3rdBlackVette

How are the Z51 brakes visually different from the non-Z51 brakes? In other words, how can you tell the difference between a Z51 and a base coupe (or convertible for that matter) if you see one in a parking lot. And is there a difference between the Z51 on the 2005 models and the one for 2006?

burtonbl103

Look for larger drilled rotors !

Datawiz

ljtC6

Z51 brakes are larger and cross drilled

3rdBlackVette

Ok. Larger than what? Does anyone have pictures?

ljtC6

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...8AZNXDhm4aNGEg

JmpnJckFlsh

NO...In my opinion, the 2006 Z51 brakes are identical to the 2005 Z51 brakes.

I believe there was a TSB(?) to fix 2005 Z51 brake squeal by changing to different pads, but my opinion is that the pad change was/is only being made in the field for customers that complain. One of the fringe benefits from the pad change-out was that owners were happy to have less brake dust on their wheels. My 2006 Z51 brakes are generating a lot of black dust easily.

I have absolutely no noise from my brakes so far, but I bedded them in considerably different than the owner manual's recommendations (Arguably the cause of the dust?...I don't believe it.). Since the squeal problem may be related to how the customer breaks-in the brakes and drives the car, my opinion is that NO CHANGE has been made to the Z51 pads being installed at Bowling Green...the 2006 pads are the same as the old 2005 pads IMO.

DP Dave

Z51 rotors are drilled, non Z51 are not.

3rdBlackVette

I think I got it...Z51 rotors drilled (holes v. smooth), pads probably the same as 2005, so be prepared for squeal and lots of dust (therefore, RejeX). Did I understand correctly! Thanks for the education.

DP Dave

Had the dealer replace my stock Z51 pads, now the squeal and dust are gone!

TommyV

Ceramic pads, cadmium plating: no squeal, little dust, no rust.

C6Harley

ricatthebeach

And no stopping ability compared to the GM spec ones that make a lot of dust.

JmpnJckFlsh

TommyV, I really like the "no rust" part...Did your plater do a stress relief procedure on your parts to avoid hydrogen embrittlement? Was the rotor contact area plated? Had he done brake parts before, or were you a pioneer?

3rdBlackVette

Well, obviously those are not stock...sheesh when do you mod guys every DRIVE your cars? (just kidding...and jealous 'cause I can't do this work myself )

3rdBlackVette

Great picture, but isn't that from a Z06, or do the Z51 have red calipers as well?

Flareside

Sounds like you've been reading this forum too much!

Contrary to what you may read here, they don't all squeal. Mine never has, althought they do make a fair amount of dust. I also ran the GM ceramics, but took them off to go back to the Z51 pads. I prefer the dust to the lack of pedal feel with the ceramics.

Buffy

They are dusty. But they are good brakes. And they can squeal - usually after not being used for a bit. They are no worse than any other very high performance street / borderline racing pads I've used, and better than a lot of those for stopping the car.

But yes, RejeX the wheels. Very good stuff.

3rdBlackVette

Yes, I am one of the addicted ones. However, no one will ever accuse me of being uninformed about my car!!

JmpnJckFlsh

Oh, I don't know...It's kind of fun finding out all the problems your car DOESN'T HAVE! It makes you very thankful.