HOW-TO Install Corvette brakes on a 99+ GA

[TDavis]

Is it possible at all to get GXP rear rotors that aren't drilled?

I would want just regular 12" disks in rear and front.

[2000 GT Coupe]

Originally Posted by TDavis

Is it possible at all to get GXP rear rotors that aren't drilled?

I would want just regular 12" disks in rear and front.

yes www.r1concepts.com has blanks for sale

[TDavis]

Are GP GXP front rotors 12"? Why couldn't we get those instead of Corvette fronts?

That question came up when I was talking to my dad about them. I would guess GP GXP front rotors are 13"+ or something? To big to fit?

[2000 GT Coupe]

GXP are 12.7
The Corvette front rotors do not fit 5x120 bolt pattern.
2000 Impala are the right size their 12 inch

[TDavis]

Then what I'm thinking of then is just using the Corvette calipers?

So people just get Impala front rotors slotted and/or drilled?

Is 12" the max someone can go on a GA since people don't put GP GXP front rotors on their GA?

[[ChaosweaveR]]

IIRC, there's alternatives to the Corvette dual pistons...I believe the GTO, 1st gen Equinox/Torrent and XLR dual piston front calipers work as well.

[geldartb]

Originally Posted by AaronGTR

Hmm, that's interesting. Do you know if the vette brackets will work too, or do you have to get the GXP brackets and the 'vette calipers? Lighter and stronger sounds good to me, so I'd be inclined to do the same as you and get the vette calipers. They are a little more expensive though. And I can get the GXP ones from A1 cardone already powder coated red with pads and hardware for around $130 which isn't bad. Decisions decisions....

I'll probably have to just get the front pads changed for now and save up the money to do the rears.

no on the rear brackets for the vetter stuff. if you line up on hole the other is like 1/4" off.

kinda figured it wouldn't work since the fronts were angled different where the bracket bolts to the steering arm.

[mfuller]

Originally Posted by TDavis

Is it possible at all to get GXP rear rotors that aren't drilled?

I would want just regular 12" disks in rear and front.

Please read........from the parts list I posted on the previous page -

Here's the part numbers I have on file -
2 rear single piston aluminum calipers - Left - GM part # - 89060369 Right - GM part # - 89060370
2 rear caliper brackets - GM part # - 88965593 you need 2
2 rear 12" rotors - GM part # - 88965595 you need 2
1 set rear pads - GM part # - 89060372
I want to say that everything is from a 05-06 Grand Prix GXP (with the 5.3L V8).
If you want to use plain rear rotors, you can use CENTRIC Part # 12162091.

[mfuller]

Originally Posted by TDavis

Are GP GXP front rotors 12"? Why couldn't we get those instead of Corvette fronts?

That question came up when I was talking to my dad about them. I would guess GP GXP front rotors are 13"+ or something? To big to fit?

As stated before, GP GXP rotors are 12.7" diameter.
If you want to do a complete Corvette front setup (as I have done), you need a relocation bracket from KORE3, and have a factory 12.8" Corvette rotor drilled for our bolt pattern (5x115). Some pictures are on my cardomain page - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/342710...e-alero/page-6.
By the way, either of these setups will fit under 17" wheels.

Before anyone asks, here's why I chose the base Corvette front setup over a complete GP GXP front setup -

1. The rotor diameter difference is negligible, but the GP GXP front rotors are significantly heavier. Why?
Both base Corvette and GP GXP rotors have directional cooling vanes (meaning the rotor's internal cooling vanes are slanted to promote more efficient cooling), but only the base Corvette rotors are left-and-right side specific. For presumably cost savings, front rotors for the GP GXP are cast in one mold, rather than the two separate molds the base Corvette uses. So this means that the cooling vanes are pointed in the wrong direction on one side of the GP GXP. The contributes to greatly diminished cooling capacity. The compensate, the GP GXP rotors have greater mass to account for the higher thermal load.

2.The calipers for the Corvette are pressure-cast, rather than gravity-cast. This means they are stronger, yet lighter.

3. The Corvette calipers use slightly smaller pistons. Smaller pistons weigh a smidge less, but require less fluid volume to move. This helps with brake pedal feel.

4. The Corvette caliper abutment bracket (anchor) uses a longer brake pad. The more friction area you have, the stronger your brakes can potentialy be.

Will any of this matter to most of you? No. Camaro brakes are quite good and will suit 99% of N-body drivers. I am just a bit nuttier than most.

