Ceramic Brake Pads for C7 Corvette
Driving from zero-to-60 is fast and thrilling in a C7 Corvette. To get from 60-to-zero as fast, you need good quality brake pads that will make this possible. Ceramic brake pads particularly stand out because they are long lasting with premium technologies.
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There are ceramic brake pads that can even be used in Formula 1 races so they can indeed make your C7 Corvette a true stopping powerhouse. Besides high performance, a good ceramic brake pad will also minimize dust buildup. This makes your C7 always slick and attractive.
There are countless quality brake pads in the market. To help you narrow down your choices, this guide includes some of the best options and factors you need to consider during purchase. When searching for replacement brake pads, it is ideal to go for high quality pads especially for sport cars like a Corvette.
Cheap and generic pads will be costly in the long haul as they can even lead to an accident because of their low stopping power. Any of these products listed here are also ideal because they are for a low- noise drive.
Best Ceramic Brake Pads for C7 Corvette
Hawk Ceramic Performance Brake Pads
Hawk pads are good quality pads that are quite widely used in C7 Corvettes. It is an affordable set sold at $200 for the front brakes and $140 for the rear. Some of its hallmark features include its high performance, minimal dust accumulation, ultra-quietness and
Most importantly, Hawk brake pads have great braking power. This is especially useful if you are quite the fast driver and you might need to engage emergency braking.
Hawk ceramics sometimes receive mixed reviews because it does make quite some noise while in use. This is because the rotors do not bond well with the pads thereby producing a squealing sound that is largely uncommon with ceramic brake pads.
Nonetheless, it offers unrivalled stopping power and minimal dust accumulation. If you are particularly looking for a product that collects minimal and is not clingy and easy to clean, then Hawk ceramic is the product for you. It is compatible with C7 Corvette Stingray models from 2014-2019.
Key Features
- Engineered to reduce vibration, noise and harshness
- Linear friction profile that works well with your ABS system and has stable friction output
- Durable due to faster heat dissipation and a rotor-friendly brake pad
- Alloy mixture aids in the low dust accumulation qualities of these pads
Pros
- Increased stopping power
- Ultra-quiet and low dust accumulation
- Limited Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Easy installation in even less than an hour
Con
- Due to friction and the pads not mating well with the OEM rotors, this product produces a squealing sound while in use
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AC Delco
AC Delco is an advanced brake pad kit that has great braking power. Using these pads on your C7 Corvette, you can be able to stop quickly even when driving at high speeds. This is because its quality closely matches OEM standards with hardly noticeable differences like in its stopping power. Its durability is also unmatched as it is rotor friendly reducing unnecessary wear and tear.
Finally, AC Delco is a really affordable brake pad kit sold at $90 for the front and $50 for the rear pads. This is not at the cost of its quality as it has many commendable features. It builds up dust minimally and it is quite the silent ride. AC Delco does not make any squealing or groaning noises when pressed and de-pressed.
Key Features
- Better suited for a light daily driving and not for a race tracker where extreme braking conditions is the norm
- Good initial bite
Pros
- Low noise while in use
- Best value for money
- Minimal dust build up making this product more long lasting
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Akebono ACT914 Brake Pad Kit
Akebono brake pads are advanced quality brakes made to the OE (Engineered to precise Original Equipment) standard. The ceramic material used on these pads is of premium quality providing motorists with the best braking experience. The design optimizes friction formulations which ensure that noise, harshness and vibrations are completely levelled out. Akebono brakes are therefore really quite with virtually no brake squealing or groaning.
This cutting edge technology also reduces wheel dust which in turn boosts durability of the pads. To add to its benefits, Akebono brakes offer smooth and consistent braking over all kinds of road conditions including emergency stops.
Akebono brake pads are a good upgrade from stock brake pads as well as for restoring the ceramic pad performance.
Key Features
- Ceramic formulations that give it a good superior bite with outstanding pedal feel
- Ultra quiet with noise, harshness and vibration control
- Consistent and smooth braking even when making emergency stops
- Cutting edge technology like low copper alloys that are environmentally friendly and fitted sensors
Pros
- Easy to install as the manual is detailed and there are a couple of installation videos on YouTube
- Long lasting brakes
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Power Stop Z26 Ceramic Brake Pads
Z26 is a carbon-fiber ceramic product that offers optimal stopping power and protection specifically for performance vehicles and muscle cars. This product is therefore ideal when fitted in a C7 Corvette.
It uses state of the art technology to be a premium product. For instance, its low dust formula is designed to keep the wheels clean as well as maximize the stopping power of your car. This 2 in 1 function is quite impressive as these are the hallmark features of a good quality ceramic brake pad.
Z26 also stands out for its high performance that works well for street drivers and those who might hit the race track once in a while. It does this while not sacrificing on comfort if used for daily driving.
