Question about the new 2007 Brake Caliper Rules

[Keith]

I did a search but didn't quite find what I was looking for.

 

I see that for 2007 the f-bodies can choose to use C5 40mm brake calipers. I have a set of new in-box C5 brake caliper brackets that came with a car I recently purchased for daily driving. However, I was under the impression that you need 17" wheels to fit the C5 brake setup.

 

Does the rule imply that the C5 calipers will bolt up to the LS1 hardware and can be used with the LS1 spindle and rotor?

 

Since I can't make many events this year, I have been taking inventory and building my spares. Calipers are on my list and I am just making sure I understand my options before clicking any "buy" buttons on various websites.

 

Thanks.

[Glenn]

a C5 set-up inclused 13" rotors, thus the need for 17" wheels.

the C5 caliper is a direct fit in place of the F-body 98-02 caliper. use the f-body pads too.

[Keith]

Thanks, Glenn.

 

I have to assume that if one goes to the full C5 front setup (calipers, rotors and pads) then he has also gone to CMC-2 for the 17x9/17x9.5's to get the wheels over them?

 

When you say that the C5 caliper is a direct fit, I assume you mean that if I decide to go to the C5 caliper, I can continue to use LS1 rotors and pads and they bolt right up to the LS1 caliper bracket?

[mitchntx1548534714]

I had the privilege of prototyping a set of caliper relocation brackets that LGM markets. I installed them on my '98 Trans AM before the brembos went on.

 

With the complete package, rotors, calipers, PABs, guide pins, 17" rims are required. The ribs on the top of the caliper will hit the wheel. C5 pads need to be used in this application.

 

LGM's brackets ONLY work with 98+ knuckles.

 

The calipers are a direct bolt-on to the 98+ F-Body PAB. 3 issues, though ...

 

1) You MUST use F-Body pads as the arc of the brake pad backing plate clears the rotor hat and the C5 pads do not.

 

2) The caliper is significantly wider between the outer ears and the piston side to accommodate a thicker C5 rotor. With the thinner F-Car rotor, the pistons will move further out of caliper. This COULD be an issue if you allow pads to wear all the way to the backing plate. I've never seen or heard of an issue, but the caliper pistons are probably 3/4 the way out of the caliper at the end of pad life. Just be diligent and keep an eye on the pad wear.

 

3) The C5 caliper bolts have a wider hex head on them when compared to the F-Body. The thread size, length and pitch are the same, they just have a wider hex head. I can only assume it's to keep the head from gouging into the caliper as it's tightened. If you re-use the F-Car bolts, use a small, stainless steel, flat washer to spread the loading.

 

FYI ...

 

To rebuild a single F-Car caliper, it requires 2 kits as each kit has seals and boots for 1 piston.

 

To rebuild a single C5 caliper, it only requires 1 kit as each kit has 2 seals and 2 dust boots.

 

HTH

[Al F.]

Excellent info guys, thanks!

[Keith]

I guess I've gone brain dead on this...

 

Are we saying that:

 

a) C5 caliper are legal for CMC, CMC-2 or both?

b) C5 cailpers will fit under 16" wheels?

 

The reason that this is important to me now is that I suffered a cracked rotor yesterday and I will be buying some brake stuff. If converting to C5 is an option, then I might go that way since it's time for new calipers anyway.

 

Sorry for beating this to death.

[mitchntx1548534714]

8.35.9 Braking systems shall conform to the following specifications:

3. The maximum front and rear rotor size shall not exceed the following dimensions:

a. All CMC GM vehicles: 12.0†diameter and 1.25†thickness

c. All CMC-2 vehicles: 13.1†diameter and 1.31†thickness

 

4. Front calipers may be updated/backdated within cars of the same manufacturer on the eligible manufacturers/models list with the following exceptions listed below:

a. All GM vehicles may use stock 98+ Camaro/Firebird 44mm dual piston

calipers or C5 40mm dual piston calipers

c. All CMC-2 vehicles may use any single line, aluminum bodied caliper

with four or fewer pistons. Modifications to the spindle/upright to mount

an alternate caliper are allowed provided their only purpose is to mount

an alternate caliper.

 

That rule tells me that a C5 caliper can be used in CMC. JUST THE CALIPER. Everything else brake-wise has to remain 98+ F-Body. On a 4th gen, the C5 caliper will fit inside a 16" rim. I would put the wheel weights close to the inner edge of the rim, though, hint, hint ... I cannot speak for a 3rd gen application.

 

For CMC-2, a larger rotor can be used and those demensions, strangely enough, match a stock, OEM C5 front rotor. The rules allow for a Wilwood or Brembo 4 piston caliper like the Prospeed kit (Porsche 996TT brakes)that Glenn has on his street car and I used to run.

[Keith]

I think I'm gonna go this way and try reman C5 calipers rather than always going and buying new GM calipers. WIth a lessened spread issue with the C5 design, this could save me some money.

 

Thank you for your patience, Mitch.

[tacovini]

Thank you for your patience, Mitch.

 

Huh...never heard that before!

[Keith]

Thank you for your patience, Mitch.

 

Huh...never heard that before!

 

I was being a bit thick on this but one of the main questions wasn't clearly stated (fitting 16" wheels over the calipers) and I am still stinging from the "smart" purchase of 16" wheels and snow tires for my street Firebird that I can't use because they won't fit over the Baer Brake Kit. Since I have first-hand knowledge of just how stupid one can feel when the smart purchase won't bolt up, I wanted to be 100% sure on this one.

 

...a cat picture wasn't inappropriate and I was looking for it...

 

Anyway, here are some data points for those of you keeping score:

 

Local Autozone reman C5 cailpers - $113+tax = ~$120 each (I have no core so this is more expensive than it should be)

New C5 calipers at gmpartsdirect.com = ~$126 each shipped

New LS1 calipers at gmpartsdirect.com = ~$127 average each shipped (left and right are different prices!?)

 

I am not seeing a huge difference in price here so I am going for new LS1's simply because I am going to stick with what has served me well in the past. I do know that in a pinch, I can get C5 or LS1 remans at most parts stores so this is all good.

 

...however, I am also moving the brake ducts over from the street car to the CMC car... I don't need more cracked rotors like this past weekend.

[mitchntx1548534714]

Todd, I would have expected more from a member of our leadership team.

 

 

Mitch "I hate cats" Warren

[tacovini]

Todd, I would have expected more from a member of our leadership team.

 

 

Mitch "I hate cats" Warren

 

Mitch...maybe you should expect less and be happier.

 

 

Kidding aside, this thread does have some good info.

Will gmpartsdirect.com ship to a Ford household?

 

-=- Todd

[Keith]

Will gmpartsdirect.com ship to a Ford household?

 

-=- Todd

 

Yes, enter Promo Code "Ford" and you will get the Ford pricing and shipping charges. I believe it doubles the above prices.