CTS V brakes - New information.

[CodyBMW]

Does anyone know if the rear (Brembo) calipers from a CTS V will fit the back of the SKY/Solstice?

The 2008 and before CTS V had a 6 lug bolt configuration but the new 2009 model has a 5 lug configuration, however it's a 5X115 bolt pattern I THINK.

[JeffInDFW]

Sorry, I don't have any info to share, but wanted to let you know that this is a great question....I also wonder if the Corvettes brakes would work. Easier and cheaper to buy a set of brakes someone has taken off their Vette when they upgraded. OEM Vette or CTS-V brakes would be outstanding on our light weight cars if they could be made to work. I'll watch here to see if anyone has any info...

[Kuprito]

I've tried the rear calipers from a VW golf mkV R32 (same on 3.2 a3 and TT they are biting 310x22mm) with our stock front discs 297x25 (to fit them on rear) and...

THEY FIT, you only need to make brackets. The handbrake on this calipers is soft and blocks easy.

The only problem is that I don't have the money for the brackets right now!

[WifesGXP]

Even if you run the CTS-V rotor as well, the spokes on the Solstice wheel will not clear the V caliper. You'd have to run a spacer, find a rotor with more inboard offset , or run a different wheel.
The GXP will see daylight this weekend. I can take some measurements to compare if you like.
No park brake on the V caliper either, so you would have to do something there as well.

You'll definately need a custom bracket for the caliper mount, but that's doable.

[CodyBMW]

Originally Posted by Kuprito I've tried the rear calipers from a VW golf mkV R32 (same on 3.2 a3 and TT they are biting 310x22mm) with our stock front discs 297x25 (to fit them on rear) and... THEY FIT, you only need to make brackets. The handbrake on this calipers is soft and blocks easy. The only problem is that I don't have the money for the brackets right now!

So you would take our stock front brakes and put them on the rear?
And put the VWs rear brakes on our front? Hmmm???

Also I contacted K-Sport (they make BBKs) and they told me they don't currently offer a kit for the Solstice/SKY but would be willing to make one for me/us. Does this sound unusual or what?

[Kuprito]

Originally Posted by CodyBMW So you would take our stock front brakes and put them on the rear? And put the VWs rear brakes on our front? Hmmm???

NOPE!!!

The car has Rotora BBK in front.

I am putting the stock front discs (whose I removed from the front) on rear, and they are 25mm wide so the stock rear caliper doesn't fit. The R32 rear calipers fit the discs, biting the whole surface you only need to make brackets for them, and the stock handbrake cable seems to fit too.

K-sport currently makes kits for us. Look for OPEL GT brakes. They are very poor quality brakes.

K-SPORT RACING CO., LTD

[DrJones]

Just be careful messing with the brakes. swaping calipers around like they are licnese plate surrounds can be dangerous. You'll be messing with the brake balance of the car which could result in an uncontrolable car under braking (especialy if you are turning at the same time).

[jwvess00]

Hi there!

I've done plenty of brake swapping over the years (example: my S-10 has 12" Caprice brakes up front, 12" Baer rear brakes using Corvette calipers out back). Sometimes there is room for improvement. The brakes on my '06 NA feel decent, but not overly-sensitive. I wouldn't mind more initial bite. I haven't tested 60-0 yet.

If the new caliper has a larger piston surface area than the one you're replacing, then you'll see more braking power since the normal force has increased. However, pedal travel will increase since the master cylinder bore size has not changed.

I would be concerned about the ABS system being fooled by the newfound braking power. There is a chance that you could end up with premature ABS activation. There may be enough margin in the calibration that brake upgrades won't cause any goofiness. This is an area where one should be careful and do plenty of testing.

[CodyBMW]

So will the SSBC brake kit bet the best? By that I mean you can get front and rear from the same manufacturer so I'm assuming they are tested or something at least. Has anyone had any problems with the SSBC brakes.

I was wanting it for the 'cool' factor. I know it's dumb but that's why most people get BBKs.

[mena661]

Originally Posted by jwvess00 If the new caliper has a larger piston surface area than the one you're replacing, then you'll see more braking power since the normal force has increased. However, pedal travel will increase since the master cylinder bore size has not changed

I would try different pad combinations first before swapping out rotors/calipers. The stock pads aren't real aggressive. For example:

1. Cobalt SS S/C Front, PN 22705327
2. Saab 9-3 Rear, PN 93183140

I believe this what's used on the Opel GT's.

[Kuprito]

Stock Opel GT pads suck like Soltice/Sky do.

[DirtyMike]

Originally Posted by Kuprito Stock Opel GT pads suck like Soltice/Sky do.

good to know!!

[CodyBMW]

Ok, in my never ending quest to get the 'coolest' looking brakes...

Does anyone know if something like the Brembo brakes that come on a 350Z will fit behind our wheels and around our rotors. I'm thinking I can just get a custom carrier made and I'll be off! :-) Or any other 'nice' looking calipers such as the CTS-V (which I guess we decided wouldn't fit under the wheels) or WRX, or Acura TL typeS, etc....

[mena661]

Originally Posted by Kuprito Stock Opel GT pads suck like Soltice/Sky do.

HERE'S some info on the Cobalt SS/9-3 pads.

[Kuprito]

DON'T put european stock pads! They aren't better than yours! Go for ferodo ds2500, ebc yellows and similars.

Mazda3, volvo v40, focus c-max and ST, saab 9-3, vauxhall/opel vectra and zafira, ... have same calipers on rear if it helps to look for a good aftermarket pads.