SS 1LE Copper Free Brakes

mRahmani · 11-10-2021, 11:47 PM

Hey guys, did a search around the forum but didn’t see an answer to this. For ‘22 I can order a copper-free brake package on the 1LE. There’s not much info about it on the configuration page, but it seems to be either the base ZL1 or ZL1 1LE brake package. Either would be an upgrade from the stock 1LE brakes.

My question is, do the copper free brakes still have the 1LE badging on the calipers? Anybody order one yet? Kind of a silly/vain thing I know, but what can I say, I like it.

JamesNoBrakes · 11-11-2021, 12:09 AM

Are you talking about brakes...or brake pads?

DriftNDraft · 11-11-2021, 01:34 AM

It's only the pads that are copper-free. Copper-free brake pads exist to meet environmental standards in some states. The brake dust containing copper can run off roads into streams and rivers and contaminate the water. As far as I know they're only required in CA and WA. I don't think they offer any performance advantage.

mRahmani · 11-11-2021, 06:06 AM

There’s a pretty detailed document about it here:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...86096-9999.pdf

Here’s the interesting bit, they list out the normal brake package RPO compared to the copper free compliant RPO.

Standard SS: J6G
SS 1LE: J6M
ZL1 and ZL1 1LE: J6H
Copper free performance brake system: J6H along with BCD option

It seems pretty clear that the copper free pad option includes the ZL1 brake hardware, just with environmentally friendly pads. Would also explain why it’s a $1500 upgrade. I’m just curious if the package gives you calipers with 1LE badging or not.

Edit: from the FAQ:

Quote:

Question : To make a Camaro compliant with the Copper Free legislation, is it just a matter of changing the brake pads?
In order to maintain the same braking performance, the brake components have to grow in size and therefore, brake pads compliant with copper free legislation will not fit on Camaro models with traditional copper-containing linings.

GearheadSS · 11-11-2021, 04:47 PM

Any SS ordered with these are getting the ZL1 brakes. The reason is so they don't have to change anything on the ZL1 other than pads in order to sell it California. This is why the cost for the option on ZL1(pads only) is $500 and $995 on 1SS and 2SS(pads, rotors and calipers).

It's a great deal for SS as you're getting a major brake upgrade for only $995.

Alpha1BC · 11-11-2021, 06:52 PM

From what I've heard:

1) The only carryover component from the ZL1 and ZL1 1LE brakes is the rear caliper. The rear pads and rotors are the same size but different materials (copper free brake pads and different material rotors to match). The fronts upsized everything. Calipers, rotors, and pads are a bit bigger than the ZL1 and ZL1 1LE due to the fact that copper-free just can't match the performance of pads with copper in them without being upsized. I believe all of the copper free brake hardware is common for all trims too like Gearhead mentioned, meaning that if it works for the ZL1 1LE it'll be an upgrade on the SS 1LE in terms of performance. Plus, when you order it like that, it should come with all the proper calibrations for everything so the total package would be more optimized than getting the regular brakes and upsizing later.

2) Yes, it should still be red with the 1LE logo on it.

Only real downside right now is that there aren't any swappable pad options for the fronts (not that you'd need them), but I'd be very surprised if aftermarket companies don't jump on making more aggressive pads that fit the bigger calipers for those that want them.

MatthewAMEL · 11-11-2021, 08:53 PM

The copper free brakes are the brakes for the Blackwing 5. Including that revised pad compound.

Mirza Grebovic's eyes light up when he gets to talk about brake pad compounds. He's the performance variant manager for Cadillac, and his enthusiasm for the job—and especially the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing he helped create—clearly goes beyond the paycheck.

You see, this Blackwing is big and exceptionally powerful. Getting it stopped quickly, repeatably, and reliably on track is no small feat, even for the powerful cast-iron-rotor-based Brembo system fitted as standard. (A carbon-ceramic Brembo disc setup is optional.) Doing it with a traditional pad is hard enough, but once you remove heat-dissipating copper from the pad's compound (which is done for environmental reasons), it becomes a true challenge. And it's one Grebovic obviously relished, as he told me about the roughly 20 compounds they tested before settling on one that met noise and temperature targets while surviving almost 800 laps during a marathon, 24-hour track testing session.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...-drive-review/

Whitespeed · 11-12-2021, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GearheadSS

Any SS ordered with these are getting the ZL1 brakes. The reason is so they don't have to change anything on the ZL1 other than pads in order to sell it California. This is why the cost for the option on ZL1(pads only) is $500 and $995 on 1SS and 2SS(pads, rotors and calipers).

It's a great deal for SS as you're getting a major brake upgrade for only $995.

When you select the option in the configurator, the price changes by $1495 if you have an SS 1LE package selected, but only $995 without it.

Nigel

WhyUMad1LE · 11-14-2021, 11:00 AM

The configurator shows silver calipers when selecting the copper-free option. I would still get them to have the best braking Camaro!

shippingguy · 11-14-2021, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhyUMad1LE

The configurator shows silver calipers when selecting the copper-free option. I would still get them to have the best braking Camaro!

The brakes if ordered on a 1LE will be red they will be the ZLE calipers. I will be picking up my ordered 2SS/1LE in the next day or two here in CA and I had to order with the new Carbon Free brakes.

arpad_m · 11-14-2021, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhyUMad1LE

The configurator shows silver calipers when selecting the copper-free option. I would still get them to have the best braking Camaro!

