***EDIT*** 5/26** According to the Brake Kit web page at Pace Performance, the ONLY OEM G8 wheels that will accept the GXP front brakes are the GXP wheels. The 18" V6 and GT and 19" Sport Package wheels will not fit.

The first of 2 packages came Friday. It was the GXP Brake kit that Greg at Pace has put together. This first box has everything except the rotors. The rotors are due to be delivered to me tomorrow.

Here are a couple photos of the contents of the kit with the optional SS brake lines.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/871056257-DSCN0233_1311.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/29474555-DSCN0236_1314.JPG

There were 2 calipers, left and right. 4 caliper mounting bolts. 2 sets of GM (Ferodo) pads, Pad mounting pins and clips and the Russell SS brake line kit. It is a very complete kit. I forgot to ask for speed Bleeders or they would have been in the kit too. I found some locally.

There seems to be an inside and an outside pad. Each pad has an arrow printed on it and one end is tapered.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/44313318-DSCN0238_1316.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/146105845-DSCN0242_1320.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/99565775-DSCN0239_1317.JPG

After looking at them for a while I saw that if you pair up the pads with the beveled ends on the same side, the arrows of the pair of pads pointed the same direction and this direction would be the direction of rotor travel if the pads were loaded into the calipers with the bevel ends down.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0243_1321.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0244_1322.JPG

There are thin metal plates that mate up with the back of the pad. The plates have 2 small fingers that rest on the top edge of the pad.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/620210990-DSCN0241_1319.JPG

I loaded the pads and their backing plates using the pins from the kit. I made sure to select and locate the pads so that the arrows pointed in the direction of rotor rotation. One pin was pushed all the way through to capture both pads. I did not seat the pins because i was doing this for photos. The second pin was pushed in only enought to holds the inside pad in place.

More to follow....

There is a spring clip that is retained by the pins. I put one end under the fully engaged pin and pushed down on the other end to allow the second pin to slid in and through the locating hole in the outside pad and caliper.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0245_1323.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0246_1324.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0247_1325.JPG

During the actual installation, I would have seated these pins using a hammer and punch or plastic mallet, etc.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0249_1327.JPG

Here is an underside view showing the pads in place. Note the bevels.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0250_1328.JPG

I will post more photos as the installation actually takes place, tomorrow. Greg did a fantastic job putting the kit together. Thanks, Greg.

I did not show putting the anti-squeel paste in place because I didn't want the mess and because I was not sure if it went on both sides on the thin metal plates or just one.

I discovered the the paste goes between the pad backing plate and the thin shim plate.

More to follow....

The rotors came this morning as promised:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0252_1330.JPG
They really are bigger!

The part I feared the most was getting the old rotors off. I have 18K on them and they have never been removed.

I put the car on stands and removed the wheels. Next I used a 10mm line wrench and cracked the hose connection at the chassis while supporting the mating piece with a second wrench. I removed the bolt holding the coupling support bracket and then finished unscrewing the chassis hose connection. I found a plactic cap in my junk drawer so I used it to keep brake fluid from dripping out of the rigid line.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0259_1337.JPG

Next I put a catch pan under the caliper and removed the banjo bolt. I took the blue plug that was in the Brembo banjo hole and plugged off the GT caliper banjo hole to contain the fluid. The hose support removes from the bracket on the strut by rotating 90* and sliding it out. The support collar has 2 flats that when it is rotated allow it to slide out.

The caliper unbolts easily. The rotor was a different matter.

I needed a little help:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0267_1345.JPG

I sprayed some PB Blaster on the hub edge and into the lug holes. I also sprayed some along the hub edge from behind the rotor. After letting it soak for a while, I used my "little friend" to hit the back side of the rotor while rotating it to different positions. The block of alumunum transferred the blows but protected the disk from damage. After 8 to 10 blows the rotor popped loose. It worked the same for both sides of the car.

The new rotor slipped right on. I used a couple of lug nuts to hold it against the hub. The caliper was mounted next using the supplied bolts. I think the kit bolts are a little longer than they need to be but they did not hit anything.

With the rotor and caliper in place I checked my wheel spoke clearance.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0256_1334.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0258_1336.JPG

I had plenty with these wheels. With the GT calipers I had about an inch. With the Brembos it was more like 3/8" to almost 1/2" or so.

I used the sealing washers in the SS line kit and the GT banjo bolts to snug the caliper connection. The lines fit well but they were mismarked driver and passenger. It was easy to spot when you looked at the brackets.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0261_1339.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0264_1342.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0265_1343.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0260_1338.JPG

The banjo gets torqued to 26 ft-pounds.

