Upgrading Braking system

Guys, I want to upgrade my braking system and was hoping you guys can give me some advise on some good packages or brands I can buy. I an advise, or opinions are welcome. Thanks!

I went with crossdrilled rotors (I forget the brand name but can find out). I wanted crossdrilled and slotted, but couldn't find any at a reasonable price. I like the look of crossdrilled better than slotted, but don't know the performance difference. I also have Hawk carbon fiber pads and replaced the rubber brake lines with stainless steel.

I painted the calipers while I had them off. I used 1200 degree engine enamal paint. Its been over a year and they still look good. I cleaned them with a wire wheel attached to a drill, then used brake cleaner spray on them and then put three coats of the paint on.

They whole system was around $800 if I remember correctly. And I'm really happy with it. There is no spongy feeling in the pedal (actually very solid feeling) no matter how hard you apply the brakes. And it will stop on a dime. I didn't test stopping distance, but I know it greatly improved. Overall I am really happy with it and think it is one of the best upgrades you can do. Theres no better feeling than being able to stop when you need to!

There are pics on my profile if you want to take a look. oh, one more thing - the carbon fiber pads don't seeem to put out hardly any brake dust, so my wheels stay clean!

My only dilema with drilled rotors, is that I hear they tend to crank, aka stress cracks along the holes. I don't want to spend a huge amount on something that isn't worth it. Also I wanted to increase the caliper size, but I'm not sure if any company carries big brakes for our cars.

I havent heard that. I'm gonna check mine. I have about 15,000 miles on them. Thanks for that info. I didnt find any aftermarket calipers when I was looking for parts.

I'm not saying it's definately going to happen, I just want to make sure I don't spend a bundle on something thats not going to last. Currently the stock feel in the brake pedal has worn, so I feel like it's time to upgrade to something better. I just want to know what my options are, and hopefully get some reviews from what people have out there. But I did read about stress fractures, or stress cracks in drilled rotors, once again this is just from research.

After selling these drilled/slotted rotors the past few years Ive seen them stress crack, but nothing major. The upgraded calipers and stainless hoses will result in much better brakes. Stay away from anything too extreme though or the ABS will get a workout.

Anything that you would recommend for my 05 LT?

If you really want an "upgrade" do an "F" body conversion on the front with cross/slotted and Hawk pads with SS lines. You go from a single piston iron caliper to a double piston aluminum caliper and double the pad surface. Anything else is just cosmetic.

~F-Body Front Brake Upgrade~

Calipers from CarQuest WITH Bracket (you can probably cross-reference these at another parts store if you are lacking a CarQuest):
#18-4692 LH (Camaro RH)
#18-4693 RH (Camaro LH)

Banjo Bolts and Knucle to Bracket Bolts from GM
#22163795 (X2)
#18023646 (X4)

Steel-Backed PTFE Sleeves from www.mcmaster.com
#6679K16 (X4)

Front Pads of your choice for a 98+ Camaro or Firebird.

IF you do not have the 12" Stock Rotors (for example GP's have a smaller rotor) you will need 12" Rotors, either stock Fronts from a Monte or Camaro/Firebird, they are the same Numbers. Or of course your Favorite Slotted or Drilled brand for one of them applications. All Montes have the 12" (11.9") rotors, so Monte Users, ignore this part about rotors.

I have the crossdrilled rotors, stainless lines and Hawk pads already. Are you saying I can upgrade to an aluminium dual piston caliper from a Camero? About what is the cost for these factory parts? I'm assuming I have to replace the pads to fit the new calipers, but the upgraded calipers may be something i can do when I need to replace the pads I have now.

What about the rear calipers?

I forgot to add...

Going from a single piston caliper to a dual piston (or more) caliper doesn't necessarily increase the pad size. It could even use the same size pad, depending on the caliper. What it does do is increase the surface area that the caliper uses to apply pressure to the pad, which results in a more even pressure being applied to the full length of the pad, thus increasing braking efficiency and pad life. With a single piston caliper, chances are that pressure is applied unevenly and only parts of the pad are actually used in braking.

Just thought I'd clarify that.

Yes most definatly....the cost is 1/3 that of a "Big Brake Kit from Baer and your doing the exact same thing they are without the Baer name. Twin piston PBR caliper from the F body bolt right to your 00-05 Monte with only a tap from 12 to 14mm on the braket or a 14- 12mm sleave on the knuckle. Make sure to use to CarCraft part number that way you get the Camaro Braket. My Pair of new Calipers and Brakets were 68.00 a peice from carcraft. Call me if you want 386-801-6430 and I can explain better without typing my fingers to blisters.

The Camaro Pads are almost twice as long as the Monte Pad................There is no conversion for the rears using GM to GM. Baer makes a 12" big brake for the rears for about 800.00

Chris

Thanks for the info. I'm definately going to check it out. Maybe sometime towards the end of summer I'll need new pads and will do the upgrade.

Feel free to email me or pm me or call if you need help....this is a very popular upgrade and for you all you need is pads calipers brakets and sleeves and you are a go.
No worries about the ABS..........the stopping is awsome and the pedal feel is much better...........and it looks pretty cool too.....that never hurts. I had to wait for CarQuest to get them back in stock because at the time they were veery popular. GM want 80.00 each just for the brakets !!!. NeverMind what they want for the caliper !!

Chris

how, if at all does this affect the ABS system?

Not at all. The only limitation to this upgrade is your wheel must be 16" or bigger. The GMPP Big brake upgrade is exactly the same except for the "Baer" name on the caliper.

Just to give you an Idea of how much "More" Brake you are getting with this upgrade !. Almost double.....on top is the W Body on the bottom is the F Body Upgrade. If you are going to mod for speed......you need this upgrade

[img=http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/9027/40306542full17ag.th.jpg]

im so glad someone posted this in here. I had heard of it and could not find the info i needed to ge tthe right parts for it.

I have a set of rotors here that are warped all to hell due to heat from the autobond. so i have to replace pads anyway i figure i can upgrade the calipers and lines at the ame time i do the new rotors. Just wish the dealer would have given me the drilled rotors in stead of the stock flat ones.

I have heard you could take them in and get them drilled but not real sure how good they would be or how long they would last after that.

Will these Camaro Calipers work on Monte's with 16inch rims???