have stainless brake lines. Typically brake problems don't occur in autocross events.

If you do make brake upgrades, check the rules so as to avoid getting bumped to a class you wouldn't otherwise be in. There are legal upgrades you can do and stay legal for A stock. Especially if you are planning to do this regularly. SCCA has the 2005 rules on line @ SCCA.com as a pdf file.

Be careful of certain high performance brake pad sets that are designed for track and road race use. They are not engineered for autocross and you will never be able to get enough heat into these pads to get them to work correctly.

Feel free to post or PM me any questions you have about autocross set up.

Jay

 

[Moonunit 451]

NCCC has specific rules on what you are allowed to change and stay in your category. You can run J55 calipers, but not the Grand Sport/Collectors Edition calipers in stock class for a '92.

What's the difference besides color and maybe a Corvette Logo on the calliper :confused

 

[Topless]

What's the difference besides color and maybe a Corvette Logo on the calliper :confused

Let me see if I can answer this without openning a can of worms.....

In theory, there is no difference. (Same mounts, pistons, etc.) Now, I have read that the GS/CE versions are stronger and transfer heat better due to the exterior design differences.

The real reason I mentioned it is that NCCC rules do not allow the changing of regular J55 calipers for the GS/CE versions in stock class. It was a clarification question I came across on the web site a while ago. (I was looking b/c I made the change.)

Now, I can not tell you if there is a performance difference. I have run both, but I didn't run the regular J55 calipers in competition. What I can tell you is that with the GS/CE calipers, SBS blue pads, drilled rotors, and Ford fluid, I was able to run hot-laps as long as I wanted at Mid America Motorplex with NO loss in braking.