1985 corvette or blazer brakes - Mods?

[patmckinneyracing]

I was out in the yards the other day and came across a 1985 vette that had the complete brakes on it.

My question is can the brakes (spindles, rotors, calipers, etc) of this vette be swapped onto our g-bodies? I read somewhere that a guy was using the calipers off an 84' vette because they were dual piston calipers. Is this a worth while mod? I remember some members on this forum taking blazer brakes because they were dual piston calipers as well.

 

[patmckinneyracing]

Re: 1985 corvette brakes - Mods?

 

[85GPLef41]

Re: 1985 corvette brakes - Mods?

I know the 98 and up dual piston Blazer swap is a direct swap for the G body chassis. I have that set-up with the C6 Corvette brakes on my GP. I just used the spindles and a bracket to make the calipers work. As for the 85 Vette brakes i don't know too much on them. I scored a second Blazer spindle setup for my 81 in which i will be using the Blazer calipers so i don't have to go with 17in and up wheels when using the C5/C6 brake upgrade. The 98 and up rotors aren't that much bigger then the stock ones but i have read that the dual piston calipers make the most improvement along with some decent pads.. I am using my stock control arms and ball joints with some Hotchkis coils. May be looking to install the SC&C uppers on my 85 soon..

 

[patmckinneyracing]

Re: 1985 corvette brakes - Mods?

I'm looking for a mild upgrade with the front brakes. Do all 98' and up blazers have dual piston calipers? What all do I need if I'm going to swap over to blazer brakes in the front? Is the rotor larger or is it easier to just swap on the dual piston calipers and call it a day?

 

[85GPLef41]

They came in on the 2wd version only. As for the swap you need to pull the Spindles, Calipers, Lines, Line brackets,. The caveat is that the spindle uses a hub pack bearing that could be bad if you buy them used. They are also pricey if buying new, I took the chance and bought mine used seeing as they didn't have any play and spun smoothly.As for the rotors and pads i will get those new from the parts store. I spent less then 80 for both set's. Other then that they lend themselves to upgrades and are a easy swap.

 

[patmckinneyracing]

damn I was hoping to only swap on a set of dual piston calipers rather then spending money for the whole setup and have to take the front suspension apart again.

 

[85GPLef41]

If i remember there is caliper upgrade using the stock spindles from aftermarket companies, AND you can still do the C5/C6 caliper upgrade using your original spindles by modifying your spindles. Here is a link using the Zq8 spindles:
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conversio ... awing.html
and one using the modded original spindle:
http://www.poltergeist.us/page/Elky/ElK ... brakes.htm
Try these sites for buying the needed parts:
http://www.kore3.com/index.php
http://www.flynbye.com/

 

[oldtinsmith]

If you want easy (all available at Summit): 1) Bolt on US Brake metric calipers (they have oversized pistons) US Brake#
7241-9002 at Summit for $85.88 ea. 2) Extreme cross drilled and slotted rotors Summit racing # SUM-DSEP-5547R at
Summit for $69.95 ea. 3) Hawk Performance Brake Pads # HB119F-594 at summit for $53.95.
These are said to be direct replacement!
May also want to try installing 1985 S-10 two wheel drive wheel cylinders that are larger in diameter (but bolt in place of the stock cylinders). With the S-10 wheel cylinders, you may have a little more petal travel! (rear wheel cylinders)
I haven't used this system yet, but am seriously considering it. Also considering using the dual diaphram brake booster from
the B-body swap too.

Doug