[TDavis]

Originally Posted by mfuller

Please read........from the parts list I posted on the previous page -

Here's the part numbers I have on file -
2 rear single piston aluminum calipers - Left - GM part # - 89060369 Right - GM part # - 89060370
2 rear caliper brackets - GM part # - 88965593 you need 2
2 rear 12" rotors - GM part # - 88965595 you need 2
1 set rear pads - GM part # - 89060372
I want to say that everything is from a 05-06 Grand Prix GXP (with the 5.3L V8).
If you want to use plain rear rotors, you can use CENTRIC Part # 12162091.

Sorry it was 11pm and I was up since 2am that day. Read that earlier but then later on in the day forgot.

[AaronGTR]

Here's a question, not sure if anyone has the answer but...

I'm looking at rear GXP calipers on rock auto. They list some as FE2 suspension, some with FE3, and some with an FE4 special ride and handling package. The FE4 also comes with phenolic caliper pistons instead of steel and costs about $4 more.

Where all of these suspension options available on the GXP or are some of them actually for base model GXP's, and will any of them fit the GXP disc and bracket?

[TDavis]

What the hell is phenolic? Some type of metal?

I got a question too.

Has anyone put Brembo calipers on there GA with this brake upgrade? Or would that not work?

[[ChaosweaveR]]

What Brembos?

The easiest ones to get are the Evo VII, VIII and IX four pots. I'd take measurements for the mounting points on the calipers compared to the spindle on a GA. Dunno what rotors you'd have to use. I have the feeling W-body rotors may be too small.

[AaronGTR]

Originally Posted by TDavis

What the hell is phenolic? Some type of metal?

I got a question too.

Has anyone put Brembo calipers on there GA with this brake upgrade? Or would that not work?

Phenolic is a sort of plastic composite type material that is very non heat conductive, so it would help limit transfer of heat from the brake pad through the piston to the brake fluid. I wouldn't think that would be a huge concern on rear brakes but...

I'm not sure how strong it is compare to steel either. WOT-tech made some phenolic spacers for the UIM back in the day. I had a set but never got around to using them and ended up selling them.


I did a little google searching last night and found a couple posts on LS1-tech.com that referenced the GXP's having FE4 suspension, but could find any info about if they all had it or if all the brake calipers or brackets were the same between them.

[[ChaosweaveR]]

I've seen a few W-body guys install the Brembo four pots from 5th gen Camaros, but I never really dug into what's involved.

[AaronGTR]

Found a local guy with a set of used '04 'vette rear caliper he'll sell me cheap. Going to pick them up this week. Probably have to wait a couple more weeks for the $ to get the GXP rotors and brackets. Then I just have to figure out hardware. Don't know what I'm gonna need for bolts etc, and if there are any anti-rattle clips for the pads or anything I'll need. I'm assuming I'll have to use C5 rear pads, so I'm going to order those and the fronts I need too.

[HOYS]

Originally Posted by [ChaosweaveR]

What Brembos?

The easiest ones to get are the Evo VII, VIII and IX four pots. I'd take measurements for the mounting points on the calipers compared to the spindle on a GA. Dunno what rotors you'd have to use. I have the feeling W-body rotors may be too small.

Originally Posted by [ChaosweaveR]

I've seen a few W-body guys install the Brembo four pots from 5th gen Camaros, but I never really dug into what's involved.

Look into the CTS-V brake swap on LS1tech. Brembos that bolt up!

[geldartb]

Originally Posted by HOYS

Look into the CTS-V brake swap on LS1tech. Brembos that bolt up!

shazzam that was easier than i thought. was like the 10th post down in the search
http://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension...ll-w-pics.html

[AaronGTR]

Found myself a set of used C5 calipers on craigslist and picked them up today. Came off an '04 with only 8500 miles. Guy upgraded to Z06 brakes and wanted to get rid of his stock stuff.



They are in really good condition, so I'll probably just clean them up a little and paint them while they're off the car. Have to pay a few bills so I'll have to wait a couple weeks until I get paid again to order the rest of the stuff. I'll get the GXP rotors, brackets, and hardware first, and test fit it all and modify the calipers as needed. Then I'll get the pads and install it all.

Planning to drive the car to MI for xmas break and I'm not sure if I'll be able to get it done before then, but if not I can install it all at my brothers shop while I'm there.

[TDavis]

Hovered over "My Foto" and found it said findfriends.at.

Nice try.