Key Features
- Stainless steel shims that offer faster heat dissipation and an ultra-quiet ride
- Rust and corrosion resistant due to the powder coated plate for backing
Pros
- Low dust accumulation that helps the car stay clean for longer periods
- Noise-free braking
- Installation is easy as all you need to do is remove the tires and drive out two pins for quick installation
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EBC Brake Pads
EBC are high friction brake pads that have a Kevlar compound that greatly boosts the car’s stopping ability on highways. If you are one to put your foot down, these pads offer smooth and consistent braking even at high speeds.
After undergoing various field tests, these pads have been proven to stop the car 6 metres earlier than a car using stock brake pads. It is therefore designed for daily driving as well as fun street cruising. This is a direct upgrade to stock OEM pads.
Some of the state of the art technology used in this product includes the centre-line slot, the unique break in surface and bevelled edges. The centre-line slot for instants aids in heat dissipation as well as prevents fades and thermal cracks.
To add, EBC brake pads are completely shimmed and slotted for silent braking. There are no loud squealing brake sounds with this product. EBC brake pads are also highly durable as they emit less dust compared to semi metallic pads. Another bonus is that it comes with a 6 month warranty.
Key Features
- Suitable for C7 Corvettes
- Cutting edge technology that reduces wear and tear caused by heat as well as dust accumulation on the pad. It also helps increase stopping power of the car
- Made of environmentally friendly materials that work well under all weather conditions
Pros
- Ideal pad for daily driving on the highway as well as street cruising
- Easy to install at the comfort of your home
- Has noise reduction technology that makes your C7 Corvette super quiet ride
- Affordable compared to other products in the market
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Factors to consider when purchasing ceramic brake pads for a C7 Corvette
Brake pads are mostly expensive to buy and with that in mind, one has to be careful with how they choose the product of their choice.
Selecting the right brake pad can make a whole lot of difference when it comes to a life or death situation. The following are factors one should consider when purchasing brake pads for a C7 Corvette.
Noise range
Ceramic brake pads are usually ultra-quiet. However, there are some that produce some sound when pressure is applied on it. The degree of the sound is one factor you should consider if you are not looking for any noise at all.
Eco-friendliness
With growing concerns about the environment and especially climate change, products that are environmentally friendly ought to be considered. If you are keen on reducing your carbon footprint, buying eco-friendly ceramic brake pads is one way.
There are many good quality products that have taken concrete steps to minimize damage on the environment down through its production and usage.
Dust accumulation
Although accumulated dust has no immediate effect on the performance of the car, it does not look visually impressive. Dust is brought about when the pad shavings land on the outer side of the wheel.
The degree of the ease of removal usually varies and it is important to look at the varying products available in the market. One should therefore consider ceramic pads that are easy to clean.
Budget
The prices of pads vary in the market and it is important that you strike the balance between affordability and quality. Before buying your desired pad you should compare its price to others and how well it will serve you in the long run.
Ease of installation
When purchasing your desired brake pad you should check on how easy it is to install it into the car. All the brake pads in this guide come with instruction manuals but even with that the process may need a level of finesse and skill to install. You should ensure that the pads have all needed tools to install as it will go a long way in saving costs.
Wear and tear
Since brake pads are made of ceramic, they usually last quite some time but different products have varying degrees of resistance. When choosing a product, you should take into consideration any extra addition features added to the brake pad to reduce wear.
FAQ’s
Do you need new hardware for your new brake pads?
Yes, new brake pads almost always need new hardware. A good quality ceramic brake product Is one the comes with all you need while changing the brakes to also change the hardware with them.
What does it mean when brake pads produce noise?
Due to cooling and heating during daily driving, over time this weakens the brake pads hardware. This wear and tear eventually leads to binding, warping and noise issues as well. Squealing brake pad noises can also be an indication of insufficient lubrication or loosened hardware.
What are the benefits of using ceramic brake pads on a C7 Corvette?
While a good quality ceramic brake pad might come close to breaking your bank, it is worth the cost. Braking efficiency will be enhanced in your C7 and this is an important feature as a fast car needs such assurances. A ceramic brake pad is also made of sturdy materials that do not crumble under high temperatures. You are also protected against fading even in the most strenuous braking situations.
What does the term brake fade mean?
Brake fade is when your brakes retain excessive heat causing them to not function properly. Ceramic brake pads are a good option because it can take high temperatures. They can also take on heavy duty braking situations.
Can ceramic brake pads damage rotors?
No, they cannot damage rotors. Ceramic pads have a smooth and uniform surface. They do not have any steel or wire inside it helps to keep the face of the rotor smooth hence reducing wear and tear.
Conclusion
While ordinary steel brakes work just fine in a C7 Corvette, the extra price of a ceramic brake pad is well worth it. A good quality ceramic brake pad can even last you the lifetime of the car as long as it is properly maintained and oiled. Stainless steel brake pads on the other hand need replacement after about 50,000 kilometers or even less.
The perfect brake pads are those that will stop your car just as fast and smooth as it accelerates it. This article has tried to be one-stop informative guide on all the brake upgrades for the front and rear on your C7 Corvette.
