C5 Calipers F Body Rotor
12-21-2009, 12:08 AM
#1
C5 Calipers F Body Rotor Hi everyone, i'm new to the forum and just had a few questions regarding the front brakes on my 2000 Z28.
I recently changed the front pads and rotors to the slotted WS6 store variety/Hawk pads. During the install i noticed the rubber sleeves/boots on both caliper pistons were rotted away and partially missing. I have done research on this board and from what i've found C5/Z06 calipers will fit on the Fbody steering knuckles. I have also discovered that the general consensus is that the Fbody and C5 calipers are much the same minus the fact that they are manufactured differently (gravity as opposed to pressure cast, smaller pistons on the C5).
Basically what i want to do is instead of rebuilding my stock calipers, just save the time and replace them with the C5's. Just wanted to make double sure that my consensus about needing the C5 calipers ONLY to do the swap is correct. Also can i use the Fbody pads on a C5 caliper or is it something completely different? Lastly, because I only need to caliper not the whole conversion kit, where is the best place to buy just the calipers? Thanks in advance everyone.
I recently changed the front pads and rotors to the slotted WS6 store variety/Hawk pads. During the install i noticed the rubber sleeves/boots on both caliper pistons were rotted away and partially missing. I have done research on this board and from what i've found C5/Z06 calipers will fit on the Fbody steering knuckles. I have also discovered that the general consensus is that the Fbody and C5 calipers are much the same minus the fact that they are manufactured differently (gravity as opposed to pressure cast, smaller pistons on the C5).
Basically what i want to do is instead of rebuilding my stock calipers, just save the time and replace them with the C5's. Just wanted to make double sure that my consensus about needing the C5 calipers ONLY to do the swap is correct. Also can i use the Fbody pads on a C5 caliper or is it something completely different? Lastly, because I only need to caliper not the whole conversion kit, where is the best place to buy just the calipers? Thanks in advance everyone.
12-21-2009, 08:27 AM
#2
C5 calipers are a direct bolt-on when using 98+ F-Car rotors.
Because of the contour of the rotor hat and the corresponding arc of the brake pad, use the F-Car pads to keep the backing plate from hitting the hat.
If you move to the 13" C5 rotors, then use the C5 pads for the same reason.
Because of the contour of the rotor hat and the corresponding arc of the brake pad, use the F-Car pads to keep the backing plate from hitting the hat.
If you move to the 13" C5 rotors, then use the C5 pads for the same reason.
12-21-2009, 10:24 AM
#3
Excellent, thank you very much for the quick response mitch. I didn't even think about the rotor arc differences between the two, that is good to know for when i convert to the C5 rotors and go to a larger wheel (using stock 16's for the moment. 
).
Would it be okay if i went ahead and just used the F-body pad retaining clips and the like? I assume since the caliper body (minus the fins) is the same as an f-body caliper this would be okay.
Thanks again everyone.
).Would it be okay if i went ahead and just used the F-body pad retaining clips and the like? I assume since the caliper body (minus the fins) is the same as an f-body caliper this would be okay.
Thanks again everyone.
12-21-2009, 10:50 AM
#4
The only thing I changed was the caliper. Everything else remained 98+ F-Car.
The only "but wait" is that I converted my brake lines to -3 AN. I converted to a 10mm x 1.5 to -3 AN adaptor, screwed directly into the caliper. No banjo fitting.
I would double check to make sure the banjo bolts are interchangable. I can't imagine them NOT being interchangeable, but you never know.
The only "but wait" is that I converted my brake lines to -3 AN. I converted to a 10mm x 1.5 to -3 AN adaptor, screwed directly into the caliper. No banjo fitting.
I would double check to make sure the banjo bolts are interchangable. I can't imagine them NOT being interchangeable, but you never know.
12-21-2009, 09:00 PM
#5
Another thing that needs to be changed over is this
the "window" on the C5 caliper is bigger and the F-body one wont fit. You can just pick up a brake hardware kit for a C5 from a parts store for $10 or so and it will come with them.
