Callihan

I just purchased my C7 z51 and in the trunk was Z51 front brake rotor cooling rings. I asked my sales but if the would install them and he said they would charge me. He also mentioned it was not necessary unless I was taking it to the track. Has anyone installed these? Should I? Also what did they charge you? Sorry if this is a repost.

gthal

These should only be installed for the track and then removed. They should not be used for daily driving... and yes, the dealer will charge you to put them on, no different than they'll charge you to put racing brake fluid in before a track day.

KenHorse

Only install for track use and remove them afterwards as the dissimilar metals WILL cause corrosion.

(says that in the paperwork, by the way)

Don't install for street use.

Callihan

Thanks guys!

mb1

This might be a dumb question but I wonder why the aftermarket hasn't solved for this. Why not make an identical cooling ring that doesn't rust/degrade? I would think it would just take someone making them out of a different material. Maybe someone has already developed one and I just don't know it? I want to set it and forget it, not fiddle with putting them on and taking them off.

*C7*

Ken, I read that as well. Which part or parts do you think are going to corrode???

gthal

They have... it's called AP Racing or Racing Brake replacement rotors

There was a review from Essex on the C7 brakes and they basically concluded that the cooling ring was a last minute GM band aid to deal with overheating because of flaws in the rotor design on the C7. Whether they are right or wrong, it is a poor design element.

If you are not tracking the car, it isn't relevant. If you are (like me), I will replace the rotors with better two piece ones before my first track day and keep OEM's around to put back on the car for trade in someday. Having said that, if you are pushing the car hard on the track anyway, you'll have the wheels off to put on track brake pads so adding the rings is just a simple extra step. If you aren't pushing the car hard enough on the track to need racing brake pads, my bet is the rings probably aren't needed anyway.

KenHorse

Rings are aluminum, rotors are iron. Aluminum is less noble so I suspect the rings will corrode

mb1

HA! Yeah, I'm disappointing that they look to be a bit inferior but my M3's two piston brakes are fine for the street and a must replace for the track also. I guess they had to cut corners somewhere. They'll probably address it in future years but I got in before the price increase so I could justify upgrading perhaps. I might try replacing the rotors and see what that gets me if I end up tracking it.

3 Z06ZR1

Part of the reason the "knights" of old never used It!
Plus it was poor at stopping Arrows!

J/K Had to try it!