HOW TO:: Corvette front brake upgrade for 99-05 N Body cars!!

[Redog]

ALL THIS INFORMATION IF FROM GRANDAMGT.COM AND WAS DONE ON A FEW GRAND AMS

GM part prices updated on November 20, 2008

1) Order these parts:
- 98-02 fbody caliper brackets (front) (P/N: 18026163) $69.68/each
- 97-04 Corvette calipers
---grey calipers: (P/N: 12530682)(P/N: 12530683)$116.22/each
---red (zo6) calipers: (P/N: 88895128)(P/N: 88895129) $112.49/each
- 98-02 fbody brake pads (front)
- 00-05 Impala rotors (front)
- 97-02 corvette anti-rattle clip
* all part numbers are GM numbers.
** the calipers are available at auto part stores for less, but are not GM original parts.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_323_full.jpg

2) Start off by removing the wheel. Make sure you remember to use a jack stand not just a jack.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_327_full.jpg

3) Next you remove the top caliper bolt. You use a 13mm crescent wrench for the bolt, and a 16mm crescent for the guide pin. You then flp the caliper back to remove the brake pads.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_328_full.jpg

4) You then remove the brake line bolt from the back of the caliper. It uses a 13mm bolt as well. You might need to put the top bolt back into the caliper and hold it in place while you loosen the banjo bolt (brake line bolt).

5) Next you remove the lower caliper bolt using a 13mm crescent and 16mm crescent for the retainer. You can now take the entire caliper off.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_340_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_329_full.jpg

6) You can now remove the guidepins and boots and slide them into the new calipers.

7) You can now remove the caliper bracket. For this you use a 16mm crescent or socket wrench. theres two bolts, one on top and one on bottom. Now the caliper bracket and rotor come off.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_339_full.jpg

8) You now install the new rotor and caliper bracket. Make sure to use threadloc on the threads, and reinstall with a torque of 85 lbs.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_330_full.jpg

9) Check the dust shield to amke sure it is not touching the rotor. Mine was ( i discovered after 100 miles of annoying scrapeing). If it is touching then use a flathead and move it about 1/2 inch away from the rotor.
bad: http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_350_full.jpg
good:http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_351_full.jpg

10) Now you can bolt the brake line up to the new caliper, (tightening to a torque of 40 lbs) and bolt the bottom part of the caliper on using new bolts. The bolts that come with GM corvette calipers are 15mm bolts. 13 mm bolts also come with the camaro brackets (knuckles). Tighten the caliper bolts to a torque of 25lbs (verify all torque settings in a hayes manual).

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_341_full.jpg

11) Now you can put the pad retainers in place, and install the brake pads. You can then flip the caliper up and bolt it in place. The caliper bolts torque down to 23 lbs.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_331_full.jpg

12) Make sure to bleed each side after it is done. Once the job is done, make sure that the brake fluid reservoir is filled to its line.

13) Now reinstall the wheel, torque them to 100 lbs. and lower the car back down.
This is about how it shoudl look when its all done:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_326_full.jpg


Here is a pic of this brake upgrade behind a 16 inch Grand Prix Wheel

http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=23299&d=1150501154

[billytheman1188]

This is one of the few important mods i will be doing when my alero turns into a SUMMER ONLY car.:coolio:

[Redog]

According to his price list and the cost of pads and rotors on Summit, all the parts come out to $648 plus tax and shipping of course.

Not bad way to spend $650 ;)

[Redog]

Prices have gone up since this list was printed. Prices on GMpartsdirect.com are a little higher now, so I'm updating the costs of the parts for the GM part numbers given ;)

[darksobsession]

the benefits are... better stopping power?

[Redog]

Yes, better stopping power and better looking behind aftermarket wheels.

[alerored04]

After this mod my car stops so hard the seatbelts hurt my chest. I have yet to lock it up with these brakes for fear of flatspotting my tires before ABS kicks in. The look is pure sex though.

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

what about the rears? Obviously the same procedure would be used for the 4-wheel-disc guys, but are the parts the same?

[AJules]

You can get something very similar for under 300 bucks

http://www.mpracing.org/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=369

or you can try to get in on this group buy

http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95922

[Cliff8928]

You could definitely do it for less than $300 if you wanted to...

[Redog]

After this mod my car stops so hard the seatbelts hurt my chest. I have yet to lock it up with these brakes for fear of flatspotting my tires before ABS kicks in. The look is pure sex though.