I used speed bleeders to help get the air out of the lines. I ended up pumping an entire large bottle of DOT 4 throught the system and I only did the fronts today. It sure looks nice when all that comes out is clear fluid. Greg can supply quality speed bleeders. I forgot to ask for them so had to find some locally on short notice. You need 10mm x 1 mm. I used "HELP!" brand from Car Quest. Part number 12706 but they are not a nice as the Russells.

***EDIT: One of my bleeders leaked. I'm not sure why. I know I had them all tight. I lost the rubber cap and I can confirm with no uncertantity, the OEM Brembo Paint will not stand up to Dot 4. Luckily the damage was not much and I was able to touch it up. Just to be safe I replaced the speed bleader. If you plan to use speed bleeders, get the good one from Greg when you buy your kit.***

***EDIT: MAKE SURE TO GET SMALL CLEAR TUBING TO ATTACH TO THE SPEED BLEEDER. Mine must have been a little big or got stretched out from bleeding during the install. I went back today to check the bleeding and attached the hose to the speed bleeder, opened it about 1/4 turn or so and pumped the brakes 6 or 7 time. When I got out there was DOT 4 everywhere. The tube had blown off the bleeder and I had shot brake fluid all over the inside of the fender, strut, suspension, etc. Luckily I had a garden hose right there and gave everything a good wash down. It looked like everything survived. Be CAREFUL! ***


Before heading out to bed them in:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0254_1332.JPG

More to follow....

After returning:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0268_1346.JPG

I'll get some better photos later today and tomorrow.

Braking felt slightly bettere. Brake lever feel and travel were about the same. I did not do the rear lines but will on Monday. I could not really try these out as I was bedding the pads and rotors and they needed a cool down period before trying them again.

Greg, this kit is going to be a winner. Thanks.

***EDIT: Painted rotor hubs black.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0281_1359.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/DSCN0282_1360.JPG

These calipers are very wide and will not fit behind the spokes of a lot of wheels. Check out the 2009 GXP wheel selection on Tire Rack and compare it to the GT wheel selection to get an idea. I do not know if the Sport 19s will fit.

Thanks for this post! Excellent information, especially the detail. Might I ask what you paid for the kit from Pace? It would be great to compare to the cost of the Baer big brake upgrade kit, or the kit provided by JHP.

OMG that is exactly what i am looking for, are those stock GXP wheels you have on there? I want that whole package wheels and all. Where do we go to get this stuff?

Thanks for this post! Excellent information, especially the detail. Might I ask what you paid for the kit from Pace? It would be great to compare to the cost of the Baer big brake upgrade kit, or the kit provided by JHP.

Doesn't the Baer kit use Alcon calipers?

Excellent write up and thanks for sharing. I saw you have the Russell line set. The part number on their site lists it for a 08-09 GT (no Brembos). Is this the kit you used when installing the factory Brembos? I have a GXP and wanted confirmation they're the same lines regardless of caliper choice before ordering.

Wow that looks fanstatic! Thanks for sharing.

Like most here would like more info on cost of the kit. It's a clear choice if it's less than what the aftermarket brand brake companies offers.

Wow that looks fanstatic! Thanks for sharing.

Like most here would like more info on cost of the kit. It's a clear choice if it's less than what the aftermarket brand brake companies offers.

I think Pace Performance will have a price soon and from what I hear it will be priced well below the others.

BlueJacket has it right.

These are the SS lines for the GT. They seem to fit and work fine.

These are not the GXP wheels. These are 20 x 8.5 that I shipped in from Australia.

The GXP brakes look great with those wheels, nice job! Do you know if the 18" GT wheels will fit over the calipers & rotors?

The GXP brakes look great with those wheels, nice job! Do you know if the 18" GT wheels will fit over the calipers & rotors?

Don I do not think anyone has fitted the stock wheels yet.

The 18" wheels will not clear the GXP rotors and calipers. Just not enough room with the larger rotor and massive Brembo caliper.

19's they will fit

19's they will fit

Just to make sure nobody misunderstands, you are saying the OEM Sport Package 19" wheels will fit, not all 19's, right?

I added 2 **EDITS*** to page 3 of the write-up. I had some bleeder problems but all is well.

Nice
Now some one need to try calipers from 2004-2005 CTS-V
CTS-V calipers $50-80 chipper

Just to make sure nobody misunderstands, you are saying the OEM Sport Package 19" wheels will fit, not all 19's, right?

From my understanding, the stock 19's will fit. The stock 18's will not, they will rub.

