Ok so to be exact I have a 2003 Extended Cab Z71 Chevy. Its time to replace the front brake system as a whole because I am about to roll over 200k and with the boat I tow I want to replace the calipers, brake lines, pads, and fluid of course. My main questions are: is there a caliper upgrade I'm not aware of that is better than the stock calipers or should I just buy new stock calipers? I have the stock 16's and have no intentions of buying new larger rims any time soon. I do understand larger diameter rotors give more stopping power due to surface area and other reasons. I just don't have the money for new wheels, tires, large brake system. How about rotor upgrades? I am probably going with either the EBC or Hawk pads and I am interested in the stainless steel lines but I want to hear from some people that have done that and their results. I have a Sea Hunt boat I pull and an occasional tractor that really tests my brakes so anyways. Ideas? I have searched too, for hours and just haven't found answers I am looking for..

 

There have been threads of guys putting bigger calipers from other GM vehicles on stock wheels but it requires fine grinding in the caliper to clear the rim. And then of course you need the caliper bracket and what not. I have done the SS brake lines on my 01' Z71 and it was a nice upgrade and the pedal feels better. I went with the Russell brake lines and it was a good kit and fit nicely. After I did the SS lines I did the hydroboost conversion about 4-5 months later and it made a even better improvement. the brakes lock up a lot easier now so you have be careful about that. You can spend as much as you want on brakes but it all boils down to what you want them to do. All I have done are the SS lines and the hydroboost with stock rotors and the Wagner thermo quiet pads. This set up does good for me and I have pulled 7K-9K loads down hills and used the brakes extensively. If I do anything else I may do the Tahoe/suburban rear brake swap just for a reasonable priced little project.

 

I have read a little on the tahoe/suburban rear upgrade and it may be something I do in the future. Thanks for commenting on the stainless lines as I think that is something I will do very soon. Hydroboost is also something I think I will invest in as well. What pads and rotors have been proven an upgrade? EBC? Hawk?

 

You can upgrade to the 2005-up front rotors and calipers but the rotors are larger and require a 17 inch rim.

I bought some used rims on craigslist. I also scored some good used calipers in good shape at a wrecking yard for less than $50. I then purchased new rotors and pads.

 

Could look into the hydroboost swap for more braking power with the stock size wheels. Search for the write up on here. Can be done for less than $200 and makes a huge difference.

I like Centric slotted rotors, check rock auto or amazon. Also, goodrich stainless brake lines are a good upgrade at your mileage. Ebc brake pads are good, but really dusty.

 

I have thought about that because in about 15-20k more miles I will need some new tires. I just refinished my stock wheels and could probably sell them to get some of my money back. Still on the fence though on the swap....the difference in 16" and 17" tires adds up when you get close to 35" tires. Thanks for the input

I've seen the Centric's and they do look pretty good, good enough for my truck for sure. The stainless lines are definitely going on, I just need to find a good vendor that has the stuff. I put some EBC's on my wife's Pontiac and I did notice a good difference as well but I have the Hawk's on my Trans AM....I know the braking difference between a G6 GT and a Trans Am WS6 is quite substantial but in the difference it made between the two I am almost leaning towards Hawk. I just wanted some input, like you gave, on the truck pads. I hate cleaning my truck wheels a lot because of brake dust. I think I would rather pay more and have less dust. Thanks for the input...

Anyone running the Hawk pads? Like them better or worse than EBCs?

 

I haven't ran Hawk or EBC pads but any type of quality ceramic pad will be a upgrade over stock. I run the wagner thermo quiet ceramics on mine and have gone as long as 5-6 miles without washing it and very little brake dust. Your best bang for the buck would be the SS lines and hydro boost. Then just swap the other brake parts as they wear out.

 

After researching more and more I have come to think exactly that. I am going to start by replacing the 5 rubber lines with SS lines, do a complete fluid flush and go from there. Hydroboost, replace the calipers with new pads and rotors.....call it a day and tow away. Thanks for all the input guys!

 

I meant 5k-6k miles haha not 5-6.. But that's what I would do. Start small and work up into you get the brakes you are looking for.

 

Could anyone send me the link for the Tahoe rear brake upgrade? I need to get that done but can't find the link. It would be muck appreciated
Thanks