How big are your wheels? And is the offset different with these brakes? That's the only thing that's on my mind about the upgrade

[Beholder88]

Would this work with the stock wheels? Does the clearance change between the caliper and the inside of the rim? I've got both a set of the stock Alero Aluminum rims as well as a set of steelies for the winter. If I upgrade the brakes as shown, will they work with the wheels I have?

[surreal_awakening]

Has anything ever developed on upgrades for the rears?

[hok666]

is there anyway to get rid of the corvette name on the calipers? Just think it would be dumb see corvette name on alero.

[surreal_awakening]

Can't you get the calipers from a parts store w/out the Corvette name on it?

[alerored04]

You can get them without the name. Redog, they actually fit with the stock 16" GLS wheels. If you have 15" wheels you will need to upgrade. The offset does not appear to have changed.

[Cliff8928]

is there anyway to get rid of the corvette name on the calipers? Just think it would be dumb see corvette name on alero.

You can use GTO calipers. The name on those is just a decal.

The F-Body calipers also work, even if they aren't as well constructed they will be good enough for daily use.

Oh, and I agree. No logo on the calipers on the Olds. The Chevy is another story (have a freshly powdercoated set of C6 calipers for it)

[will176]

sorry to be a noob, but if i have the standered 16 inch 6 spoke wheels, will these fit? or will i need to upgrade?
these ones-
http://www.racepages.com/images/products/images/replacement_alloy/ALY06057U80N.jpg

[alerored04]

I am not sure if those work. Those are the '99 16" wheels. The ones I am using are the 01 GLS 16"s. If they are the same offset as mine then they should.

[will176]

whats your offset?

[alerored04]

I think the stock 01 GLS wheels are +42 offset. Someone will need to confirm this though.

[black00gt1]

I did 06 gto brakes on mine but i painted the calipers i'm anti red "yuck"


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e322/1badgto/PICT1570.jpg

before paint


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e322/1badgto/1225558654.jpg

[Midgear]

I think I know what I'm doing come tax time.. lol

[alerored04]

Well I will be down there in a month so you can check mine out and see if you like em.

[Midgear]

^^^ In oklahoma? O_o

[alerored04]

Yeah. I will be down there for three months for ATC training in Ok city.

[Midgear]

hmm.. for some reason I think we've had this discussion before.. what's ATC? .. and I love the city and all.. but I get lost easily and city roads dont like me very much- you should come to Mcalester for a weekend or two, depending on the weather- bring a jacket lol

[alerored04]

We have discussed this. ATC is Air Traffic Control. Why bring a jacket? I am from Minnesota I wont put on a coat until it get near 10* F.

[Alerosaint]

I did 06 gto brakes on mine but i painted the calipers i'm anti red "yuck"


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e322/1badgto/PICT1570.jpg

before paint


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e322/1badgto/1225558654.jpg

Im about to acquire some 04 GTO calipers...those will work just as good right?

[black00gt1]

05-06 ones look better not all the ribs "unless you want that" idk i got these local from a 06 gto

[Alerosaint]

a buddy is selling me his old one from his 04 gto...he put 05' on...i just wanna they work before i nab them...its been a tough time finding out yae or nae

[Midgear]

Why bring a jacket? I am from Minnesota I wont put on a coat until it get near 10* F.

oh.. didn't see that :lol:

[black00gt1]

it will work

[billytheman1188]

this might be a dumb question.....but how come you dont have to switch out the brake lines? isnt there more fluid going to the caliper with the corvette or GTO ones? more than our stock ones???? Just wondering:ninja:

[Redog]

It's not the lines, the question is about the master cyl, but Scott is running his stock MC with big ass Brembos with no probs :eek:

[billytheman1188]

It's not the lines, the question is about the master cyl, but Scott is running his stock MC with big ass Brembos with no probs :eek:

ahhh ok. well thats good....easy swap of corvette brakes and your good to go!:cool: i cant imagine how much better the braking would be...... 2 piston calipers, big ass rotors......makes me cream my pants:lol:

[Redog]

^^ Yeah, but if you don't wear that seatbelt, you'll be cream on the inside of that windshield

[billytheman1188]

^^ Yeah, but if you don't wear that seatbelt, you'll be cream on the inside of that windshield


haha.....well nothing to worry about there, i always wear my seat belt;) Now i wanna see how bad ass these brakes are.....i think scott should let me test drive his alero to see how good the brakes REALLY are:lol: :lol:

[mfuller]

haha.....well nothing to worry about there, i always wear my seat belt;) Now i wanna see how bad ass these brakes are.....i think scott should let me test drive his alero to see how good the brakes REALLY are:lol: :lol:

Scot's biggest limitation is tires, not brakes.