The oem sport 19's need a spacer from what i've read on the other forum. Oh yea Fantastic job on the post. You said you are doing Brembo rears?

I'm waiting to see if the Camaro SS rear brakes will fit the G8.

According to the Brake Kit web page at Pace Performance, the ONLY OEM G8 wheels that will accept the GXP front brakes are the G8 GXP wheels. The 18" V6 and GT and 19" Sport Package wheels will not fit.

OEM HSV wheels will accept the GXP front brakes too

OEM HSV wheels will accept the GXP front brakes too

Yes. That is very true. In fact, you guys have a beautiful blue GXP with the Pentagon HSV wheels on it. Looks gtreat.

Thanks for picking up on my oversight.

check brembo USA

PONTIAC
G8 Rear 2008 -> 2P1.8031A
4 Piston
Caliper family_M Detail
Assembled Disc 91.1772L/R Detail
Pad XA5.71.M2/XA5.71.M4 Detail


PONTIAC G8 Front 2008 -> 2P2.8031A
Caliper family_P Detail
Assembled Disc 92.2773L/R Detail
Pad 207.4865.80/107.4865.80 Detail

Just as a heads up on removing the old rotors. Striking it with a hammer should only be used as a last resort. Usually the rotors will have a threaded hole where you can thread in a bolt that will push the rotor off the backing plate.

The hammer method can cause problems down the road with your bearings.

Other than that, GREAT WRITEUP!

Anyone have prices on the Pace kit?

-mike

So has anyone actually tried to fit the factory 19s over the Brembo fronts to confirm if they will or won't work? Thanks in advance.

I seem to recall the 19's from the GT won't fit over the GXP front calipers.

I seem to recall the 19's from the GT won't fit over the GXP front calipers.

This is true.

Just as a heads up on removing the old rotors. Striking it with a hammer should only be used as a last resort. Usually the rotors will have a threaded hole where you can thread in a bolt that will push the rotor off the backing plate.

The hammer method can cause problems down the road with your bearings.

Other than that, GREAT WRITEUP!

Anyone have prices on the Pace kit?

-mike

I wish my GT rotors had that threaded hole. It would have made it much easier. The GXP rotors have one. It didn't take massive blows to get the old rotor off. More like a series of heavy taps.

Can you give me an idea of the distance from the front face of the rotor hat to the most external point of the caliper please.

Nice install!

Enjoy the brake dust with your stock pads... :soapbox: I have to clean my front wheels every couple of days.

It is a little tricky because the face of the GXP rotor is a bit more outboard than the G8 rotor.

These are some photos with a scale in them. If you can print them and play with the scale until the size of the scale is correct, it might help.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/TSBUX-DSCN0164_1248.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/GQYXF-DSCN0167_1251.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/IAFKD-DSCN0168_1252.JPG

I noticed that the new rotors were painted light gray (rustproofing?), and after your first trip it looks like the paint is off of the rotor surface but not off of the hubs, and on a later picture it looks like the paint is completely off the entire rotor including the hub...

Did you use the brake pads to wear off the paint on the disc? If not, how did you prepare the rotor before the first drive? And how did you get the paint off of the rest of the rotor?

I ask mostly because I replaced some rear rotors on my firebird and they had a similar rustproofing coating on them, and it took a couple of hours soaking in a heavy duty paint stripper followed by some work with a wire brush to get them clean, because I didn't want to wreck new brake pads by braking on a painted surface... Is cleaning them even necessary? Will the paint catch fire if the rotors get really hot?

I didn't remove anything. The pads polished the contact area. There was no harm to the pads. After I tried them out i painted the hubs black because i liked that look better against my black wheels.

Thanks. I guess next time I won't have to spend the time cleaning off the paint.

Nice
Now some one need to try calipers from 2004-2005 CTS-V
CTS-V calipers $50-80 chipper

So are you saying the 2004-2005 CTS-V brakes will fit on the G8?

So are you saying the 2004-2005 CTS-V brakes will fit on the G8?


I took all measurements (GXP VS CTS-V) and did not find any differences
http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5323&stc=1&d=1253058879

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5325&stc=1&d=1253059232

I'm not surprised they are the same. Are the mounting bolts the same diameter and pitch?

In the rear, I think the Camero SS brembos and rotors will fit the G8. You will need to remove the dust shield (remove hub and try to not damage bearing). You also will need the CTS-V or Camero SS parking brake mechanism and shoes.

Someone needs to try it before we know with 100% accuracy.

