'90 ZR-1 brake refurbish options

[tiegsd]

All,

I'm looking at options to refurbish (preferred) and/or upgrade my brakes (1990). She has about 57 kmi, and (as far as I'm aware) original stock rotors and calipers. I have original wheels, which I plan to keep (just got new tires for them). I'm pretty easy on my Z, don't do trackdays, just normal street driving with the occasional zip around some twisties.

options I see so far:

1. Hunt down already refurbished stock calipers and just replace my originals. This seems like the most expeditious option if I can find the right calipers. A little more expensive than refurbishing my old ones I'd think, but I expect it would save a bunch of time and aggravation.

2. Find a refurb kit and refurb my originals. My preferred option, but unfortunately I'm not seeing any kits out there through internet searches. Least expensive, but maybe not feasible due to lack of parts?

3. See if I can dig up some 96 Grand Sport calipers. It's my understanding these are direct replacements, and would add some welcome bling. Similar to option 1 above, but maybe a little more pricey, but I'm not really budget limited per se (trying to stay under $2K if possible), just not nuts about spending a ton of money if I don't have to.

4. Find someone who can refurbish my stock calipers, and send them off to get redone. I have a Corvette restomod place in town that might be willing to do it, otherwise I'd have to go hunting for a reputable mechanic. Saves me time, and I'm not that smart on brake jobs, but time (and money) spent finding a guy might be better spent learning to do it myself (I am mechanically inclined and don't mind getting dirty).

5. Find an aftermarket replacement for my stock units that work with original wheels. Most expensive, but maybe best in the long run?

I've read through a lot of the brake related posts in the forum archives, but it seems few of them address restoration of the originals. Maybe for good reason?

I plan to upgrade my brake lines to braided as well, since those are probably original and might as well while I'm in there.

Not particularly concerned with keeping everything all original. My car is a driver, lots of wear and tear.

In any event, would like to get some suggestions, thoughts, tips, alternatives if anyone is willing to offer them. Not the most experienced car mechanic, but don't mind learning, and have (or can obtain) the tools needed to do the work myself.

Thanks in advance.

[TX '90 ZR1]

Might try Lone Star Caliper. I have used them in the past. (Back when I was actually working on projects, so it's been a few years!)
They were always a good bunch to deal with. Here's their info:
Address: 11299 I-20, Canton, TX 75103
Phone: (903) 829-8400

[dredgeguy]

Originally Posted by tiegsd

All,

I'm looking at options to refurbish (preferred) and/or upgrade my brakes (1990). She has about 57 kmi, and (as far as I'm aware) original stock rotors and calipers. I have original wheels, which I plan to keep (just got new tires for them). I'm pretty easy on my Z, don't do trackdays, just normal street driving with the occasional zip around some twisties.

options I see so far:

1. Hunt down already refurbished stock calipers and just replace my originals. This seems like the most expeditious option if I can find the right calipers. A little more expensive than refurbishing my old ones I'd think, but I expect it would save a bunch of time and aggravation.

2. Find a refurb kit and refurb my originals. My preferred option, but unfortunately I'm not seeing any kits out there through internet searches. Least expensive, but maybe not feasible due to lack of parts?

3. See if I can dig up some 96 Grand Sport calipers. It's my understanding these are direct replacements, and would add some welcome bling. Similar to option 1 above, but maybe a little more pricey, but I'm not really budget limited per se (trying to stay under $2K if possible), just not nuts about spending a ton of money if I don't have to.

4. Find someone who can refurbish my stock calipers, and send them off to get redone. I have a Corvette restomod place in town that might be willing to do it, otherwise I'd have to go hunting for a reputable mechanic. Saves me time, and I'm not that smart on brake jobs, but time (and money) spent finding a guy might be better spent learning to do it myself (I am mechanically inclined and don't mind getting dirty).

5. Find an aftermarket replacement for my stock units that work with original wheels. Most expensive, but maybe best in the long run?

I've read through a lot of the brake related posts in the forum archives, but it seems few of them address restoration of the originals. Maybe for good reason?

I plan to upgrade my brake lines to braided as well, since those are probably original and might as well while I'm in there.

Not particularly concerned with keeping everything all original. My car is a driver, lots of wear and tear.

In any event, would like to get some suggestions, thoughts, tips, alternatives if anyone is willing to offer them. Not the most experienced car mechanic, but don't mind learning, and have (or can obtain) the tools needed to do the work myself.

Thanks in advance.

Sent you a PM

[WARP TEN]

There are quite a few more modern and perhaps radical options to improve brake performance, but I used the one of the simpler approaches--albeit a long time ago. When I had my '93 in the late '90s, I felt my brake pedal feel wasn't right, a little soft. I had Marc upgrade my calipers to the newer GS calipers which he said had a bit stiffer castings than the stock ZR-1 calipers and would improve pedal feel. At the same time I replaced the stock rubber brake lines with braided ones I believe from DRM. I felt the changes improved brake feel. On the '95 I did not need to change the calipers. --Bob

[tiegsd]

Originally Posted by TX '90 ZR1

Might try Lone Star Caliper. I have used them in the past. (Back when I was actually working on projects, so it's been a few years!)
They were always a good bunch to deal with. Here's their info:
Address: 11299 I-20, Canton, TX 75103
Phone: (903) 829-8400

Thanks. Wasn't aware of them.

[tiegsd]

Originally Posted by WARP TEN

There are quite a few more modern and perhaps radical options to improve brake performance, but I used the one of the simpler approaches--albeit a long time ago. When I had my '93 in the late '90s, I felt my brake pedal feel wasn't right, a little soft. I had Marc upgrade my calipers to the newer GS calipers which he said had a bit stiffer castings that the stock ZR-1 calipers and would improve pedal feel. At the same time I replaced the stock rubber brake lines with braided ones I believe from DRM. I felt the changes improved brake feel. On the '95 I did not need to change the calipers. --Bob

Rgr. This seems to be a popular option, with good results. Wasn't having much luck finding GS calipers with internet search, but not ruling it out. Did you do front and rears, and do you recall any issues with parking brake hookup?

Thanks for your response.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Another vote for Lone Star Caliper.
You can get them powder coated red!
They're the supplier of rebuilt calipers to most if not all of the Corvette parts houses.
Stainless hydraulic lines and good pads are a good idea.
Drilled and slotted 2 piece cities are good too!

[WARP TEN]

Originally Posted by tiegsd

Rgr. This seems to be a popular option, with good results. Wasn't having much luck finding GS calipers with internet search, but not ruling it out. Did you do front and rears, and do you recall any issues with parking brake hookup?

Thanks for your response.

You are severely testing my memory but I believe we only did the front calipers. They do most of the work anyway.You might try Mirrock Corvette parts for the GS calipers. They are about 45 minutes east of Pittsburgh. --Bob

[tiegsd]

Originally Posted by Mystic ZR-1

Another vote for Lone Star Caliper.
You can get them powder coated red!
They're the supplier of rebuilt calipers to most if not all of the Corvette parts houses.
Stainless hydraulic lines and good pads are a good idea.
Drilled and slotted 2 piece cities are good too!

That would be ideal, get my originals cleaned up, painted, and rebuilt. Def want new SS lines. Might have to give them a call. Thnx.

[tiegsd]

Originally Posted by WARP TEN

You are severely testing my memory but I believe we only did the front calipers. They do most of the work anyway.You might try Mirrock Corvette parts for the GS calipers. They are about 45 minutes east of Pittsburgh. --Bob

Its feeling like calling a few key players will end up the way to find out what I need to know. This thread is def helping. Thnx.