The Wilwood Forged Narrow Superlite 4R Rear Caliper and Bracket Upgrade Kit (part 140-14026) is a four-piston, radial-mount rear brake system for 1997-2013 Corvette C5 and C6 models. The manufacturer says the calipers sit in the factory location and are designed for OE 13-inch rotors, so the upgrade doesn't require a new rear suspension. The forged aluminum body is the main reason to pay more than for a cast conversion. The manufacturer cites a center-bridge-reinforced forged design and race-proven engineering, which matters for repeated hard stops on track days. Keywords: C5 Corvette rear big brake upgrade, C6 Z51 13 inch rear caliper kit, FNSL4R, Superlite 4R radial mount.
Fitment is the first thing to check. The manufacturer's listing covers Chevrolet Corvette 1997-2004, 2005-2008, 2006-2008, 2009-2013, 2010-2013 and 2011 and 2013 models, and also the Cadillac XLR 2004-2010. The kit is meant for cars with the 13.00-inch rotors fitted to 2005-09 C6 Z51 models, so confirm your rotor size before ordering. Brake lines also differ by generation: the manufacturer specifies flexline kit 220-8177 for 1997-04 C5 cars and flexline kit 220-9101 for 2005-13 C6 cars. For DIY work, owners on user forums typically recommend laying out every part against the instruction sheet first. The manufacturer's install walkthrough also shows shims being placed on the bracket bolts before the bracket goes on, so plan for that step.
The manufacturer lists a separate flexline kit for each generation: 220-8177 for 1997-04 C5 cars and 220-9101 for 2005-13 C6 cars. Match the flexline kit to your model year before you start.
Yes. The manufacturer offers the same kit with red calipers under part number 140-14026-R. Part 140-14026 is the black-caliper version.
The manufacturer's Corvette brake install guide indicates that a hobby builder with solid mechanical skills can complete a rear Wilwood conversion. Plan for an impact gun, standard and metric wrenches, line wrenches, and a torque wrench that reads in both inch-pounds and foot-pounds. Owners should lay out all parts and confirm the flexline kit for their model year before disassembly. Check the rotor size and the bracket shims at fit-up. The manufacturer's install sheet should be your final reference for torque values.