I took all measurements (GXP VS CTS-V) and did not find any differences
http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5323&stc=1&d=1253058879

http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5325&stc=1&d=1253059232

I have been asking this question for so long... I knew it!!! Monaro you’re definitely the man!!!:hail:

I'm not surprised they are the same. Are the mounting bolts the same diameter and pitch?



The part # for the bolts you have in the 2nd picture is actually CTS-V part number

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/29474555-DSCN0236_1314.JPG

Settles that.

The part # for the bolts you have in the 2nd picture is actually CTS-V part number

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-11/65524/29474555-DSCN0236_1314.JPG

Will the rear fit? Are there any issues with the hand brake or bolt alignment?

Will the rear fit? Are there any issues with the hand brake or bolt alignment?
IF Camaro or CTS-V rotors will bolt up to G8 I can source 2-3 different rotors to try
Overall diameter also can be cut to fit too...

all the following rotors can be fitted to G8 emergency/handbrake system without any modifications
http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5351&stc=1&d=1253313104

I have read or viewed virtually every written or video review I could find of the GT and GXP. Their braking performance was very, very close if not the same. Both cars have excellent binders on them from the factory, though the GT's lack some feel. According to the OP, this expensive looking brake swap did not provide a big gain in performance or feel.

I wonder, putting the nicer looks of the Brembos aside, if the OP feels this mod was worth the time, effort, spilled DOT4 and money spent?

BTW, on motorcycle brake upgrads, a new M/C is part of the package. I wonder if the GXP's better feel comes from a different factory M/C?

The Master Cylinder is the same part number for the GT and the GXP. so is the brake control module.

For cold stopping distances, there is little or no benefit from going to the GXP front brakes. In situations where you might be making several hard braking maneuvers in a short period of time, the GXP brakes do not fad nearly as fast as the GT so your stopping distances shay shorter, longer.

The GXP Brembos take the same pads as the Brembos used on some other Hi-Po cars like GT500 Mustangs, Ford GTs, WRX STIs and EVOs so there is a very wide selection of premium pads available from a number of suppliers.

They also do a much better job of filling out 20" wheels.

They also do a much better job of filling out 20" wheels.

DING DING DING! The really good reason to get them!

DING DING DING! The really good reason to get them!

Agreed!

These calipers are very wide and will not fit behind the spokes of a lot of wheels. Check out the 2009 GXP wheel selection on Tire Rack and compare it to the GT wheel selection to get an idea. I do not know if the Sport 19s will fit.

I am upgrading to the GXP wheel very shortly and was considering this front upgrade kit. Did you upgrade your rear at all? Is it possible to run the GXP front setup and the stock GT setup?

When it comes time to replacing the front rotor on the GXP upgrade kit, how readily available is the replacement rotor?

As far as I know, the GXP rear and the GT rear brakes are the same. The master cylinders are the same as is the brake control module. I used the Russel GT SS brake line kit and put the SS lines on all 4 corners.

There's is a local who plans to sell me his GXP Front Kit with 800 miles on them for $500. Sound like a fair price? It includes brakes, calipers, rotors and all hardware. I would have to buy the SS lines.

IF Camaro or CTS-V rotors will bolt up to G8 I can source 2-3 different rotors to try
Overall diameter also can be cut to fit too...

all the following rotors can be fitted to G8 emergency/handbrake system without any modifications
http://www.g8board.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5351&stc=1&d=1253313104

Wait a minute… So the size of the G8 rotors are the reason of changing the backing plate and e-brake stuff ??

There's is a local who plans to sell me his GXP Front Kit with 800 miles on them for $500. Sound like a fair price? It includes brakes, calipers, rotors and all hardware. I would have to buy the SS lines.

Good price. The G8 and GXP caliper mounting bolts are different lenghts so make sure you have the right ones. GT SS lines will work fine.

Good price. The G8 and GXP caliper mounting bolts are different lenghts so make sure you have the right ones. GT SS lines will work fine.

So I can re-use the stock lines?

So I can re-use the stock lines?

Not having actually done it (stock GT lines for a GXP) myself I can't say "yes" with 100% conviction but seeing that the Russel SS kit works great for the GT and the GXP, I can't imagine it not working.

A suggestion to save you some grief:
Contact Greg at pace performance and buy the russel 4 line set, 4 speed bleeders and the bolts for the caliper mounting. Greg can fix you up and you will have a very easy switch over.

What is the diameter of the GXP rotor, and are the calipers 4 piston ?

Front has 4 pistons and 14" (355mm) rotors.

I got mine done with the GT line and it seen that work good.