TAC
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2002
- Messages
- 252
- Location
- Bothell, WA
- Corvette
- 1987 Yellow Callaway TT Convertible & 2003 MY Z06
I have never felt my brakes were that good and am considering upgrading them. It's a tough question what to do since I don't want to detract from the collectability of the car. A friend has recommended (and I've seen this elsewhere too) that before I do any pricey upgrades I should completely empty and refill my brake lines and perhaps change the pads too since materials are better now than they were in '87. Brakes are currently original w/32ki miles on them. The power booster is working...there is a huge difference in the pedal feel when the engine is off. My biggest complaint is just that in a couple of panic stops the car just didn't slow down as quickly as I feel it should.
I don't race this car and don't plan to, at least not with the current brakes. My biggest priorities are to get pads that stop the best in normal driving--you know--panic stops when needed. Not heavy braking going deep into racetrack corners after the pads have been heated up. I want these pads ready to go from the word go and be effective. 2nd priority is that they don't squeal. I'm not so worried about brake dust since I clean the car quite often.
Given my driving habits what style/brand/model of brakepad should I be buying? OEM stuff right off the shelf? Another brand or material?
What about steel brake lines...that's a fairly minor upgrade. Will they help make the brakes firmer?
Please don't recommend rotors or other major upgrades. I would like to simply see what kind of braking power I can get by improving my current setup. If I don't like the results I can always try more expensive upgrades.
TIA
I don't race this car and don't plan to, at least not with the current brakes. My biggest priorities are to get pads that stop the best in normal driving--you know--panic stops when needed. Not heavy braking going deep into racetrack corners after the pads have been heated up. I want these pads ready to go from the word go and be effective. 2nd priority is that they don't squeal. I'm not so worried about brake dust since I clean the car quite often.
Given my driving habits what style/brand/model of brakepad should I be buying? OEM stuff right off the shelf? Another brand or material?
What about steel brake lines...that's a fairly minor upgrade. Will they help make the brakes firmer?
Please don't recommend rotors or other major upgrades. I would like to simply see what kind of braking power I can get by improving my current setup. If I don't like the results I can always try more expensive upgrades.
TIA