When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello, I have a 1999 Pontiac Trans Am. I read all the threads here about big brakes on the front and here is my version of it.
I have C6 Z06 wheels with 285/40R18 tires. I got a pair of Brembo 4-piston calipers off of a 2013-2019 Cadillac XTS for $100. I then got rotors off of a 2014-2019 Corvette Stingray with the J55 brake option which uses 13.6" or 345mm rotors for $180. It all fits on the stock knuckles and hubs with no spacers. There is 1/8" clearance between the wheel and the caliper. I will be getting the hybrid brake lines from Kore3 for $80. And of course brake pads for the Cadillac ($80 at most). So for less than $500, you can have big brakes.
Now to take the calipers off, clean them, paint and clear them red, and install everything. Might go with Power Stop Z26 rotors/pads. That would add another $90 to the total.
Here is the web site that I used to ID the calipers. Saying Corvette and Camaro SS automatically raises the price. But say Cadillac 4-door sedan, and the price drops. https://bigbrakeupgrade.com/2021/09/...dentification/
Last edited by 70 gsconvt; 05-14-2022 at 01:47 PM.
The caliper mounting holes do have to be drilled out to 1/2" then 9/16". I don't have the specific part numbers, but the link in the original post goes over what cars to find them on.
Oh OK. That site mentions 12mm bolts and one person on here mentioned finding Brembo Calipers that didn't need drilling the spindles. I thought these might be them. So far no luck finding that mythical set (no answer in the other thread).
It's not a big deal to drill them out. You can always just get another pair of front spindles/knuckles off of any 1998-2002 plain old Firebird or Camaro for cheap. I've seen pairs for as little as $100 on Facebook Marketplace.
Here's a pair with brakes for $150.
Last edited by 70 gsconvt; 05-20-2022 at 04:00 AM.
Those calipers look really, really similar to 2016+ camaro brembo calipers, which are available on ebay in various conditions. Not saying this is a bad option, but if you're willing to accept a few miles and are going to paint them anyway...
I bought the grey 2015 ATS Brembo new from Rock Auto for $130ea a while back. (This project has been on hold.) A couple weeks ago, I had my brother hold them in place while I tried the fitment of my Z06 Motorsport Replica wheels and they don't clear. I'll need a spacer or new wheels with a different offset. I'd rather not have to drill out my spindles so I'll probably buy spares to modify instead, but I need to solve the wheels issue first.
The calipers I bought are the same ones as on the Camaro SS and Corvette Stingray with Z51 package. The thing you have to do when looking for them is to get them off of the Cadillac XTS. You say Corvette or Camaro SS calipers and the price goes WAY up. I got my calipers for $100, no core charge. Scuff pad/paint/clear and Brembo stickers for less than $40. So for about 3 hours of my time, I got red Brembo calipers ready to go. Add another $80 for the hybrid brake lines, $300 for 13.6" Power Stop rotors and pads (off ebay purchased separately because rotors are listed for the Corvette and pads for the Cadillac), and $20 for drill bits and parts cleaner. So for $540 all in, I got new massive front brakes.
05-14-2022, 01:32 PM
Another option for big brakes on f-body cars 
