Brake upgrade?

Weller · July 19, 2004

I'm looking to upgrade my brakes. I've got 20" rims and stock brakes. I can't quite afford Baer's, so does anyone know of a little bit cheaper route? Does the new Chevy SS have larger brakes? There has to be something out there reasonably priced.

Thanks!

silversport · July 19, 2004

I am soon doing this same change...waiting on tires...the SS brakes are the same as the stock Silverado/Sierra/Tahoe/Escalade/Denali/Yukon/Avalanche...the SS guys n gals seem to think upgrading the pads, fluid and lastly stainless braided brake lines to give the brakes more bite is the "cheaper" way to go and probably what I will do unless I see some good stuff here.

Stock SS Silverados stop pretty well without the upgrades.

Bill

Weller · July 19, 2004

Are you sure the SS has the same brakes as the rest of the lines? Motor Trend showed it stopping 60-0 in 119 feet, in an article comparing it to the Dodge Ram. I can't find numbers for a 2wd, shortbed, regular cab, but I can't imagine it would stop that well with the factory 16"s. Am I wrong?

willscary · July 19, 2004

Brakes

Type: (all) vacuum booster, power, 4-wheel disc, 4-wheel ABS, DRP

Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm)

From the GM-Canada website...no mention of different rotors for SS

1500 up to 6400 GVWR: front: 12.01 x 1.14 / 305 x 29;

rear: 12.8 x 0.78 / 325 x 20

1500 with Quadrasteer: front: 12.01 x 1.14 / 305 x 29;

rear: 13 x 1.18 / 330 x 30

1500 HD, 1500 HD with Quadrasteer, 2500: front: 12.8 x 1.5 / 325 x 38;

rear: 1300 x 1.14 / 330 x 29

Total swept area (sq in / sq cm)

1500 up to 6400 GVWR: front: 213.6 / 1378;

rear: 211.1 / 1362

1500 with Quadrasteer: front: 213.6 / 1378; rear: 223.7 / 1443

1500 HD, 1500 HD with Quadrasteer, 2500: front: 245.5 / 1584; rear: 236.5 / 1526

silversport · July 19, 2004

...I believe it is the stickier rubber (and size) that accounts for the difference in stopping distance over our "lesser trucks."

Bill

Weller · July 20, 2004

"stickier rubber" Are you serious???

A larger diameter wheel will be more difficult to stop.

silversport · July 20, 2004

Actually I was serious...how else would you explain far superior stopping power (i.e.: shorter stopping distance) from the same brakes when the only known difference are the tires...Would you agree that "street" tires are probably stickier than psuedo off road tires...perhaps others here or yourself have a better answer???

BigTsBadSS · July 20, 2004

There is a new Baer kit thats like 700 bucks I here it's real good I am going to get a set.

Robb13425 · July 20, 2004

Actually I was serious...how else would you explain far superior stopping power (i.e.: shorter stopping distance) from the same brakes when the only known difference are the tires...Would you agree that "street" tires are probably stickier than psuedo off road tires...perhaps others here or yourself have a better answer???

i don't think the tires have everything to do with the shorter stopping distance. the larger contact patch of the tires certainly doesn't hurt, though.

i would guess that the upgraded suspension on the SS has alot more to do with the better braking.

computer logic (EBTCM, ABS, and PCM) can also help braking.

silversport · July 20, 2004

Actually I was serious...how else would you explain far superior stopping power (i.e.: shorter stopping distance) from the same brakes when the only known difference are the tires...Would you agree that "street" tires are probably stickier than psuedo off road tires...perhaps others here or yourself have a better answer???

i don't think the tires have everything to do with the shorter stopping distance. the larger contact patch of the tires certainly doesn't hurt, though.

i would guess that the upgraded suspension on the SS has alot more to do with the better braking.

computer logic (EBTCM, ABS, and PCM) can also help braking.

Weller · July 20, 2004

I'll agree that a street tire will give you better grip than the more aggressive tires on the Z71s. But we're talking 119 feet for the SS and 144 feet for a regular extended cab Silverado. The SS is lowered an inch or two. The lower center of mass will help as well.

Every truck magazine I've read always talk about upgrading brakes when increasing your wheels.

Weller · July 20, 2004

BigTs, where did you find this Baer kit? The only one I've seen is about $3500. I'd be real interested in a kit for only $700!

lrymal · July 20, 2004

Check out both Tbyrne's site and TireRack. The prices are certainly within $700.00.

Weller · July 21, 2004

You guys mean $700 for just the rotors, right? I'm looking for new calipers too. Preferably with 3 or 4 pistons. Although Baer show some interesting numbers with their rotors and stock calipers.

SSBC seem to be decently priced. Anyone have experience with them?