Z51 or c6 z06

[69496]

I am looking to pick up a set of brakes for my 69 chevelle with ATS spindles and I am undecided between the Z51 brake package or the C6 Z06 brake package. I have been told before don't get more brake than you need but I am finding it hard to pass up the C6 Z06 package. I know the big draw back to the C6 Z06 package is wheel fitment but taking that out of the equation is it worth the extra money to get those brakes. I am hoping to do some racing with the chevelle but realistically it will be mostly a fun street car with a thirsty big block. What do you guys think, spend the extra money or use the money somewhere else. I want to thank Tobin at Kore3 while I am at it as well. He has been very helpful and I will definetely be buying my brakes from him. While I am at it every vendor I have dealt with through this site has been great.

[claytonisbob]

The only reason I wouldn't is wheel fitment. For the money they seem like really good brakes. I'm going with C6 325mm brakes because they fit and the Z51's don't (17" wheel).

If I had very + offset wheels in 18"+, totally Z06. I wouldn't believe they'd be too much for the street as they are production OEM brakes. Not like some brakes that are track only (no dust boots ect.) Though, I am no expert... at all... ;)

[shawn_s]

I think i remember reading something a while ago that the C6 Z06 brakes use 6 little pads instead of 2 big pads and that it wasnt the best for track use. i dont remember where i read that or anything, but its just something you might want to take into consideration.

if anyone else knows more about this, id like to hear about it.

[andrewb70]

I have the C6 ZO6 setup on my GTO. Love it. I run them without power assist and they great feel and easy modulation. The calipers do use individual pads. That was done to give even wear without the need to have staggered size pistons. The caliper uses 6 33mm pistons.

Andrew

[Apogee]

I think i remember reading something a while ago that the C6 Z06 brakes use 6 little pads instead of 2 big pads and that it wasnt the best for track use. i dont remember where i read that or anything, but its just something you might want to take into consideration.

if anyone else knows more about this, id like to hear about it.

Shawn, there were a lot of complaints early on with the C6 Z06 brakes from the guys who were pushing hard because the OE pads really didn't hold up well under even moderately hard use, let alone some of the severe smack-downs that some owners were putting on them. There's a reason we don't even stock or sell the OE pads anymore, and that's primarily why...that and the fact that they cost more.

Something similar can be said of the OE drilled rotors not holding up to the abuse as well...lots of cracked rotors from the guys who show no mercy on the street and at the track. It doesn't help when the front rotors are left hand only, especially when the Z06 (at least before the ZR1 came out) was seen as the pinnacle of GM's performance heritage. At least the rotors don't cost more than the aftermarket options like the pads do though.

Something that originally compounded the problem was that the new PBR padlet design had a brand new backing plate that had never been seen before on a production car, so it took the aftermarket longer than usual to respond with decent pad options. You'll notice now that with all of the performance pad manufacturers offering their complete lines of friction compounds for the C6 Z06, there are a lot fewer complaints.

All of that said, the C6 Z06 calipers have very similar pad area/volume as the standard D731 C5/C6 pads and as such are a good all-around, all-purpose setup for most folks unless you plan on doing some endurance racing or something like that.

Tobin
KORE3

[CapSS92]

Plus there's something to be said when you look thru the rims and see those BIG DAMN brakes peeking thru. <g>

[Turbo67camaro]

I wrestled with that decision myself.

In the end I went with C6 Z51 for better choice of wheels and better supplies of pads (short and long term), versus the slight braking improvements of the Z06 and better looks.

[68sixspeed]

A couple other notes on the c6z06... heavy, both the caliper, and rotor- fronts are 28lbs EACH. 2pc rotors can cut that in 1/2 but are not cheap (around $900/pair?) Rotor clearance can be an issue too. For the individual pads, there are a few places that make 1pc pads for track use, they seem to be a big hit on the corvette forum (cobalt pads I believe).