Hey guys,

I'm planning to do a brake upgrade with the complete LS1 kit from bigbrakeupgrade.com.
My question is simple: Will this kit be a direct fit with my original 16" Diamond Spokes? Or will the rim hit the caliper? I've searched the forum, some say it fits, some say it does not and you need spacers, it just fits with IROC rims and so on. Anyone here who upgraded tothe LS1 kit with the Spokes?
I live in Germany, so the shipping price is horrible and I want to be absolutely safe before I place my order. If it doesn't fit, I cant just send the kit back or resell it here in Germany. You don't see that much 3rd Gen around here.
The problem with using spacers is that you cannot just put them on and be happy, you have to let EVERY upgrade or modification be inspected by german TÜV (some sort of technical inspection agency). It is really hard to pass that inspection without any EU-certified documentary for the part you modified. And US parts like the LS1 kit or different spacers don't have any documentary that will be accepted here in Full-insurance-country... I want to keep it as simple as possible and don't mess around with that guys.
IF I do need spacers, what spacers would be required? If they are necessary I have to talk to the TÜV guys before buying anything about the acceptance for spacers...
Anyway, thank you guys.

Oliver

 

Why not use the 1LE version then.Technically, it is a factory option.So maybe the documentation part is enough to satisfy the TUV.It will clear the wheels w/out the need for spacers as well.
Its possible you'll need a 1/8-1/4 spacer with the LS1, but don't quote me on that.

 

Hi Oliver,

I have the same wheels, and have a hybrid of that brake kit ... basically it's the LS1 kit, with the Corvette zo6 calipers. The only real difference is the "corvette" lettering and powdercoating on the calipers, though.

I neded a .250" spacer (6.35mm). to make it work, and there is JUST enough clearance with some of the top ribs of the caliper clearanced as well.

It also depends what year your rims are, as they changed at one point (dimpled vs non dimpled spokes) and the rim design inside the wheel changed.

 

Here was the thread about the install. With a .250" spacer, and the LS1 calipers you should be good without any other clearance issues. Most people say with the LS1 setup you could even go with the 3/16" spacer (4.76mm) and be fine. It will almost definitely need a spacer although it's not very big.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/brak...s1-brakes.html

 

First of all, thank you guys for your answers.


@ 383backinblack: I have the late version with dimples, I have a very late 07/92 Bird...


The funny part of our TUV: You HAVE to let them inspect EVERY spacer, also struts, exhaust, lights and so on... you do NOT have to let them inspect brake conversions or struts... Welcome to Germany... And you have to pass all tests every two years... the only country I know with even harder rules for cars is Switzerland...


Anyway, I think the LS1 kit is out of range because of the spacers. I thougt about the 1LE Kit as 84 1LE already said. Is that a usefull conversion? Is the 1LE Setup so much better than standard setup? I never drove a car with this brake setup, those are REALLY rare over here... I found a kit at flynbye.com... would that be a good choice?


What about other kits? I found a C4 12" kit which will fit 16" rims, seems to be very similar to the 1LE kit... will this be a direct fit kir, especially with my Standard brake hoses? Brake hoses have to be inspected at the TÜV as well...
On flynbye ist says that their LS1 kit will fit 16" rims but nothing about the use of spacers... why does no reseller say that you need them?


I'm thinking about the C4 kit or 1LE kit at the Moment... any suggestions? What would be the better choice? I'm also thinking about spare parts... 1LE was a rare option, who knows, how long parts will be available within the next years...


thanks,
Oliver

 

The 1le set up is way better than the std f-body brakes.It's slightly better than early C4 brakes.It's also not so hard to get parts anymore, since the later C4 vettes basically used the same caliper/parts.Then again you are in germany!

Being they were a factory option, I'm guessing the 1le would be the least hassle to get past the TUV.Some of the other brake upgrades will not clear the GTA wheel.There is a useful sticky on which brakes work/don't work with gta wheels.

 

I would go with the 1LE. The 1LE will be factory parts and brake hoses, don't see how TUV can complain. I could see how they might not like a custom bracket or hubs for the C4 brakes. There is no advantage of 12" C4 over the 1LE.

 

I think if you're using the LS1 version of the caliper (it doesn't have the stiffening ribs on the top) you should be fine with the dimpled wheels. The non-dimpled wheels have a lot less clearance in diameter in the part of the rim up against the face. I'm not sure if it'll change the need for the spacer, though.