C8 Corvette Owners Seek Replacement Brake Pad Information
C8 Corvette Owners Seek Replacement Brake Pad Information
Stock Corvette brake pads have smaller contact areas and create lots of dust, but they are easy to change.
The odds are good that many C8 Corvette owners will change brake pads before anything else. Perhaps they will upgrade the tires, but in terms of basic performance upgrades and normal maintenance, brake pads are a popular upgrade item. The problem when the first C8 Stingrays were delivered was that there were few aftermarket options. That is what led “Ccainc007” to post in the C8 Tech/Performance section, asking if ceramic brake pads were available for the newest Z51.
The OP got his answer in a hurry, but the thread evolved into a discussion on aftermarket brake pad options and how hard it is to replace the pads. Some believe that it is too difficult to attempt at home, but with one unusual socket, a brake job on the new Stingray is no harder than any other car on the road today.
C8 Corvette Z51 Ceramic Brake Pads
When the OP first posted his question to the forum, he was simply looking for ceramic brake pads to replace the stock units in his 2020 Corvette with the Z51 package.
Does anyone happen to know if c8 Z51 ceramic brake pads are available…thnx?
The first person to reply was forum vendor “J. Abbot” from Zip Corvette Parts and Accessories, who had good news.
Yes, through Zip, KNS will have them next week as well.
“KNSBrakes” posted a short time later, confirming that.
YES!!
We need some R12’s as well. Paging Danny!
J. Abbot had more good news when he replied to that.
those are here as well, just waiting on the rear pad.
Once this information was provided, the OP ended up buying a set of ceramic pads from KNS.
I ordered the J55 ceramic material brake pads from KNS. I’ve found a place locally in SoCal. Superior Automotive in Placentia, Ca that can do the install. I plan to make it easier for them by giving them access to the KNS Installation Video to be available soon.
Non-Ceramic Options Discussed
During the discussion, “OldJedi” asked for more information on the different pads, and whether or not there would be an aftermarket Z51 pad that was not ceramic-based.
Not to steal the thread but just curious, how much bigger are Z51 pads compared to non-Z51 pads? And will non Z51 ceramic pads be available as well?
To which KNS Brakes shared the following information and links.
GLoc can/will make any of the compounds in either of the shapes.
2020 Base
https://knsbrakes.com/c/car-items/5686_2020+Chevrolet+Corvette+Base+-+JL9+Brakes2020 Z51
https://knsbrakes.com/c/car-items/5687_2020+Chevrolet+Corvette+Z51+-+J55+Brakes
Next, “BurtonBL103” asked for information on brake pads that create less dust.
Ok so whats the best pads for my Z51 for the Street that will not loose performace and less dust the dust is killing me on the white car lol
That led “Adam@Amp’dAutosport.com“ to share the following information.
Carbotech brake pads are 100% made in the USA and can be ordered by calling me at 216-780-8825. Pricing is below. If you have questions PM me , Email me, leave a message here or just call. There is no effect on sensors.
.Use promo code z28 to receive your forum discount. .
The street pad is the 1521 compound LOW DUST and 100% NON-COROSSIVE DUST will not harm your wheels or paint.
2020 C8 Z51 part numbers.CT28951F $284
CT28951R $214
The Carbotech Bobcat 1521™ is our high performance street compound that is our most successful compound. The Bobcat compound is known for its awesome release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. Like our AX™ & XP™ line of compounds, Bobcat 1521™ is a Ceramic based friction material offering minimal rotor damage and non-corrosive dust. Bobcat 1521™ offers outstanding performance, even when cold, low dusting and low noise with an excellent initial bite. This compound’s virtually perfect linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Bobcat 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 900°F. Bobcat 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle, police cruiser. The Bobcat 1521™ compound has been found to last two-three times longer than OE pads you can purchase at a dealership or national retailer. That’s one of the beauties of Carbotech Ceramic brake compounds. Bobcat 1521™ is NOT recommended for any track use.
Not So Hard to Change
The final key component to this brake pad discussion focuses on the difficultly level of changing the pads in the C8 Corvette. Some members seem to think that the job is hard enough that a specialty shop is needed, but in the long run, it is no harder than changing the brake pads on most other vehicles. However, there is an odd bolt that holds the pads in place and without the unique socket, the job is a bit more difficult.
Fortunately, “JerryU” shared the details on what you need to make the C8 Corvette brake pad swap much easier, complete with a graphic.
I like the Snap-On business model BUT it means high prices! Bought the 10 point socket a forum poster said fit – from Amazon. Same one used on Porsche Cayenne, Audi SUV brake calipers. Paid $16 delivered in 2 days. Saw the same one on eBay for ~$10 but directly from China shipped in ~3 weeks.
However, IF you remove the center bolt so you don’t have to remove the caliper to remove the pads you’ll have to deal with the strong double sided tape that holds the pads to the pistons. I had similar tape on my early 2014 Z51 front brakes (note not used after ~ mid 2014.) Unlike the video where he broke the bond by putting the tape in tension, I could not get the pads to budge leveraging upward with the tape to piston being held in shear! My method was to use a stiff paint scraper and hammer as shown below (took a lot of force).
After that, KNSBrakes shared a picture of the sockets that they use for the C8 front brakes.
This is what I got from EBay
Shipped from UK though – about 15 days
Once you have that socket, you simply pull the front pads out the top of the caliper. The C8 Corvette rear brakes don’t require any special tools, so it really isn’t as hard as some people suggest to change these brake pads.
If you have questions or input on aftermarket brake pads for a 2020 Corvette, or if you have questions for the brake experts, click here to participate in the thread.
