Brake Upgrade

[Rocket Man]

Weight distribution on subs is 51/49. But I get it. Just wish they’d have a full kit so it all matched.

Wilwood FTW. I can’t stand to not have things match.

 

[Lyon]

Weight distribution on subs is 51/49. But I get it. Just wish they’d have a full kit so it all matched.

I did not know that, thank you! I suppose I could have Googled or something.

 

[Lyon]

Weight distribution has less to do with how much the braking effort is divided front-to-rear than weight transfer does. Ask any drag racer about braking's opposite; acceleration, and he'll agree. Suspension geometry also plays a role. But SUVs, with their relatively high center of gravity and (usually) softly sprung suspension tend to transfer quite a bit more than a car would. I've not done the math specifically for a GM SUV. But on average for a sedan, the braking effort is 80/20 front vs. rear. It wouldn't surprise me if an SUV was biased even more. The incremental cost of the rear system, when compared to the incremental improvement in braking, is typically quite high. It doesn't surprise me that GM doesn't offer it, for that reason.

That makes a lot of sense and it’s basically the concept I was trying to get at with my (incorrect) weight distribution statement above. In any event, I’m pleased with the increased braking performance with the GM kit.

 

[cardude2000]

Wilwood FTW. I can’t stand to not have things match.

Will a dealer install those?


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[gat0r]

if the dealer likes you & has competent mechanics... yes they can install them.
doesnt mean that they will though

 

[Rocket Man]

Will a dealer install those?


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I doubt it, they like to sell GM options. You’d have to ask them though, they might.

 

[hcvone]

GM performance front calipers, powerstops on the rear to match the front red ones, GREAT increase over stock in braking distance, and it's warrantied

 

[Staggered 02]

Cannot go wrong with Wilwood. I've installed them on several of my rides. Installed a set on the Platnum after I had the hats, coils, drop spindles, even the brake brackets powder coated. Everything came out great. Liked the finished product so much that I am going to do the same to the calipers when I am back in town from travel assignment.

 

[Staggered 02]

I'll save us the gory details but long story short, local shop broke off my rear caliper bleeder plug. Ended up shipping my truck home to get worked on etc..

Since I was already facing an ugly option I went ahead and purchase a new set of Wilwood brakes and had them dropped shipped to my buddy's powder coat shop in Tampa.

I flew home and helped him prep and coat the brakes. I'm sure I probably was more in his way as opposed to helping. LOL..

The brakes came out so well that I will now be doing the same to the Escalade. I have enough spare parts and brakes to make this work. Just need time.

One of these days when things go back to normal....

 

[RThomasII]

Reviving an old thread.....

Just installed the GM/Brembo BBK and put about 500 miles on them. So far I'd say they live up to the hype. Less pedal travel, quicker engagement, truck stops quicker, and no vibration/pulse when compared to the OEM setup are all real.

The main reason I went with the GM/Brembo kit over Wilwood and others is because I wanted the option of letting my dealership handle brake service when the time comes. Also my OCD would except GM/Brembo front/GM OEM rear easier than say Wilwood front/GM OEM rear. There was no rear caliper upgrade for my model year Escalade that I could find.

My only complaint (if you want to call it that) is the red color. If I had to do it all over again, I would have listened to my own advice and had everything powder coated/painted black since I think black calipers would sort of "disappear" behind the wheel. The pictures don't do it justice but the red color really stands out.

Overall I'm happy and I think the kit is a worthwhile upgrade. Shop around and watch the pricing.... With various coupon/discount codes I was able to get the kit for under $2k.

 

[swathdiver]

There was no rear caliper upgrade for my model year Escalade that I could find.

 

[RThomasII]

Didn't see the 2020 model year Escalade on that list. I think the issue is the truck has an electronic e-brake.

I had a 2016 BMW 535 with Dinan upgrades that I had the same problem with. Brembo up front. OEM in the rear.

 

[the_tool_man]

My only complaint (if you want to call it that) is the red color. If I had to do it all over again, I would have listened to my own advice and had everything powder coated/painted black since I think black calipers would sort of "disappear" behind the wheel. The pictures don't do it justice but the red color really stands out.

I get that. But FWIW, I think the red looks fantastic.

 

[Rocket Man]

Reviving an old thread.....

Just installed the GM/Brembo BBK and put about 500 miles on them. So far I'd say they live up to the hype. Less pedal travel, quicker engagement, truck stops quicker, and no vibration/pulse when compared to the OEM setup are all real.

The main reason I went with the GM/Brembo kit over Wilwood and others is because I wanted the option of letting my dealership handle brake service when the time comes. Also my OCD would except GM/Brembo front/GM OEM rear easier than say Wilwood front/GM OEM rear. There was no rear caliper upgrade for my model year Escalade that I could find.

My only complaint (if you want to call it that) is the red color. If I had to do it all over again, I would have listened to my own advice and had everything powder coated/painted black since I think black calipers would sort of "disappear" behind the wheel. The pictures don't do it justice but the red color really stands out.

Overall I'm happy and I think the kit is a worthwhile upgrade. Shop around and watch the pricing.... With various coupon/discount codes I was able to get the kit for under $2k.


View attachment 273074 View attachment 273075 View attachment 273076

Why would you want those awesome calipers to disappear? Show them off, the contrast looks great.

 

[RThomasII]

Why would you want those awesome calipers to disappear? Show them off, the contrast looks great.

My original goal was to build a lowkey sleeper truck that looks stock to everyone but people with a trained eye towards performance. I got lazy with that plan. I will be starting engine mods over the summer. Maybe I'll try to get the plan back on track then.

 

[fozzi58]

My original goal was to build a lowkey sleeper truck that looks stock to everyone but people with a trained eye towards performance. I got lazy with that plan. I will be starting engine mods over the summer. Maybe I'll try to get the plan back on track then.

Yeah, you and me both. My idea of sleeper unfortunately went out the window with the exhaust but on the plus side, it will maximize the incoming whipple's performance. I def need to do brakes. I may go for the Wilwoods cause they come in purple as an option and I need the Burb to match the TA when I take them to shows.

 

[jgold47]

Looks great. Are there any options if you just want to upgrade the brake pads? I think OEM is ceramic, but with 40K on escalade, the stopping distance is starting to feel bad.

 

[Oh Kee Pah]

Installed the PowerStop z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit (part# K6560-36) on my 2015 Tahoe last week.
Certainly a noticeable difference in braking ability - probably not nearly as noticeable as Brembo or Wilwood, but very satisfactory all the same.
Paid around $455 for all four corners (pads, rotors & caliper, steel hardware and pin bushings)