I've searched here and there is alot of info but I've got a couple of specific questions that I haven't found answers to.
Using OEM parts that are available over the counter at the local NAPA (or whoever), what's the best upgrade for a 3rd gen?
I've read here that 4th gen parts are interchangable as well as C4 and C5 Corvette. Are they improved over the best 3rd gen arrangement?
I know that there are lots of aftermarket upgrades for our vehicles however if I'm driving cross country and a caliper needs servicing I don't want to be stuck waiting for non factory part to be shipped.
Currently I have the standard disc/drum setup. The Dana 44 I recently purchased has backing plates for the late version (88-92) of the rear disc brakes.
What's the step up from the rear PBR calipers? Are they part of the 1LE package? Does the 1LE front disc/caliper fit on the standard spindle?
Thanks.

 

Call a couple of parts stores and see if the 1LE stuff is in stock, or special order. If it's in stock at a couple different stores, your safe. But I'm gonna go out on a limb and say they gonna be special order.

And, yeah, the 1LE cars had different spindles

 

What to run will usually depend on your wheel size so post that up.

1LE pads=C4 Corvette pads but 1LE rotors are pricey. 4th gen parts don't swap with C5 or C6 parts and both 4th gen and C5/C6 parts are a more modern design over the 3rd gen stuff. If you go with any of these parts, most parts stores should have them in stock but the 3G 1LE parts are not usually stocked.

If you install custom backing plates you can go as large as 13" on the rear brakes using the correct PBR calipers for the Dana. The fronts will do most of the braking so concentrate your efforts there and compliment them with a good rear setup. Again, pick them based on wheel size and go from there.

1LEs= 15" + wheels
LS1s= 16"+
C5/C6s= 17"+

Ed

 

The 1LE front brakes are still not the best for the money. They use the C4 PBR 2-piston calipers and a 12" rotor. Baer Brakes 2-piston kits use the same caliper. Pads are very easy to find as the C4 vettes and some Mustang Cobras all use the same size. I cannot reccommend the 1LE upgrade for the money. These are the brakes that all 3rd gens should have come with stock and if you drive hard you will easily surpass their capabilities.
All 90-97 rear disc brakes are the same, 1LE or not. PBR calipers and 12" rotors.

 

Dose anyone know the part number and/or price of the baer kit for the front? I'm trying to figure out if I want to go throught the trouble to upgrade to the 1LE fronts or get a baer kit. I picked up a rear out of an 89 iroc that I believe has 12in rotors. (Dose that make sence? it wasn't a 1LE car. Should it really have had 12 in rotors on the back and 10 in up front stock on an 89 IROC? It was a 5.7 TPI car.

Sorry for Hi-jacking the thread.

 

That's a bit of information I hadn't come across before.
In all probability I'll make the move to at least a 1LE set up however I do understand the limitations. Should I decide to get into road racing/autocross I'd consider the move to a C5/C6 setup although that sounds expensive.

 

Thanks for that Ed.
I'll be running IROC 16" rims for this vehicle ( although I thought it would add an element of stealth to use the 15" steel Sport Coupe rims. I won't do that if I have to sacrifice a better braking system)

 

Go right ahead.
They're all good questions.

 

Lets see if I have this straight.
1LE and C4 pads are the same.
1LE and C4 rotors and calipers are not.
1LE has a 12" front rotor and aluminum PBR calipers.
Stock (non 1LE) 3rd gen spindles must be changed or modified to accept the 1LE setup.

 

All 89-92 rear disc brake cars were equipped with the larger rotors and single-piston PBR's (The rear calipers are virtually the same, 89-97).

1LE fronts have 11.7" rotors (IIRC) and dual-piston PBR alum calipers. Standard spindles must be modified to accept the fronts. The following link provides info on both the front and rear PBR upgrade:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-...iscs-89-a.html

JamesC

 

Thanks James!
That's what I was searching for!
I've saved all the links and will start (restart) my build from there.
I love being able to throw a few questions out there and finding the results I was looking for.
Thanks again.