[black00gt1]

add fluid because you lose some bleed and put on the tire torque is and go for a drive ohh ya put on you'r seat belt and slam on the brakes lololol i told the guy that bought the supercharger to upgrade the brakes and explained why ha ha

[will176]

umm am i missing something or am I the only one that worries of the fact that with these brakes the front to rear bias will be off?

[Redog]

60% to 70% of the braking is in the front brakes, notice that the stock front brakes are bigger than the stock rear brakes ;)

[billytheman1188]

yea....the rear brakes dont do that much. Front brakes FTW! :)

[Midgear]

what was it.. 64% or somethin (more than half) of the car's weight is over the front wheels-

[billytheman1188]

what was it.. 64% or somethin (more than half) of the car's weight is over the front wheels-

64.329081 to be exact:lol: :lol: i crack myself up

[alerored04]

I have yet to totally peg my brake pedal. I am scared of flatspotting my tires. Billy, ss braided lines are recommended, that way the pressure will not drop due to line swelling but they are just too pricey for what you gain, that is why most people don't bother with them. For me I had already spent $200 more than I wanted to on this swap so I did not want to do another $150 on ss lines.

[billytheman1188]

I have yet to totally peg my brake pedal. I am scared of flatspotting my tires. Billy, ss braided lines are recommended, that way the pressure will not drop due to line swelling but they are just too pricey for what you gain, that is why most people don't bother with them. For me I had already spent $200 more than I wanted to on this swap so I did not want to do another $150 on ss lines.

ah ok. so braided lines will run about $150 :eek: forget that;)

[Midgear]

clarification.. will this setup fit behind a 16" factory (old style.. 99') polished aluminium wheel?

[alerored04]

Do not know if they will go behind your wheels. We can check on Jan 7. I have my 01 stocks on for winter right now and they are tight but it works. Depends how different the two GLS styles are.

[mfuller]

ah ok. so braided lines will run about $150 :eek: forget that;)
I suppose it's all relative. When you have a $1200 set of calipers, $150 is a drop in the bucket. But I'm harder on my brakes than most - you won't miss anything in normal street driving.

[alerored04]

/\ Good point.

[Alerosaint]

But I'm harder on my brakes than most - you won't miss anything in normal street driving.

Im right there with ya....i be on the them brakes

[will176]

one point though, if you see alot of track action, other than drag racing, braided lines would be a smart buy due to the fact that they will significantly help to reduce brake fade. those and high temp fluid or if you drive so hard on the street that you induce fade

[mfuller]

one point though, if you see alot of track action, other than drag racing, braided lines would be a smart buy due to the fact that they will significantly help to reduce brake fade. those and high temp fluid or if you drive so hard on the street that you induce fade
This is a common misconception.
While braided lines will limit the small amount of expansion the rubber brake lines will see in heavy use, the main benefit comes in increased brake "feel" - which is not something that can be quantified. They mainly serve to help you better modulate your brakes.
Braided lines will not in any way reduce brake fade - that is simply a function of the friction coefficient and temperature resistance of the brake pad friction material.
High temp brake fluid will serve to curb a bit of fade, but mostly serves to limit "spongy pedal syndrome", which happens when brake fluid heats to the point of boiling, which introduces gases into the hydraulic braking system.

[will176]

This is a common misconception.
While braided lines will limit the small amount of expansion the rubber brake lines will see in heavy use, the main benefit comes in increased brake "feel" - which is not something that can be quantified. They mainly serve to help you better modulate your brakes.
Braided lines will not in any way reduce brake fade - that is simply a function of the friction coefficient and temperature resistance of the brake pad friction material.
High temp brake fluid will serve to curb a bit of fade, but mostly serves to limit "spongy pedal syndrome", which happens when brake fluid heats to the point of boiling, which introduces gases into the hydraulic braking system.

yes, i was incorrect, but with these mods, your pedal movement does less to compensate the fact that the lines are ballooning, and pushing out gasses from boiling fluid, so therefore the pedal is only working to control your break pads, rather than dealing with these things in your system, and also, a stiffer brake pedal is always nice IMO

[Midgear]

holy crap I forgot about this thread :lol:

what's the prices as of now? This can be done for less than 300?

