I have searched and read quit a bit, but haven't found much. I'm wondering how many of you have done the C5 brake conversion? I want to put big brakes on my 84 Z-28 but would prefer to discuss it with some one that's done it.

 

what is it that you are wanting info on.

i haven't done C5, but i did C4. most everything is the same, the only diffrence is the bracketry.

 

I'm still trying to sort out all the facts here. 1LE, C4,C5, LS1 and all are making my head spin.

Two quick questions though.
1-Will the 16" Z-28 (not IROC) wheels clear the 13" rotor/caliper combo? I plan to change to 18" wheels, but want to use the stock wheels while under construction.

2- What is the best rear brake conversion to match the front? I still have drum rears. Most threads discuss the front, and not much is mentioned about the rear.

 

1) I dont' know, Ebmiller did the 13" C4HD, and it cleared on IROC wheels, and 91/92 16" Z28 wheels, but i don't know the sizing on the C5's in comparison.

2) there are not alot of options, the later PBR calipers on thirdgens are descent. the Drum --> LS1 Rear is pretty easy.

http://members.fbody.com/86firebird/ls1/ls1brakes.htm

 

Thanks, thats a step in the right direction. I guess I'll just have to decide what conversion to do for the front, and see if my stock 16's clear. No biggie since I plan to upgrade anyway.

The rear conversion was my big concern. Some of the C5 conversions I have seen didn't have an E-brake. Since I am building this car with the intent of my daughter driving it some day, that wasn't an option.

I appreciate your patience, and the link...

 

There is also THIS Option, it will cost a little more, but is about the best rear brake setup i have seen.

 

Are the fbody/c5 rear's the same size?

I swaped my entire rear with an LS1 rear so I got the moster brakes, that seemed easier than going from drum to disc plus I got posi and better gears

 

I've done both the 12" and 13" C4s but not the C5s....Those are Todd's baby: toddlsf.

The 13" C4s will clear stock Iroc and 16" RS alloy wheels but not GTA wheels. It's a great upgrade and I do recommend it highly.

As for the rear brakes, I recommend the 1LE/LT1 12" PBR brakes as they are the easiest to adapt to our cars and are more of a bolt on. I like the Wilwoods that Dewey linked you to but the 1LE/LT1s already have the e-brake setup so you won't have to come up with one. Baer has the rear PBR kits for $800 or so but I've seen them for around $600.

Ed

 

For those of us who like the 16 x 8 crosslace (or GTA) wheels, the C4 kit put together by EBM Industries (like that one, Ed?) is a good option...

 

Chuck!- I have considered that option. There is a local guy that has an F-body salvage yard that I could get a decent deal from. What I don't like about that is the increased track width. I plan to have as much rubber as I can get on the back, but I want it all "under" the car.

ebmiller88- So considering what I have read of your post Ed, I assume you would suggest the 13" C4 HD up front and the 1LE/LT1 12" PBR for the rear. Am I correct in thinking the only difference between the C4 HD and C5 conversion, is the C5 has larger calipers?

 

Right. I recommend those brakes for a great upgrade...and as for the calipers, basically yes: The HD rotors are a full 13" and the C5 rotors are 12.75" but they are thicker, 1.25" and the HDs are 1.1". That's really not a lot and won't make that much of a difference IMO.

The C5 calipers are indeed bigger and are also pin guided whereas the C4 calipers are pad guided. That's about it, and the C5 pistons are pretty close to the size of the C4 caliper pistons.


Ed

 

Ed thanks a bunch. There is a lot of great info on this site, but it's a bit scattered out. Trying to get it all together to analize it has been a challenge. This will get me going in the right direction.

I guess what I need now is a 98+ rear axle to scavange brakes, posi, and gears from...

 

I'd would get new rotors and new brake hoses if you go the junk yard route.

 

I agree. I will just use the non-wear items, and use GM or aftermarket upgrades for brake pads and rotors....