I wouldn't put too much faith in the configurator's accuracy rendering your selections. There are several dealerships represented here, they have access to the 2022 playbook (or some internal info) where I'd expect to find more information.

(I did look at the 2022 order book and couldn't find anything about caliper colors with the BCD option code.)

cdb95z28 · 11-14-2021, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shippingguy

The brakes if ordered on a 1LE will be red they will be the ZLE calipers. I will be picking up my ordered 2SS/1LE in the next day or two here in CA and I had to order with the new Carbon Free brakes.

Pics please! Lots of pictures!

shippingguy · 11-14-2021, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdb95z28

Pics please! Lots of pictures!

You got it!

cdb95z28 · 11-14-2021, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shippingguy

You got it!

And one of your window sticker too if you can. There was a question as to what the additional cost of the copper-free option was to the SS 1LE.

Thank you

11-10-2021, 11:47 PM	#1
mRahmani Drives: ‘23 SS 1LE Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: SE MI Posts: 111	SS 1LE Copper Free Brakes Hey guys, did a search around the forum but didn’t see an answer to this. For ‘22 I can order a copper-free brake package on the 1LE. There’s not much info about it on the configuration page, but it seems to be either the base ZL1 or ZL1 1LE brake package. Either would be an upgrade from the stock 1LE brakes. My question is, do the copper free brakes still have the 1LE badging on the calipers? Anybody order one yet? Kind of a silly/vain thing I know, but what can I say, I like it.

11-11-2021, 12:09 AM	#2
JamesNoBrakes Drives: 2SS 1LE Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: AK Posts: 2,301	Are you talking about brakes...or brake pads? __________________ Everything happens for a reason, except when it doesn't, but even then, you can, in hindsight, fabricate a reason that satisfies your belief system. 2018 2SS 1LE 2023 Colorado ZR2 2022 Stinger GT-line AWD

11-11-2021, 06:52 PM	#6
Alpha1BC Drives: 2017 1SS 1LE Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 1,001	From what I've heard: 1) The only carryover component from the ZL1 and ZL1 1LE brakes is the rear caliper. The rear pads and rotors are the same size but different materials (copper free brake pads and different material rotors to match). The fronts upsized everything. Calipers, rotors, and pads are a bit bigger than the ZL1 and ZL1 1LE due to the fact that copper-free just can't match the performance of pads with copper in them without being upsized. I believe all of the copper free brake hardware is common for all trims too like Gearhead mentioned, meaning that if it works for the ZL1 1LE it'll be an upgrade on the SS 1LE in terms of performance. Plus, when you order it like that, it should come with all the proper calibrations for everything so the total package would be more optimized than getting the regular brakes and upsizing later. 2) Yes, it should still be red with the 1LE logo on it. Only real downside right now is that there aren't any swappable pad options for the fronts (not that you'd need them), but I'd be very surprised if aftermarket companies don't jump on making more aggressive pads that fit the bigger calipers for those that want them. __________________ 2017 SS 1LE.

11-11-2021, 08:53 PM	#7
MatthewAMEL Drives: 2023 CT5 Blackwing Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Orlando Posts: 1,618	The copper free brakes are the brakes for the Blackwing 5. Including that revised pad compound. Mirza Grebovic's eyes light up when he gets to talk about brake pad compounds. He's the performance variant manager for Cadillac, and his enthusiasm for the job—and especially the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing he helped create—clearly goes beyond the paycheck. You see, this Blackwing is big and exceptionally powerful. Getting it stopped quickly, repeatably, and reliably on track is no small feat, even for the powerful cast-iron-rotor-based Brembo system fitted as standard. (A carbon-ceramic Brembo disc setup is optional.) Doing it with a traditional pad is hard enough, but once you remove heat-dissipating copper from the pad's compound (which is done for environmental reasons), it becomes a true challenge. And it's one Grebovic obviously relished, as he told me about the roughly 20 compounds they tested before settling on one that met noise and temperature targets while surviving almost 800 laps during a marathon, 24-hour track testing session. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...-drive-review/ __________________ 2017 HBM SS 1LE Sold 2023 Wave Metallic CT5-V Blackwing M6

11-11-2021, 01:34 AM	#3
DriftNDraft Drives: 2020 1SS 1LE M6 was 2018 V6 RS A8 Join Date: May 2018 Location: Minnesota Posts: 59	It's only the pads that are copper-free. Copper-free brake pads exist to meet environmental standards in some states. The brake dust containing copper can run off roads into streams and rivers and contaminate the water. As far as I know they're only required in CA and WA. I don't think they offer any performance advantage.

11-11-2021, 04:47 PM	#5
GearheadSS Drives: 23 LT1/22 Colorado TB/69 Chevelle Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Greenville, Tx Posts: 4,969 View My Garage	Any SS ordered with these are getting the ZL1 brakes. The reason is so they don't have to change anything on the ZL1 other than pads in order to sell it California. This is why the cost for the option on ZL1(pads only) is $500 and $995 on 1SS and 2SS(pads, rotors and calipers). It's a great deal for SS as you're getting a major brake upgrade for only $995.

11-14-2021, 11:00 AM	#9
WhyUMad1LE Drives: 17 SS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Houston Posts: 1,920	The configurator shows silver calipers when selecting the copper-free option. I would still get them to have the best braking Camaro!

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