Ok I'm looking to finish upgrading the brakes on my 88 IROCZ. I'm confused by all the different bits of info on corvette front brake packages mixed with different rotor options. I currently have 3 rear ends to choose from 4 out of 98 4th gens with the 12" rotors and single piston aluminum calipers with the internal parking brake assembly. I also have a rear disc setup from an 89 firebird that is the smaller 10.75" rotors. I have all the hardware for the 2 rear setups and would like to use the larger brakes to fill the 17" Y2K vette wheels i would like to run on the car. What is the deal with the C4,C5,C6 front calipers. What kind of spindle modification is necessary, who sells adapter brackets..... I was considering a 2 piston 1LE front setup but i really like the idea of the vette calipers both for added performance and looks. Any infomation is greatly appriciated

 

I used www.bigbrakeupgrade.com to put C5 fronts on my car. Pretty pricey but it included everything and was ready to bolt on.

 

Ed Miller of this site sells various kits. Do a search of ebmiller88 for a ton of info.

JamesC

 

Glad to help. IMO the best option for 17" wheels is C5 brakes for the front. The rears have a bit more debate to it. Obviously larger is better but so is having a matched set. The fronts do most of the work so concentrate the effort there. The '89 brakes will be a direct bolt on including the e-brake cables. The '98 and up LS1 rear discs are a great design but the e-brake isn't a bolt on deal yet, I'm finishing up the cable issues with a vendor right now..and have been for a year.

I run 1LEs myself and love them but I would probalby go another route if I had bigger wheels, I still run stock 16" Irocs. Contact me if you have more questions or want to talk it over.

Merry Christmas.

Ed

 

yeah i'm just installing the axle straight up from the 98. Gives me the extra area to run a larger tire and if you can get the guides that are bolted to the rear end cover the e brake works great

 

Is there any real difference between the 1LE front calipers and the front calipers from the C5/Z06s? I've looked at both and can't see any real difference other than the powder coat on the corvette pieces. They're both twin piston, but are the piston sizes and bore lengths different? Sorry to ask this many questions but i'm having trouble finding a reliable source of information else where online

 

There is a huge difference in 1LE and C5 calipers.

1LE:


C5/C6 (C5 ZO6 is the same caliper in red PC):


The pistons are about the same size (@41mm) and this is why I recommend the C5s as a good swap since the hydraulics are essentially the same.

Ed