GTO Brake SWAP LOG.

[CateraMV6]

This is a log for an upgrade of front brakes on a Cadillac Catera (97-01). CAUTION! Brakes may not fit on the 97-99model. The test vehicle is a 2001 Catera Sport and the brakes on it may or may not be the same as yours so please do your homework before hand.

Vehicle Brand: CADILLAC
Vehicle Model: CATERA (SPORT)
Brakes Information:
Front: 296mm diameter single piston self adjusting ventilated disc brakes

Rear: 286mm diameter twin piston self adjusting vented disc brakes


Donor Vehicle: 2004 PONTIAC GTO
Front Calipers: Twin Piston Alum.

Parts used:
04 Front Calipers:
04 Front Brake Pads Ceramic.

Hoses and attachments were included but not used.
OEM Hose from the catera was attached to OEM GTO caliper.

Calipers Purchased:


04 vs 05-06 GTO Brakes


06 Front Brakes (DO NOT USE) They wont fit!

06 Rear Brakes; MIGHT FIT?! but it will be pointless to change since the Catera has Twin Piston Opposing Alum Calipers in the rear.


I will update this asap with pictures.

[CateraMV6]

Here is the brake Calipers and Brackets Painted. The hoses are not being reused so I didn't bother to protect them from the paint over spray.






GTO Brake Pads 50% life left.

[jebfrank]

So are you going to switch to GTO wheels? I believe the goats are 5-120 and the catera is 5-110

[CateraMV6]

Originally Posted by jebfrank

So are you going to switch to GTO wheels? I believe the goats are 5-120 and the catera is 5-110

Nope just doing the front brake swap and then possibly getting some slotted rotors on all 4s but I am keeping my sport wheels.

[CateraMV6]

The moment of truth boys and girls... tada ... they fit GTO

I just got done driving the car and so far I can say I noticed a bit more grip and more of a solid feel when braking... I havent seen if they shortened the stopping distance but considering that the pads are twise as long and just a tad bit narrower these should work a ton better. OK enough talk here are the pictures.

Install went super smooth I had to use the GTO hoses because they are slightly longer and fit the caliper just right. The fiting at the body is ok all you have to do is disconect the OEM hose and connect the new one pretty easy.
Make sure you get new Brake Pads and Possibly new Rotors.

OEM Brakes:






NEW GTO Brakes:

[CateraMV6]

Brakes through the wheels\:

[CateraMV6]

[CateraMV6]

Things you will need:

GTO Calipers, Brackets, Hoses, Pads, some Grease, Brake Fluid, new Brass O Rings for the Bonjo fittings;
10,12,13,14, 17, 18, 19mm Wrenches and or sockets;
2-3hrs of your personal time and then some elbow grease... LOL...
Everything bolts on super easy no need to modify anything in order to fit all the parts... the only thing you will need to do is cut the original mounting bracket attached to the GTO hose and then once thats out of the way just slide it in the OEM hole and attach the hose on to it... then you can put the retaining clip back on and it all snaps nicely in place...

Now one thing you will loose is the sensor for the worn brake pads... since the GTO ones didn't have it you can disconnect the wires and remove them but keep them in case you ever want to go back to stock.

While at it I also changed my tie rod ends and that was real easy...

IF YOU GUYS HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK.

[wamanning]

FANTASTIC WORK! THX FOR SHARING.

you need some rims with bigger openings to feature those bad-ass GOAT calipers more!

something like these 18X8 TSW Apex:

[CateraMV6]

Originally Posted by wamanning

FANTASTIC WORK! THX FOR SHARING.

you need some rims with bigger openings to feature those bad-ass GOAT calipers more!

something like these 18X8 TSW Apex:

Man I wish I can get some bigger wheels but after long thinking I decided to keep the car authentic because Sports are rare and wanted cars so you see where I am going with them... BTW teh calipers can be seen through two of the five openings at any one time so they are quit emassive... I've had people approach me at the gas station and asking about it... and ofcourse when I told them about the upgraded brakes they were like

I like em a lot so far but I think I will upgrade to the Corvette C5 Brake pads since they have a much bigger pad...