5_litre_eater

A year ago I installed a Z06 brake kit on my 98 Camaro. It made a noticeable difference, but it wasn't huge. I chose to go with the stock z06 rotors and Hawk Performance Ceramic pads because I didn't want to deal with dust. From what I read, these pads are suppose to be 'better' than the original Delco's.

Normal braking seems OK, but braking at high speeds and panic braking aren't that great. I have to apply a lot of pedal pressure, and it just doesn't feel right. The pedal is solid though, it's not spongy.

What really got me thinking about this was I drove a 2008 Z06 Vette the other night, and it's brakes were PHENOMENAL! They were the stock pads and rotors.

What can I do to improve my braking? I've bled the system a few times now, and it doesn't help. About all I can think of doing is upgrading the pads and dealing with the dust -- thoughts?

For what it's worth she is just a street car, not a race car

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

What's your budget?

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Stock C5 z06 calipers or C6 Z06? It matters. Also the Hawk Ceramics, not my thing... I can put you on any number of better pads. Hawk makes better pads, that is my LEAST favorite they make.

5_litre_eater

Sorry, I should have been more specific -- They are C6 Z06 calipers / Rotors (14").

The pads I have are the single pad design, not the padlets... not sure if one preforms better, or not.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

I've tried a couple different ceramic pads and they've all been worse than cheap semi metallic parts store pads, much less street performance metallics like Hawks HPS

99'CajunFirehawk157

iTrader: (57)

FWIW; Owning a 15 yr old car and trying to keep up with safety items I decided to replace my old brake hoses and went with tecni fit stainless brake hoses. Since I have abs and traction control I let a local shop do the swap out while the car was there for an alignment due to new lowering springs since I didn't want the hassle of any issues bleeding the system. I was really surprised how much better break response I had by just replacing hoses. I don't autox or anything but just normal driving, if I tap the brakes, they just seem more responsive, YMMV, give them a consideration.

5_litre_eater

Thanks for the suggestions. I have a feeling my pads are causing the issue. I went with the ceramics after seeing what my EBC green stuff pads did to my daily driven SUV. They brake dust was so bad, my wheels are permanently stained. After getting brand new OEM Z06 Spyder wheels on the Camaro, I was reluctant to put a more aggressive pad on. But I might have to, and just make a point to clean the wheels weekly.

I currently have SS lines at all 4 corners, the pedal is rock solid, but the bite is just not good.

JJsQwuik

iTrader: (17)

Or do this brake swap....

brigade24

so tempting...