[alerored04]

It would be tough to go less than that. I spent around $450. If you take your time and shop around you might be able to do it that cheap. My issue was that one of my calipers was seized and I needed the car back on the road asap so I had to shell out for the parts. Keep your eyes on ebay for deals on the calipers and especially the camaro brackets, otherwise you have to purchase the bracket from the dealer since for some reason auto parts stores can't get them. If you still want to try your stock wheels over these for fit we can get together soon too.

[alerored04]

http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78543&highlight=brakes $450

Not Vette calipers but the same parts otherwise. Will all perform the same just without the lettering.
Totals around $280 if you buy their rotors but those are not drilled/slotted and do not look as nice.
http://www.mpracing.org/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=370

Ebay impala drilled/slotted http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-05-Chevy-Impala-Drilled-Slotted-Brake-Rotors-F_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQ categoryZ33564QQihZ021QQitemZ310086736543QQrdZ1QQs spagenameZWD1V (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-05-Chevy-Impala-Drilled-Slotted-Brake-Rotors-F_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQ categoryZ33564QQihZ021QQitemZ310086736543QQrdZ1QQs spagenameZWD1V)
These total out around $80 with shipping where as the non drilled at MP are $50. The extra $30 is worth it IMO to complete the look. Hope this helps.

[Cliff8928]

holy crap I forgot about this thread :lol:

what's the prices as of now? This can be done for less than 300?

Yes, if you don't mind used stuff and camaro calipers...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/98-02-Firebird-Camaro-Front-Brake-Upgrade-LS1-Complete_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a570Q7c66 Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c2 93Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZ item110352626281QQitemZ110352626281QQptZMotorsQ5fC arQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_7948wt_2062

[hok666]

OMG i forgot about this thread too. I want bigger calipers when I find bigger rims(wheels)

[dragon8807]

i put camaro calipers, brackets and pads with impala rotors on my 99 alero yesterday and they fit with my stock 16s. one of my calipers seized up so i decided to upgrade my brakes.

http://i31.tinypic.com/17a8eo.jpg

[Bad99Olds]

so they did fit (barely) behind the 99 16inch polished wheels. Sweet.

[Gr1m]

i have this swap done on my car with cross drilled slotted rotors on the 19" OSVs and they fill the inside of them pretty nicely

[Bad99Olds]

dragon are you noticing and rubbing or other assorted issues with these breaks? or is it all smooth sailing?

[[ion] C2]

from the picture it looks like it fits with plenty of clearance

[Bad99Olds]

that was my thought but i thought id clarify before i go sinking 600 bucks into something.... lol

[dragon8807]

it's all good, don't have any problems

[Caboose73]

nice this is going to be my next upgrade then cause id pushed it off cause i thought i needed to buy 17inch rims first

So whats everyone doing to there rear rotors? just keeping them stock?

[00WhiteAlero]

Just buy rear rotors to match the front there is no known rear upgrade yet unless you go with the mp racing upgrade

[Cliff8928]

You can upgrade the rear with Grand Prix GXP components.

[mfuller]

Say Cliff....any updates on your other front brake project?

[Cliff8928]

Not yet, I'll have to email and see if there's any progress on the adapter brackets.

[A57]

As for rear there are bear stock size for the rear sold at auto zone. the set runs about 102 and take a 2 days for them to get to the store or you can buy them online and shipped it right to you...

heres a link
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/parts/partsProduct.jsp?displayName=Brake+Rotor+-+Rear&itemId=855-0&navValue=14400855&parentId=44-0&productId=617707&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=617707_74778_3032_&filterByKeyWord=rearbrakesrotors&categoryNValue=14499999&isSearchByPartNumber=false&categoryDisplayName=Brakes&store=2146&skuDescription=BaerDecela/BrakeRotor-Rear&fromWhere=&searchText=rearbrakesrotors&_requestid=1335016

[Blktrax]

i put camaro calipers, brackets and pads with impala rotors on my 99 alero yesterday and they fit with my stock 16s. one of my calipers seized up so i decided to upgrade my brakes.

http://i31.tinypic.com/17a8eo.jpg

Can anyone confirm what type of material the Corvette calipers vs. the Camero Caliper? It would appear becuase of the Corvette Logo that they are and aluminum alloy like the stock aleros. But last I worked on a 98 Trans Am they seemed to be Cast Iron.

