ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

I've been working on another brake idea but I need some opinions on this...

I've fit up a C5 rotor and carrier with an LS1 caliper. It works great so far, but my goal is to fit it inside a 16" wheel. So far I've tried 16" Formula wheels, Iroc, and the '91-92 RS/Z28 alloys.

16" Formula wheel: The inside of the wheel has a taper to it, from the inner edge to the outer edge, and although the small ribs on the back of the caliper don't rub here, the wheel rubs on the outer edge of the caliper (due to the taper) and therefore it won't sit all the way down on the face of the rotor. End result: Won't work.

16" Iroc and RS/Z28 wheel: Almost fits but these wheels rub on the ribs of the caliper. Plenty of room for the caliper in there but the ribs are causing the interference...remove them and it will fit perfect: A 12.75" rotor, LS1 caliper inside a 16" wheel.

What's the overall opinion on removing the ribs on these calipers? I know a few guys with C5 brakes and ROH Snypers and TT 2s have removed a bit of the ribs on the calipers to make them fit but you'd need to take a bit more off in this case. Sorry but no pics of this yet...it started raining like crazy.


Thanks all.

Ed

TheGreatJ

I've heard a few reports from road-racers of the "fingers" on the LS1 calipers stretching and causing the pads to wear with a radial taper (more wear at the top of the pad and less at the bottom.) It wears the pads out quicker, but apparently doesn't affect stopping power much if at all. I'd say it'll probably be fine for street use, but I don't think I'd autocross on them.

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

I've heard a lot about that recently myself, and it's interesting...I wouldn't have thought that would happen, since these things are so damn big. Once the pads wear in you'd still have full pad contact so I wouldn't think the taper would be much of an issue. I definitely would consider this fact when racing is a concern or just go with a better brake setup.

For street use, I don't think removing the ribs would be a "bad" thing but I don't like modding parts unless I have to. Solution here is just stick with the LS1 rotor...I was just curious as to what you guys thought.


Ed

JPrevost

The added diameter of the c5 rotor for daily driving would decrease the piston pressure resulting in less caliper flex. So for the street I think it would be a great option but using the stock 12" with a stock caliper would be stronger for racing. Keep in mind that if the caliper body spreads it's harder to slide across the pins!
My vote is for a wife's car, c5 rotors with modded LS1 calipers, for my car, I'd live with the extra pedal effort and decreased pad life to keep stock .