In Defense of J55 Brakes

[1991 Corvette ZR-1]

Originally Posted by Ccmano

I couldn't agree more. J55's are way under rated and with modern high performance pads they really perform well. When I installed my GS J55 calipers last year I opted for PowerStop Z26 Street Performance pads and rotors. The difference from stock pads is remarkable. C5/C6 Calipers have little advantage over a good J55 setup. Larger calipers like the C6 Z06 and other Brembo, Wilwood or Baer setups are good, but for the cost and installation headaches (parking brake) they are only an advantage if you track or autocross the car. But hey, if people like the look or feel the need for every ounce braking performance they can spend their money however they like! It's still a free country (for now).
H

I went with the same brake pad/rotor set up from Power Stop, complete with a full fluid flush. I?ve found the Z still doesn?t shed the speed like I thought it would. I?ve been spoiled by of all things, an old 2000 F body a friend drove in college with factory braking system. I got to drive it a few times and if you just breathed on the brake pedal, you could feel the brakes really bite. With the Z, I feel like I have to roll into the brake pedal and apply a decent amount of pedal push to slow the car.

[LGAFF]

I think a lot of it is pedal feel vs actual results... electronic brakes make a huge difference in pedal feel

[LGAFF]

Car and Driver 2009 ZR1, Z06, Z51 Test

From 70

ZR1= 141
Z06= 150
Z51= 152

So a C4 ZR1 with the J55, EBC/Hawk pads and modern rubber would probably be right in the mid 150s