So
Are the F-Body Camero/Firebird Calipers Cast Iron, or Aluminum Alloy?
Are the Corvette/GTO Calipers Cast Iron or ALuminum Alloy?

[Cliff8928]

All of them are aluminum.

[A57]

looks good under the 16..or 17 or even 18.. IMO like the vette caliper..

[mfuller]

Kinda bringing this one back for a small update -

For those that want to upgrade rear brakes, I can confirm that the 12.0"x0.8" vented setup from a GP GXP bolts up fine.

For those people comtemplating between Corvette calipers and anything else (Camaro/Firebird/GTO/etc.), the Corvette calips are about 24% stiffer and have smaller pistons for better brake feel and modulation. I would recommend the Vette calipers (logo naysayers be damned).

[guiguilandry]

So by setup you mean.... Both Rotors and Calipers with the Brackets too from a 05-08 GXP???


Kinda bringing this one back for a small update -

For those that want to upgrade rear brakes, I can confirm that the 12.0"x0.8" vented setup from a GP GXP bolts up fine.

[Redog]

Matt, can you get a list up for the rears?

I need new rear brakes soon and I'm planing on doing this :D

Is it all GXP parts?

[colonel6632]

i was just thinking that too redog. my rear brakes dont do anything... even with the ebrake on

[Redog]

Well the ebrake is something different, it's inside the rear rotor it has nothing to do with the capliers.

But my ebrake is going too. I want to replace those as well ;)

[colonel6632]

shows how much i know. lol. i thought the ebrake was connected to the caliper or something like that. either way, my pads are metal on metal. so it's time to replace

[Redog]

I bought an shipped e brake shoes to Marrko a while ago. They were $95 at AutoZone and in the shape of a "C"

They have holes for the e brake cable, but IDK exactly how to hook them up. Maybe somebody can chime in :ninja:

[Philbar71]

I bought an shipped e brake shoes to Marrko a while ago. They were $95 at AutoZone and in the shape of a "C"

They have holes for the e brake cable, but IDK exactly how to hook them up. Maybe somebody can chime in :ninja:

They are exactly like drum brakes. Have you ever done drums??? They suck tho, a real pain in the ass :cry:

Edit: Alright, drums and Ebrakes arent exactly the same, But they are extremely similar and can still be a pita to do.

[colonel6632]

i've only done drum brakes on a semi. and how are they the same...

[Redog]

Never did drums. Never wanted to.

Do you need the speical drum brake tool for the e brake job?

Playing around on Rock Auto and I see that they sell the calipers and brackets as a kit, pretty cheap too :D

[Philbar71]

Never did drums. Never wanted to.

Do you need the speical drum brake tool for the e brake job?

Playing around on Rock Auto and I see that they sell the calipers and brackets as a kit, pretty cheap too :D

No special tools or nothin. Just some needle nose pliers help out alot.

[DRM Racing]

ok is there a reason why you cant use the crossdrilled and slotted rotors from the grand ams for this conversion? or do they have to be from a malibu and what year malibu?

[Shiwnath]

ok is there a reason why you cant use the crossdrilled and slotted rotors from the grand ams for this conversion? or do they have to be from a malibu and what year malibu?

Because the stock rotor is like 11ish inches and these are 12 inch rotors.

[DRM Racing]

ok but what year malibu will work?

[Redog]

Because the Camaro calipers are set up to work on a 12 inch rotor, not an 11 like what comes on the Alero/GA/Malibu stock.

You need 2000-2005 IMPALA rotors, not too sure where you got that Malibu rotors will work on this conversion.

[Redog]

ok is there a reason why you cant use the crossdrilled and slotted rotors from the grand ams for this conversion? or do they have to be from a malibu and what year malibu?

Because the stock rotor is like 11ish inches and these are 12 inch rotors.

ok but what year malibu will work?


http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p61/mugenaccord86/2009_06210086.jpg

[unchained01]

I wanna know the part number for GXP caliper and no one has definitively said that the e-brake works with those calipers also. Can anyone verify ??

[unchained01]

Double post

[xXManwhoreXx]

Kenny you pic reposter I dug that shit up!

[sleepyalero]

im gonna do this mod one day... want the calipers in light blue though. hmmm.