Do C5 brakes perform the same as Baer Claws?

Which ones are cheaper?

Which ones are built better? I heard the Baer's are prone to warping rotors in some circumstances.

Who can I buy from?

I currently have the LS1 brake upgrade on my 1993 Z28 but I want more stopping power.

 

Same caliper AFAIK (with the exception of finish), rotors are slightly different sizes. If I remember correctly the C5 rotors are slightly smaller in diameter, but thicker. Very similar performance from the two. Both will last about the same. C5 setup is much cheaper, and replacement rotors are waaaay cheaper.

 

I went C5 because it will be easier to replace bunk pieces...after I destroy em

 

There are (were?) 5 levels of Baer Claw systems built around PBR calipers. At least 2 of them are available for the front of the 4th gen Fbody.

The Baer Claw “Track” system uses C4 rotors and calipers. I do not like 1.1” thick rotors for the front of our heavy cars, and I prefer a larger pad than the C4 caliper uses.

Their “GT Plus” system uses the C5 front caliper and a rotor that is about 1/3 of an inch larger in diameter than the C5 front rotor. The Baer rotor is the same 1.26” thickness as the OEM rotor.

A C5 system is less expensive to buy initially, and less expensive to maintain. As mentioned above, the replacement rotors for the GT Plus system are very expensive. Also, some who use that system on the track report that Baer’s adaptor bracket flexes too much and they get significant pad taper.

C5 calipers need an adaptor bracket to fasten them to the steering knuckles. I would get the Baer GT Plus system over a C5 system using SOME of the brackets I have seen. There are various quality brackets made, at various prices. Even using the highest quality adaptor bracket available will give you a complete system price well below the Baer GT Plus.

 

I am happy with my C5 set up. The braking is much nicer

However I have never ran the Baer kit so I can't compliment

 

Is someone selling a complete C5 conversion kit or do I basically just run around piecing everything together?

 

UMI sells a complete set. But I'm sure you could get better prices if you just put the set together yourself. Ebay and Corvetteforum are you friends.

 

You can get all of the necessary GM parts, including Delco ceramic C5 brake pads, at Team Chevrolet for about $500 including shipping. They can supply the Z06 or Hawk HP+ pads for about $50 more. Considering shipping, they have the lowest price I know of. They have shipped many of the full C5 conversion parts kits. This is for all NEW parts. Their contact info is at the bottom of this site. http://www.speedspecialty.com/prodim...bpartslist.doc

You can get the best adaptor brackets at Speed Specialty. The brackets and a parts kit are all you need.

 

I would highly suggest you get Bob's brackets from Speed Specialty. best ones out there, I love mine.

 

The wheels you run makes a difference too.

The wheels I have, will not clear Bob's brackets, but will clear the Baer stuff just fine. At least, that's what American Racing told me when they checked the templates for me.

 

Technically, neither bracket could ever contact a wheel. It is where the bracket locates the caliper which matters.
My bracket locates the C5 caliper so that it is centered both laterally and vertically over the C5 rotor’s friction surface.
Baer’s bracket locates the C5 caliper so that it is centered laterally and vertically over Baer’s custom rotor surface.

Using Baer’s GT+ Fbody fitment template dimensions:

My C5 caliper, C5 rotor system offers .19” (about 1/5”) greater wheel rim clearance (for any and every wheel).
Baer’s C5 caliper, Baer rotor system offers .1” (1/10”) greater wheel spoke clearance.

 

Sorry for mis-typing Bob.

You are correct, the spokes will collide with the caliper if I run the C5 brakes using your brackets.

 

Two questions for the guys in the know!
Are the Baer GT+ Brake pads just C5 size pads?
Can the smaller C5 brake rotor be used with the Baer GT+ kit?

 

How can anyone say the C5 conversion is cheaper than anything when $300 and the rest needed is 450-550. I want to do the conversion but I cant justify the cost when Baer and willwood are in the same ballpark. I'm only whining because after reading this thread I took out the C.C and went to the S.S website. After looking at the cost of the brackets alone I threw the CC out the window.

 

I just added C5 rotors to my LS1 calipers. I was going to get brackets but ended up modifying my brackets because they were on backorder. I'm using Power Slot rotors and Hawk HPS pads front and rear. I've also removed the spring and proportioning valve from the stock combination valve. The braking is unreal.

Next is LS1 brakes on the rear.