OK guys, I have a 92 Z/28 w/ the stock 5 spoke wheels. Which brake upgrade would you recommend and why? I'm going between the two in the subject as they will fit my factory rims. I'm concerned with replacement cost/availability, stopping power, weight, and ease of installation.

I have done some searching through the board but I haven't found anything that really takes this issue head on. If I've missed a thread on this, feel free to post a link and I apologize.

(edit): I know the LS1 has a bigger piston area, but I'm not sure if piston area or rotor diameter has a bigger effect on brake torque...

Thanks,
Jeff

 

The diameter would have more to do with ease of heat disapation would it not but im no brake expert though, i just know in stock form the 10.5's are no good. The thing i like about the C4HD's is the calipers look similar to our rear ones.

 

Between the two, I went Ls1.

Most parts stores almost always have stuff for f-bodies in stock, the same cannot be said of the Y-body stuff depending on where u live.

later
Jeremy

 

Hi Jeff. I know which direction you're heading but I'll go ahead and post up pros and cons of each setup:

13" HDs:
larger OD rotor, 13" x 1.1" thick; pad guided caliper, smaller piston area but exactly the same as 1LE calipers; same pads as '88-96 Corvette and '88-92 f-body with performance pkg; as designed, adds .500" per side to track width

12" LS1s:
Thicker 12" x 1.25" rotor, pin guided caliper design (smoother); larger pistons/bore volume; larger brake pad contact area; with larger than 16" wheels you can use a stronger C5 caliper in place of LS1 caliper, they interchange; as designed, adds .300" per side to track width

It's pretty much a personal preference thing, they are both great setups. The LS1s would compare to a Baer GT kit (C5 calipers used in GT kits) and the C4s are essentially a Baer Track kit, their most popular.

I run the HD fronts on my RS and love them, full 1LEs on my other car. HTH.

Ed

 

I'm just trying to make the "right" decision first go around. As you may remember Ed, I had used a 1LE setup on my old Monte SS. It was night and day above the stock SS/Camaro setup, but it was heavy, I warped a rotor, and I couldn't get a new one without ordering it ($65/ea).

I just took a peak at the prices/availability of the C4 HD parts, and I think that seals the deal for the LS1's.

Set of Morse loaded calipers & rotors (no carriers) - LS1 = $197
-C4 HD = $296

Plus I can get the F-body stuff any day of the week w/o ordering. If I was going to spend the money for C4, I think I'd go full C5 (assuming they would fit under the rims).

 

What about the stopping power. Any difference?

 

Ebay can be your friend. Lots of Calipers on there for 99bux w/pads

 

I got a C4HD kit from Ed and am very happy with it. I don't think that you could go wrong either way.

 

Right. My quote included loaded calipers @ $115 or so, which is about what the Ebay parts would be after I waited and paid to have them shipped to me. My $197 includes the price of rotors at approx.$40/ea for the LS1's.

 

I understand, you'll be very happy with the LS1s and the aftermarket can keep you supplied without issues.

Ed