Brake Upgrades?

TheSpartanKnight · Jun 9, 2017

I'm beginning to feel some shake in my wheel, so the rotors are finally going (not bad after ~115K).

However, I'm wondering if there's upgrades to be had out there.

I'm currently looking at a drilled and slotted kit, but I've also heard that with vented rotors you're just losing material and not gaining any real additional cooling.

The Sixer is a pavement princess that every now and then will flex her muscles either pulling a 3 horse trailer, hauling a craigslist purchase, or winding on a inclined/declined wind-ey dirt road.

greatgab · Jun 9, 2017

I'm 60 days in using a kit from BrakeMotive ($230 on Ebay)... so far so good. Good fit and they have handled a couple of panic stops with ease.

BainMan · May 10, 2022

greatgab said:
I'm 60 days in using a kit from BrakeMotive ($230 on Ebay)... so far so good. Good fit and they have handled a couple of panic stops with ease.

Hey Greatgab, mind giving an update on the brakes? I'm considering a full set from Brake Motive, this kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/391110818159/

greatgab · May 11, 2022

They were good for 50K+ miles and they looked great, but I went back to OEM rotors. Probably no fault of the rotors, but my truck was getting that shake to a stop feeling and these rotors can't be turned. Though it seems like most shops don't turn brake rotors anymore...

BainMan · May 11, 2022

I appreciate the reply. 50k isn't bad for the price, but I should just bite the bullet and go with OEM or at least name brand... I have at least 20 chrome tabs open right now, too many choices lol.

2003VAAV · Jun 19, 2022

BainMan said:
I appreciate the reply. 50k isn't bad for the price, but I should just bite the bullet and go with OEM or at least name brand... I have at least 20 chrome tabs open right now, too many choices lol.

What did you end up purchasing and results thus far? Need to get new brakes and upgrade for towing.

Vaeagleav · Jun 19, 2022

2003VAAV said:
What did you end up purchasing and results thus far? Need to get new brakes and upgrade for towing.

I see you have a first gen AV, several members have upgraded to second gen brakes with positive results. May want to read through this thread for info etc.

GMT800 to GMT900 Brake Upgrade w/pictures

Finally I have accumulated all the parts to convert my 04 Z66 to GMT900 front brake's :B: the 07 and up GM trucks use a 13 inch rotor and a larger caliper, the older trucks use a 12 inch rotor. Its a very simple mod and the results are AMAZING! Everything is direct bolt on with no modification...

www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com

Evansaero · Jun 19, 2022

Wow! That is cost-effective...

I did my front brakes back in Jan since the back brakes can wait.

I paid $228 for Power Stop Z36 w/ Inflation add another $50 these days ouch!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UB8HT0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They do their job as expected and I have zero complaints.

https://flic.kr/p/2ntbDiU

BainMan · Jun 20, 2022

BainMan said:
I appreciate the reply. 50k isn't bad for the price, but I should just bite the bullet and go with OEM or at least name brand... I have at least 20 chrome tabs open right now, too many choices lol.

I ended up with Brembo discs and pads. https://www.brembostoreusa.com/product/disc-brake-pad-and-rotor-kit/KT00139

They were just a tad less expensive than OEM or the part store gold lines, but I figured they had to be at least similar if not better quality, because Brembo right? Hopefully I didn't just fall for the name brand, but so far so good. It has only been 30 days and not much over 1,000 miles, but they are butter smooth and have more initial bite.

Also, agree with Vaeagleav if you're looking for a brake performance increase on the first gen, upgrade to the larger GMT900 style caliper & rotor.

2003VAAV · Jun 20, 2022

Vaeagleav said:
I see you have a first gen AV, several members have upgraded to second gen brakes with positive results. May want to read through this thread for info etc.

GMT800 to GMT900 Brake Upgrade w/pictures

Finally I have accumulated all the parts to convert my 04 Z66 to GMT900 front brake's :B: the 07 and up GM trucks use a 13 inch rotor and a larger caliper, the older trucks use a 12 inch rotor. Its a very simple mod and the results are AMAZING! Everything is direct bolt on with no modification...

www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com

Thanks, been reading that post for two days, it's a long one! Lots of great info. Looks like I'm going that route, just trying to figure the brand mix or kit. Too many options and also need to keep $ as low as possible.