New generation of GM Brembo brakes

[David LaBuda]

I was pretty much set on ordering the parts for a gen 2 CTS-V brake upgrade but it looks like the calipers for the latest generation of GM performance cars has come way down. The Z51/J9G setup runs $100 less per caliper than the V2s but the rotors are about an inch smaller in diameter. Does anyone have any experience with these newer brakes? There's been some discussion on LS1Tech but I haven't seen much here.

[David LaBuda]

I found a great deal on a pair of new 2017 Camaro SS calipers (J9/Z51) so I decided to go for it. I did a little more research and these new calipers have four 42mm pistons which puts the total piston area very close to the larger six piston Brembos. The benefit with using these is that a C7 Z51 rotor is supposed to fit without boring out the center hub. I'll post an update here and on my build thread once all the parts come in.

[silvermonte]

That’s a pretty awesome find.

[David LaBuda]

The calipers I ordered ended up being incorrectly labeled so I returned them. This brings me back to my original options: the 13.6" rotor 4 piston J9G/Z51 brakes or the 14.6" rotor 6 piston V2 brakes. Both calipers have very similar piston area and I would think the larger rotor would provide a better lever arm for the clamping force. Thoughts?

[Typhoon1015]

All else being equal( master cylinder bore, balance f/r, pedal effort/ratio, the larger rotor will give you more force. These are setup for vac-assist, and that would work best. manual setup your most likely short on piston area. I would also consider pad prices and availability in this decision since you might not notice a big difference between the two.

[David LaBuda]

Looking at piston area and master cylinder bores, is there an ideal range for pedal travel with manual brakes? With the calculator I've been using, I'm at about 1.9" foot travel with 100lb applied pressure. I'm not sure how representative that is in the real world but I'm happy with the travel the Chevelle has now.

[Titan1021]

Where do you plan on buying your parts. I have plans for the same brake swap on my 1st gen camaro. I have been looking on eBay, Carpart, and rockauto.

[David LaBuda]

Rockauto generally has the best prices