The Ultimate C7 Chevrolet Corvette Brake Upgrade Guide: Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1

Introduction – Why Brakes Define Performance

The C7 Chevrolet Corvette in Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1 form is one of the most capable performance platforms ever built in America. With horsepower ranging from 460 hp in the Grand Sport to 755 hp in the ZR1, these cars demand a braking system that can match their straight-line speed and cornering grip.

Unfortunately, the factory brake systems — whether heavy iron rotors or entry-level CCM (carbon ceramic matrix) discs — fall short when subjected to repeated high-performance use. They fade, they warp, and in the case of factory CCMs, they wear out faster than many owners expect.

At Triton Motorsports, we deliver the brake technology these Corvettes deserve:

• Floating Steel 2-Piece Rotors – For Grand Sport and Z06 owners who want serviceable, fade-resistant braking.

• Carbon Ceramic Conversion Kits (CCB-H) – For Grand Sport and Z06 drivers seeking the weight savings and longevity of true carbon ceramics.

• CCB-H Replacement Rotors – For Z06 (Z07 package) and ZR1 owners stuck with factory CCMs, our hardened carbon ceramics are the definitive upgrade.

Floating Steel Rotors for the C7 Grand Sport and Z06

The Problem with OEM Steel Rotors

The Grand Sport and Z06 (without the Z07 package) come equipped with large steel rotors. While functional for casual street driving, they use a quasi 2-piece design — a single cast rotor with a bolted faceplate. This design looks advanced but doesn’t deliver the benefits of a true floating system.

The downsides:

• Prone to warping under repeated heat cycles.

• Heavy unsprung weight that dulls suspension response.

• Poor cooling → leads to brake fade.

• High cost for replacement considering limited performance.

The Triton Floating Steel Solution

C7 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Brake Rotors by Triton Motorsports

Our true floating 2-piece rotors solve these issues:

• Billet aluminum hats + high-carbon steel rings joined with floating hardware.

• Independent expansion under heat → reduced warping and stress.

• Directional venting and optional slotting for superior cooling.

• Serviceable design → only replace the rings, not the full assembly.

• Weight savings → sharper turn-in, faster suspension response.

For Grand Sport and Z06 owners who track their cars or drive aggressively, floating steel rotors are the smartest balance of cost, performance, and serviceability.

🔗 Explore C7 Grand Sport & Z06 Floating Steel Rotors

Carbon Ceramic Conversion Kits – Grand Sport & Z06

Why Upgrade to Carbon Ceramics?

While steel has its place, carbon ceramics are the pinnacle of brake technology. Benefits include:

• Up to 50% lighter than steel → reduces unsprung and rotational mass.

• Unmatched heat resistance → fade-free braking up to 1,000°C.

• Corrosion-proof → no rust, even in humid or coastal environments.

• Longevity → often last the life of the car under normal road use.

Factory CCM vs. Triton CCB-H

Here’s the critical distinction:

• Factory CCM (Carbon Ceramic Matrix): Standard on the Z06 with Z07 and ZR1, optional elsewhere. These rotors lack a hardened friction layer, meaning accelerated surface wear under pad contact. They’re expensive, wear quickly, and underperform for the price.

• Triton CCB-H (Hardened Carbon Ceramic Brakes): Our conversion kits use next-generation Gen 3 tech with a hardened friction layer. This ensures:

  • Longer lifespan

  • Better resistance to pad abrasion

  • Superior heat cycling consistency

For Grand Sport and Z06 owners with steel brakes, a CCB-H conversion is the ultimate upgrade.

🔗 Explore C7 Corvette Carbon Ceramic Conversions

CCB-H Replacement Rotors for the Z06 (Z07) and ZR1

The Problem with OEM CCM

The Z06 with Z07 package and the ZR1 shipped standard with carbon ceramic brakes. Unfortunately, these are CCM rotors, and while marketed as premium, they are not true hardened carbon ceramics.

Drawbacks of OEM CCM:

• No hardened surface layer → wears faster under aggressive driving.

• Limited longevity compared to CCB-H.

• Eye-watering replacement cost from GM dealerships.

Why Triton’s CCB-H Replacements Are Better

C7 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 & ZR1 Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotor by Triton Motorsports

Our CCB-H replacement rotors are direct bolt-on solutions for the Z06 and ZR1, designed to outperform factory CCMs in every measurable way:

• Hardened friction layer protects the rotor core and shifts wear to the pads.

• Consistent braking torque across repeated high-temp cycles.

• Extended lifespan → significantly outlasts factory CCM.

• Comparable price to OEM replacements, but with far greater durability.

For Z06 and ZR1 owners, upgrading to CCB-H is not just an improvement — it’s a necessity.

🔗 Explore C7 Corvette CCB-H Replacement Rotors

Performance Pad Options

To maximize braking performance, pad selection is critical. Triton offers compounds tailored to every C7 application:

• Semi-Metallic Pads: Aggressive bite, excellent for spirited driving and light track use.

• Low-Dust Ceramic Pads: Quiet, clean wheels, great for daily-driven Corvettes.

• CCB-Specific Pads: Engineered for CCB-H rotors to optimize friction and longevity.

Each compound uses thermal-barrier backplates to reduce heat transfer into the calipers and fluid.

Comparison Chart – C7 Corvette Brake Options

Model	Factory Brakes	Weakness	Triton Upgrade	Benefit
Grand Sport	Iron (quasi 2-piece)	Heavy, warps, fade	Floating Steel Rotors	Better cooling, lighter, serviceable
Z06 (Iron)	Iron (quasi 2-piece)	Same as GS	Floating Steel Rotors	Stronger, cooler, cost-effective
Z06 (Z07)	CCM	Wears quickly, no hardened layer	CCB-H Replacements	Longer life, hardened surface
ZR1	CCM	Same CCM weaknesses	CCB-H Replacements	Fade-free, superior wear resistance

Why Triton Motorsports?

Triton Motorsports isn’t just another aftermarket supplier. We engineer every rotor with precision manufacturing, high-grade materials, and platform-specific validation.

• Floating Steel Rotors: True 2-piece, billet hats, replaceable rings.

• CCB-H Technology: Hardened friction layers, Gen 3 composites, superior wear life.

• Direct Bolt-On Fitment: Designed for seamless integration with factory calipers.

• Comprehensive Coverage: From the Grand Sport to the ZR1, Triton has a tailored solution.

This is why enthusiasts and shops trust Triton to deliver the strongest, most reliable braking systems for the C7 Corvette lineup.

Conclusion – The Smartest Brake Upgrade for Every C7 Corvette

Whether you own a Grand Sport, Z06, or ZR1, Triton Motorsports has engineered the perfect brake solution:

• Floating Steel Rotors for Grand Sport & Z06 owners wanting better performance without the cost of carbon.

• Carbon Ceramic Conversions (CCB-H) for Grand Sport & Z06 drivers upgrading from steel to the ultimate braking tech.

• CCB-H Replacements for Z06 (Z07) and ZR1 owners tired of factory CCM limitations.

The result? Shorter stopping distances, cooler operating temps, longer lifespan, and true supercar-level confidence.

When it comes to C7 Corvette brakes, Triton Motorsports delivers technology that outperforms OEM — every time.