TSmith0820

I think it's a little off-putting that GM is hyping up their newest Z06 and already obsoleting out wear and tear parts for a generation that isn't even 10 years out of production. I'm specifically referring to C6 Z06/GS/427 calipers. The fronts are unobtainium. The strange thing is that'd you'd expect these to remain in production since there has been constant strong demand for them from those swapping older Corvettes and other hot rods via adapters (Kore3 and others). It's this exact demand that has dried up supply of a now obsolete part. To make matters worse, these calipers can be damaged if the pad pins become seized. The aftermarket can fill lots of gaps in service parts but a caliper developed for a single high volume performance model needs to be kept available for the expected life of the car. For Corvettes that are garaged and live long lives this would be far beyond a decade. Why anyone would buy a new Z06 when this is how GM supports them is beyond me.

EvanZR1

There is no legal requirement for manufacturers to make parts available for a previous model, except as covered by manufacturer warranty. So with that in mind, GM was only obligated to keep parts available for C6s until late 2016. In general, GM does a pretty good job of maintaining parts availability, typically lasting through about 10 years (on par/better than most other manufacturers). After that, you'll have to look to the used market or aftermarket vendors (Zip, MidAmerica, Ecklers, etc). The C6 is right at that point where OE parts are starting to become limited, and the aftermarket hasn't stepped in to provide replacements.

As for your statement of them being unobtainium, what did you do that you can't just rebuild what you have? Failing that, I just did a quick Ebay search and there are multiple available there. And as a last resort, you could replace the stock brake system with Wilwood, APRacing, etc.

K03

Part availability was one of the main reasons why I love Corvettes so much. Not too long ago there always seemed to be parts galore if you needed any no matter what year vette you had. But you're right, as of about 2 years ago all that has changed. Certain parts seem to be extremely hard to find or a lot more expensive than they were 2 years ago, especially calipers.

TSmith0820

Keeping in mind I'm using mobile and it can be a little wonky.... I can't find any on Ebay. New, used, or rebuilt. I see tons of C7Z calipers but C7 brakes don't fit the C6. I also see tons of base and Z51 calipers. Could you help me with a link or two?

As far as a legal requirement, I think you're missing the point. GM should keep a supply of hard parts for enthusiast cars for longer than a disposable vehicle. We aren't talking about a Cruze.

EvanZR1

So apparently the front ones I saw were mislabeled and are actually ZR1 calipers. There are a set of rear GS calipers (same as Z06): https://www.ebay.com/itm/17521763238...EAAOSwFkNiQM8C

Sure, I agree, in an ideal world GM should try to keep parts for enthusiast (Corvette, Camaro, etc) owners forever, but they are a business focused on making a profit. I guarantee you that if you call up BMW, Porsche, etc looking for parts for older cars, you can run into the same issue (I know because it's happened to me). And then there are vendors like McLaren where you have to wait for them to do a run of parts even if the car is new & under warranty (I've heard of people waiting 6 months to get a part on a car that's still under warranty). Also, why is it GM's fault that the hot rodding community and non-Corvette owners bought up all the stock that was forecasted for C6Z calipers? Seems like you should be blaming hot rodders who bought them up, not GM.

FAUEE

There's some on rockauto, and it seems like powerstop and the auto parts stores have remanufactured of them.

You used to be able to find them on eBay pretty easily. Seems less common now.. Probably more of that supply chain BS.

LightningBrett

Tried buying some powerstop 2 years ago. After several tries, out of stock, wrong part shipped, etc., I purchased the Wilwood kit that uses C6Z rotors, from TCE. Great customer service and product!

smonska

I'm looking into this issue as well, can't find any front calipers for my 2010GS.

I'm looking for somewhere to send mine for a rebuild. I don't need powdercoating, just rebuild and removal of a couple stuck pins.

Keppler

I guess I do not see an issue.

You can buy a rebuild kit which is seals and boots.
You can repaint or powder coat them.
If you repaint them you can buy the decals.
SS pistons are available from aftermarket sources.
You can switch to aftermarket calipers.
You can leave the stuck pins in place.

I replaced the fronts at 13k miles with a big brake kit for HPDE track days.

Apocolipse

Pins never have to come out. Just leave em in there and be happy they didn’t back out on you and hit into your rim lol

smonska

Where can I get the aftermarket calipers you mentioned? For stock brakes (not a BBK) I can't find any sources for new or remans. Thanks!

Apocolipse

Rockauto

smonska

Anyone tried the Powerstop Z06 front calipers? Looking for opinions on their quality vs. OEM for stock-tire HPDE use, since we can get the OE anymore.

VetteVinnie

Since when are calipers a wear and tear item? I remember rebuilding calipers back in the late '80s on several 1960s era Corvettes. Never had to replace the calipers themselves. Pistons, seals, maybe honing the bores....

FatChance

IMHO, GM is focusing on the EV transition and the lucrative support for our old dinosaurs is going by the wayside.

I30

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...b,caliper,1704

Seems to be a large supply here, buy spares.

smonska

I30, there are no Z06 fronts on there, that's the issue. Rears, yes, and base model or ZR1, yes. Z06 fronts are universally gone, except Powerstop is now making a replacement one, and I'm curious if anyone had tried them yet.

Turbo6TA

The Z06 and the GS both have the J56 brakes.

Like 'smonska' just posted ...There are no front J56 brake calipers available on this RockAuto link.

64drvr

The oem 6/4 pistons are junk anyway. Take the opportunity to upgrade to Wildwood, StopTech, AP Racing, Brembo, Baer, etc.

Turbo6TA

Irobe22 ....




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