The SSBC package came complete...
The SSBC package came complete with four CNC-slotted rotors and a set ofhigh-performance Hawk brake pads.
With our project car becoming quicker and more driveable with eachpassing month, we've decided to devote this month's story to upgradingthe Vette's stopping power. Powerful, reliable brakes are critical notonly when performing spirited driving maneuvers, but also in everydaytraffic, where a few extra feet of stopping distance can mean thedifference between a moment's drama and a hefty repair bill.
After a lengthy search of the performance-brake aftermarket, we settledon Stainless Steel Brake Corporation's Front and Rear Short Stop SlottedRotor and Upgrade Brake Pad Kit (Part No. A2350008).Priced at a reasonable $695, the system features plated, stock-sizedfront and rear rotors with curved vanes and directional slotting. A setof high-performance organic brake pads is also included.
We chose the slotted rotors for several reasons. First, unlikecross-drilled rotors, the slotted units perform the dual function ofcleaning the brake pads while also aiding in cooling. By preventing thebrake-pad surfaces from glazing over, slotted rotors can also reducenoise and dust buildup. Finally, a slotted rotor is less likely todevelop that unsettling pulsing feel during high-speed deceleration.
The front brakes are showing...
The front brakes are showing their age, but the calipers appear to bejust fine. No fluid leaks are visible, and they operate by hand asdesigned. An inspection of the rear binders yields similar results.
Since we won't be doing a lot of track time in the car, we decided notto go with too aggressive a pad compound. A common misconception amongperformance enthusiasts is that a racing pad will provide better overallbraking performance than a street compound. Although superior underextreme, high-heat conditions such as those found in road racing, thematerials utilized in a typical racing pad tend to perform poorly innormal driving conditions. The Hawk Performance pads that came with ourkit (SSBC Part Nos. 1095 and 1096) use a ferro-carbonorganic "Performance Street" compound that is designed to work under abroad range of temperatures and operating conditions.
 Once you've unbolted the caliper...  Once you've unbolted the caliper from the spindle assembly and hung itwith a coat hanger or tie wrap--don't let it hang by the brake line--it'stime to remove the rotor. You'll probably have to tap on the back sidewith a rubber or plastic mallet to get it to pop off the spindle. |  The caliper appears normal,...  The caliper appears normal, and the pad life shows us the timing of ourswap was probably accurate. You may need to use a long pry bar orchannel locks to help compress the caliper pistons, as the added widthof the Hawk pads will make it impossible to slide the caliper onto thenew rotor. You may also want to touch up the paint on the calipers atthis point. |  Here, Phil compresses the...  Here, Phil compresses the pistons with a pry bar to ease caliperinstallation. Be careful not to stretch or twist the brake line. |
Now it's time to install the...
Now it's time to install the front rotor on the spindle. Don't worry ifit's a little loose at first; this will change once everything is inplace and torqued down correctly. It is advisable to work each cornerfrom start to finish before moving on. You should also do both of thefronts before moving on to the rears, or vice versa. Notice the drainpan under the work area. This is a good precaution to take when workingon systems that involve fluid.
It's also a good idea at this stage to replace the brake fluid. Overtime, brake fluid attracts moisture, and this can damage your mastercylinder, brake lines, and calipers. With the Shoe String C5 showingover 60,000 miles on the clock, we decided to add a 32-ounce bottle ofSSBC's silicone brake fluid (Part No. A1103) to ourorder. At $22, the fluid might seem pricey, but when you stop toconsider that you'll never have to replace it, that price starts to looka lot more attractive. Also keep in mind, that unlike conventional brakefluid, stored silicone fluid will not deteriorate over time. Be sure tofollow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and completely whenbleeding your brakes. It is critical that you don't mix conventional andsilicone fluids in the system.
With the parts arriving from SSBC's New York facility a day earlier thanpromised, we headed over to Keech's Automotive in nearby Sarasota,Florida, for the installation. Follow along with Phil Maltese and SteveKeech as they bring our C5 even closer to its goal of Z06-caliberperformance.
 Here's the completed right...  Here's the completed right front brake assembly. Pay close attentionwhen installing this type of rotor, as each one is corner specific. |  After installing both front...  After installing both front brake assemblies, go back and inspect theinstallation... |  ...Make sure the brake lines...  ...Make sure the brake lines are free and clear, then turnthe assemblies through their full steering travel to ensure everythingis seated correctly. You may hear a slight scraping noise when you spinthe rotors. This is completely normal with slotted rotors and new pads. |