Ever need Corvette Brakes, but get confused by the literally DOZENS of option? How about calling the parts store and playing 20 questions with a counter clerk that has no idea what you really need… We we’ve dealt with it, and do deal with it, so we thought we’d make one central location of all things Corvette Brakes.
So let’s get to it.
In order to use this guide, you need to grab the RPO code information off of your car. The location of this information changes by model, and by year within model. So grab those RPO codes, and let’s figure out what you’ve got.
Corvette Brake Package Guide:
1984-1996 (C4)
Two RPO Codes, JL9 and J55. The calipers are the same on both, but the J55 adds a bracket to space the caliper back to account for larger rotors.
JL9 was the standard until the Z51 option came out, which included the J55 (also called Heavy Duty Option) brake RPO code as an upgrade. The ZR1 also included the J55 Brake RPO code in its options.
1995 and 1996 corvettes always have the J55 Brake RPO code standard.
JL9 – 12” Front Brakes, 12” Rear Brakes
J55 – 13” Front Brakes, 12” Rear Brakes
1997-2004 (C5)
Only a single RPO Code – JL9
All C5 Corvettes used the same brakes. Z05 Models had the same rotor and caliper package, just with Red Coated Calipers. Argue all you want… It’s the same brake caliper and rotor, you’ve just got a red version.
2005-2013 (C6)
Things start getting complicated.
Four RPO Codes – JL9, J55, J56, J57
From 2005 through 2013, the base model had JL9 Brakes.
From 2005 through 2009 the Upgraded Z51 model featured J55 Brakes, which had larger rotors, and a larger caliper bracket to relocate the caliper for larger rotors. You’ll find BOTH the Z51 and J55 RPO codes on the same vehicle.
Starting in 2010, a new trim level called the “grand sport” arrived, it now had J56 Brakes, which were even larger than the J55, and featured a unique front and rear caliper. This is the same caliper and rotor package that was standard on the Z06 models.
All Z06 trim level cars had J56 Brakes, as well as the limited run 427 Model, which was essentially a convertible Z06.
The ZR1 model features J57 Brakes, which have upgraded Brembo calipers, as well as Ceramic Rotors.
2014 – 2019 (C7)
Four Brake RPO Codes again – JL9, J55, J56, J57 Codes
The JL9 Package is on the Base stingray only. These are cars NOT optioned with the Z51 package.
J55 Package is on all Z51 equipped Stingrays. The only upgrade is that the front rotors are larger than the JL9, but the rear rotor size is the same.
The J56 Package is standard again on both Grand Sport and Z06 model. Both rotors and calipers are unique to this package and upgraded in size over the J56 Package. Just because you have a Z06, doesn’t mean this is your brake package, as the Z06 had a optional Z07 package that upgraded the brakes to J57.
The J57 Package is the full Ceramic rotor and upgraded Caliper package. These were standard on all ZR1 trim levels, and an option on the Z07 package equipped Z06.