Otherwise it was a straight bolt on and a big improvement over my spread f-body calipers. I'd like to swap over to a full C5/C6 brake set up but they wont clear the spokes on my TTII's, if I ever get rid of my current wheels I'll do the full upgrade
*edit* Dont forget to get new copper washers for the brake lines, I've actually seen people try to reuse them and then cant figure out why they are pissing brake fluid everywhere. If you go with new OEM C5 calipers they wont come with them.
Last edited by 4150; 12-21-2009 at 09:17 PM.
12-21-2009, 11:19 PM
#6
Thanks for the replies everyone.
4150: Do you happen to remember what parts store you bought your brake hardware kit from? (Kragen, Advance, AZ, etc.) Also when i go to the parts counter do i just ask for a "brake hardware kit" or is there a more specific name for it? Lastly, are copper washers for the brake lines basically universal or do i need "C5 corvette" ones? Thanks again everyone
4150: Do you happen to remember what parts store you bought your brake hardware kit from? (Kragen, Advance, AZ, etc.) Also when i go to the parts counter do i just ask for a "brake hardware kit" or is there a more specific name for it? Lastly, are copper washers for the brake lines basically universal or do i need "C5 corvette" ones? Thanks again everyone
12-21-2009, 11:56 PM
#7
I got lucky and got a set of used clips for free, but you can get them from Kragens website for $4.99, it's part number P731(this kit is only for the clips). If you want to just go to the store tell them you need a front "brake hardware kit" for say a 2000 Vette or whatever C5 you want to make up.
I got my crush washers from the dealer, I told them it was for a '00 Camaro but the C5 is probably the same. You might be able to find some at a parts store but I didnt have any luck with that.
I got my crush washers from the dealer, I told them it was for a '00 Camaro but the C5 is probably the same. You might be able to find some at a parts store but I didnt have any luck with that.
Last edited by 4150; 12-22-2009 at 12:39 AM.
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12-23-2009, 01:00 AM
#9
Good to know on the calipers being bolt-on. How much of an improvement in braking did you notice doing the swap?
12-23-2009, 01:55 AM
#10
^I actually might end up going that route with the spacer in the future, thanks for the heads up 
I take it these were 17 inch TTII's and a 5/16" spacer was all that was need to clear the spokes?
My f-body calipers were pretty badly spread so the difference when going to the C5 calipers was probably more pronounced than normal, a set of new F-body OEM calipers probably would have made the same improvement but going the C5 route I shouldnt have to worry about them spreading again. All around it feels a lot better and pedal feel was improved quite a bit. Also I had recently replaced the rotors, pads, and flushed the brake fluid a few months before the swap so that rules out the possibility of any of those making the difference. Basically I just swapped the calipers and didnt touch anything else.
Here's a couple pics to show it can be done
Excuse the rusty rotors, just got washed
I take it these were 17 inch TTII's and a 5/16" spacer was all that was need to clear the spokes?My f-body calipers were pretty badly spread so the difference when going to the C5 calipers was probably more pronounced than normal, a set of new F-body OEM calipers probably would have made the same improvement but going the C5 route I shouldnt have to worry about them spreading again. All around it feels a lot better and pedal feel was improved quite a bit. Also I had recently replaced the rotors, pads, and flushed the brake fluid a few months before the swap so that rules out the possibility of any of those making the difference. Basically I just swapped the calipers and didnt touch anything else.
Here's a couple pics to show it can be done
Excuse the rusty rotors, just got washed
Last edited by 4150; 12-23-2009 at 02:12 AM.
12-24-2009, 12:49 AM
#12
Yeah. The clearance is REALLY tight, but it works. The car I worked on was tracked too, so it's not much of an issue.
12-25-2009, 10:18 PM
#14
12-26-2009, 12:10 AM
#15
http://www.jegs.com/i/ARP/070/100-7708/10002/-1
These are almost the exact same length at the stock studs. But, they are threaded all the way to the end. So the factory lug nut covers will work.
These are almost the exact same length at the stock studs. But, they are threaded all the way to the end. So the factory lug nut covers will work.
