Question: C-5 brakes on an '84

[WhalePirot]

Is anyone running C-5 brakes, preferably the Z06 on an '84? I am looking at these adapters, hoping to not have to change spindles.

http://www.electro-dynamics.com/brakes/brakes2.html

I am also considering the VBP offering, but would like to stay with all stock Corvette, albeit much larger.

The quality looks good, even as I have not gotten a reply from this outfit.

Also, is anyone running C-5 brakes with 17" Epsilon wheels? C-5 brakes require a 17" wheel, but one supplier asked if the Ep's were large enough.

 

[jrzvette]

There are a couple of members here or other fourms (check DC or C4Guru. Due to the recent purge I'm not sure if they're still on CF) who sell the adaptor brackets for about $100 - $125.. You might want to do a search and look them up.

All C5 brakes calipers are the same, the only difference is the color. The standard is painted black the Z06 is painted red.

As for the wheels you will need at least a 17" wheel but there's more to it than wheel diameter: 17" A-molds and C5 wheels will clear the calipers, 17" sawblades won't.

Check this link for sources for the brackets:

http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48855

 

[WhalePirot]

I wanted larger brakes for more control

I had an e-mail exchange with you, Patti (Thanks) in December when your sale was going. Frankly, I have had bad experience with slotted rotors and have read about the cracking issues with cross drilling. I wanted neither.

The net result, so far, is that C5 brakes do not fit under my 17" Epsilon wheels unless I use spacers, which I will not. I am not interested in spending thousands on new wheels, new spindles, new calipers, etc. for a car that currently can lock the wheels at any speed, thanks to the hydroboost system. It just can't handle the heat issues of racing.

What I learned along the way:
The '84 spindles have been strong enough to stop my car for over 20 years, and the physics therein, remain unchanged. The '84 is unique in the use of 12mm bolts (14mm on newer) to fasten the calipers to the spindles. Certainly, drilling and tapping the '84 spindles to utilize the larger bolts will weaken them; also not my pursuit.

However, the calipers are the same for '84 through '87 C4s; bolt hole spacing and size are the same, so if the 12mm bolts hold those same calipers, I see no reason why adapter brackets demand a change to newer spindles, except for supplier liability concerns (damn lawyers who don't understand engineering mechanics) or the extreme conditions of racing.

I was ready to go, having spent many, many hours finding two bracket suppliers and vendor who would take my relatively new calipers as cores and learning/reasoning the above, only to find my wheel prohibition. When these pads wear out, I will revisit the issue.

Meanwhile, thanks to everyone here and elsewhere, for the help.

 

[buzcut]

I had an e-mail exchange with you, Patti (Thanks) in December when your sale was going. Rankly, i have had bad experience with slotted rotors and have read about the cracking issues with cross drilling. I wanted neither.

The net result, so far, is that C5 brakes do not fit under my 17" Epsilon wheels unless I use spacers, which I will not. I am not interested in spending thousands on new wheels, new spindles, new calipers, etc. for a car that currently can lock the wheels at any speed, thanks to the hydroboost system. It just can't handle the heat issues of racing.

What I learned along the way:
The '84 spindles have been strong enough to stop my car for over 20 years, and the physics therein, remain unchanged. The '84 is unique in the use of 12mm bolts (14mm on newer) to fasten the calipers to the spindles. Certainly, drilling and tapping the '84 spindles to utilize the larger bolts will weaken them; also not my pursuit.

However, the calipers are the same for '84 through '87 C4s; bolt hole spacing and size are the same, so if the 12mm bolts hold those same calipers, I see no reason why adapter brackets demand a change to newer spindles, except for supplier liability concerns (damn lawyers who don't understand engineering mechanics) or the extreme conditions of racing.

I was ready to go, having spent many, many hours finding two bracket suppliers and vendor who would take my relatively new calipers as cores and learning/reasoning the above, only to find my wheel prohibition. When these pads wear out, I will revisit the issue.

Meanwhile, thanks to everyone here and elsewhere, for the help.

Would I be able to use any year C4 rotors for the front?

 

[geekinavette]

"Hydroboost system"?

More details?

 

[vetteoz]

Would I be able to use any year C4 rotors for the front?

With C5 Calipers? No
Must use rotor that matches caliper

 

[vetteoz]

"Hydroboost system"?
More details?

Uses power steering system to generate brake force instead of engine vac .Good for big cam engines with low vac.

Installing A Hydroboost Brake System on a Chevy

Hydroboost Brake Conversion - 1

Hydro Boost Power Brakes

 

[geekinavette]

Yeah I'm familiar with the hydroboost system, and have been considering converting mine over.

Thanks for the links!

 

[geekinavette]

I was hoping for a little more detailed info on the C4 conversion itself.

 

[WhalePirot]

mixed

I am using an ABS http://www.abspowerbrake.com system, which has been redesigned (needed). Having moved my battery inside, it was natural to put the unit there, which also simplified the installation. Actually, I have mixed feelings about this system, but had few choices with 9" vacuum.

 

[geekinavette]

I was thinking more along the lines of tapping into the power steering system...like the early 90s Astro vans. That system worked great.