darknessxyz

iTrader: (22)

I'm planning/pricing a front brake upgrade for my 2002 WS6. My choice will be regular C5 front brake and C6 Z51 front brake. Is there's anyone tried C6 Z51 front brake? I know the rotor is 0.6 inches bigger for Z51 brake. I'd like to know how big of a difference between the two system in terms of stopping power. The price different is about $100-250 depends on new or used parts. Is it worth the money to go for Z51 system?

The problems I can see right now with the Z51 brake is that not much choice on rotor right now. Only GM and Brenbo have the 13.4" rotor available (brand new) and it cost about $100 per rotor. Also, I can get a used C5 PAB for as little as $50. But the Z51 will only available from GM for $100 a pair brand new.

Thanx afor the help.

logikal6785

2002 Z28, same question, anyone with solid info pls contribute.

darknessxyz

iTrader: (22)

Here's a rough price break down with shipping for C6 Z51 front brake, it's brand new parts:

C5 front caliper $186 (eBay)
C6 Z51 front pad abutment bracket $91.28 (GMPD)
C6 Z51 front rotor X2 $168.36 (GMPD), Optional Brembo rotor x2 $210 (Tirerack)
C6 Z51 HP Hwaks fron brake pad $100 (Tirerack)
C6 Z51 front brake hose $50 (GMPD)
C6 Z51 front brake hardware and bolt $40 (GMPD)

I read from somewhere that you can re-use your brake hose

logikal6785

Is the Z51 brake hose a stainless-braided hose?

And for those with the tech knowledge, would using the C6 Z51 brake setup above require any modification/replacement of the brake booster or different settings on the prop. valve to maintain a balanced setup ?

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

I wouldn't, it very well could be too short. The larger rotor will cause the caliper to be even farther away from the chassis when turned at full lock. To avoid possible hose damage, I'd use the Z51 specific hoses.

lo_jack

iTrader: (27)

I just did the c5 upgrade. I will contrast

Same
C5 bracket - roughly equivalent, I'd go used

C5 rotors - there are millions. I paid $16 each for blanks. $16. At that price, you can chuck them in a couple months and start over.

C5 HPS fronts $97 (Tirerack)

Stoptech braided c5 front lines $80 (various sponsors)

Roughly the same, autozone carries all of this for c5


I would say the C5 route gives you more and cheaper good options on pads and rotors, saves you a little weight (on wheels) and everything is pretty easily replaced.

Xsta Z 28

iTrader: (2)

I thought the Z51 brakes all you got were cross drilled rotors, I do not believe there is any difference in C5 and C6 base brake calipers . . . .

darknessxyz

iTrader: (22)

Yeah, that's what I think. The main concern here is rotor now. For price it's like 3-4 times more. So will it give a better stopping power that's the question.
If you check it on Chevy web site. It'll show you the difference between base C6, C6 Z51 and C6 Z06. For front rotor, base C6 gets 12.8", Z51 gets 13.4" and Z06 gets 14". As for caliper, base and Z51 are the same and similar to C5. Even the rear rotor is different for all 3 C6 model. Z51 gets 13" rear rotor. Basically C5 and base C6 are similar but there's a big different from C5 to Z51.

GR33N GoblinM6

iTrader: (14)

darknessxyz i sent you a PM

Monello

iTrader: (1)

I am also in the process of doing this. My C5 brackets come in the mail any day now. I need to buy the rest of the Z51 parts.

GR33N GoblinM6

iTrader: (14)

there are about 7 companies, to my knowlege, that produce the C5/C6 brake bracket. Some of them say you can ONLY use the C5 harware.. others state you can use the Fbody calipers but use the C5 rotos.. others state you CAN NOT use the Z51 rotors.. be sure what bracket you bought and what components are compateble with it.

lo_jack

iTrader: (27)

C5 is a 12.8"

With a 14" or even 13.4" rotor over 12.8" it has to be more stopping power, the key is how much and is it worth it for that big leap in rotor cost. My goodness that is a lot of rotor.

logikal6785

Dinner plates, man, dinner plates. That's what I'm going for. Maybe I can set off my airbags if i stop fast enough

GR33N GoblinM6

iTrader: (14)

14" are for the C6 Z06..with completely different calipers..

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

With one of the rotors running backwards, you run the risk of overheating one side. So, for the first stop, you might be right. For track use (road course), you may have issues.

Andros

iTrader: (5)

I'd get the C5 front brakes if I have 17" wheels and the C6 Z51 if I had 18" wheels.

GR33N GoblinM6

iTrader: (14)

but you dont need the 18"s for the 13.4 rotors.. not that i have heard anyway.. now for the 14" + the 6 pistion caliper.. you do to clear the caliper.. not the rotor itself..

lo_jack

iTrader: (27)

That is definately a point to consider, and enhanced venting might be a parallel discussion.

jargan04

iTrader: (1)

I just got all my parts in. C6 Z51 rotor/brackets, Hawk HPS Pads, Goodrich Lines, and Motul Fluid.

logikal6785

How long until z51 rotors are available with side-sensitive directional vaning? Whether through GM or someone else ...