LS1TECH - View Single Post - Super Cheap Big Brake Kit

JasonWW · 05-14-2009, 02:13 PM

FAQ

Q. Will my current rims fit?

A. That depends on several factors. First of all you will usually need an 18 inch or larger diameter rim to prevent the inside of the hoop from touching the caliper.
The second aspect concerns spoke clearance. This is where you get lots of different variables based of the shape of the spokes as well as the rim width and offset. If the spokes touch the caliper then you will need to space the rim outward. The easiest way to see if you will need a spacer or adapter is to measure your stock brake setup (12" LS1 rotor and caliper) and see if you have at least 1 1/4" of spoke clearance. Once you take into consideration the new rotor offset and the new caliper thickness, the conversion will stick out 1" more than stock. Measure the approximate area shown in the pic below.

Q. Since we will be going from 2 to 4 pistons, will we need to change our master cylinder?
A. Not at all. The stock master cylinder works just fine.

Q. I went to order parts and the dumb counter guy kept asking for my VIN number. What can I do?
A. Here are some VIN numbers you can copy down and give him.
04-07 CTS-V VIN's for calipers: (10th digit is year

)
1G6DN57S540181144
1G6DN56S650180782
1G6DN57U960149365
1G6DN57UX70101195

05-08 Z06 VIN's for rotors:
1G1YY24U855105022
1G1YY26E165125829
1G1YY26E275106921
1G1YY26E785101165

Q. Do I need adapter brackets to make this caliper fit?
A. No, the caliper bolts right on to the LS1 spindle. Only a few simple washers are needed to get the caliper centered over the rotor. It's super simple.

Q. So besides the loaded calipers, rotors and maybe a spacer/adapter, what other parts do I need?
A. The only other part is a pair of custom 24" long brake lines which are made by EB Miller for $75. You can order them at his site: Flynbye dot com

Q. I have an earlier LT1 car (93-97) and I want these big brakes, too. What can I do?
A. It's very simple, you just need to swap your LT1 spindles for some LS1 spindles. They are not very expensive and can be found at a salvage yard or E-bay. You will also shed some unsprung weight as well.

Q. Am I going to be able to find brake pads for these calipers in the future?
A. Yes. Since the front caliper is an "off the shelf" Brembo design, the pads available are abundant and inexpensive. Several choices are listed here: Pad Choices

Q. These fronts are way cool. Can I use the CTS-V rear calipers on the back of my F-body to have a matching set?
A. I haven't done any research at all on retrofitting the rear brakes. Sorry.

Below are two much longer threads that contain more details. Thanks to all those guys who participated in them.
CTS-V - Brakes Something Different
Anyone Interested In 14" Brake Kit?
The most recent info is going to be at the ends of the threads.

05-14-2009, 02:13 PM	#3
JasonWW TECH Senior Member Trader Rating: 1 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Hou. TX. Posts: 6,417	FAQ Q. Will my current rims fit? A. That depends on several factors. First of all you will usually need an 18 inch or larger diameter rim to prevent the inside of the hoop from touching the caliper. The second aspect concerns spoke clearance. This is where you get lots of different variables based of the shape of the spokes as well as the rim width and offset. If the spokes touch the caliper then you will need to space the rim outward. The easiest way to see if you will need a spacer or adapter is to measure your stock brake setup (12" LS1 rotor and caliper) and see if you have at least 1 1/4" of spoke clearance. Once you take into consideration the new rotor offset and the new caliper thickness, the conversion will stick out 1" more than stock. Measure the approximate area shown in the pic below. Q. Since we will be going from 2 to 4 pistons, will we need to change our master cylinder? A. Not at all. The stock master cylinder works just fine. Q. I went to order parts and the dumb counter guy kept asking for my VIN number. What can I do? A. Here are some VIN numbers you can copy down and give him. 04-07 CTS-V VIN's for calipers: (10th digit is year ) 1G6DN57S540181144 1G6DN56S650180782 1G6DN57U960149365 1G6DN57UX70101195 05-08 Z06 VIN's for rotors: 1G1YY24U855105022 1G1YY26E165125829 1G1YY26E275106921 1G1YY26E785101165 Q. Do I need adapter brackets to make this caliper fit? A. No, the caliper bolts right on to the LS1 spindle. Only a few simple washers are needed to get the caliper centered over the rotor. It's super simple. Q. So besides the loaded calipers, rotors and maybe a spacer/adapter, what other parts do I need? A. The only other part is a pair of custom 24" long brake lines which are made by EB Miller for $75. You can order them at his site: Flynbye dot com Q. I have an earlier LT1 car (93-97) and I want these big brakes, too. What can I do? A. It's very simple, you just need to swap your LT1 spindles for some LS1 spindles. They are not very expensive and can be found at a salvage yard or E-bay. You will also shed some unsprung weight as well. Q. Am I going to be able to find brake pads for these calipers in the future? A. Yes. Since the front caliper is an "off the shelf" Brembo design, the pads available are abundant and inexpensive. Several choices are listed here: Pad Choices Q. These fronts are way cool. Can I use the CTS-V rear calipers on the back of my F-body to have a matching set? A. I haven't done any research at all on retrofitting the rear brakes. Sorry. Below are two much longer threads that contain more details. Thanks to all those guys who participated in them. CTS-V - Brakes Something Different Anyone Interested In 14" Brake Kit? The most recent info is going to be at the ends of the threads. Last edited by JasonWW; 06-11-2009 at 09:02 PM..