98 Q45 Brake Upgrade

[johnsy33]

I've definitely encountered a weakness in my Q & that's the braking system. I've already had 2 instances where I've had to slam on the brakes in order to avoid accidents (crazy nj drivers). The Q definitely did not perform as well as I would have liked & I was barely able to avoid an accident both times. I realize this is a heavy car but my previous LS400 had much better braking once I put the thicker rotors on. So anyway, I've decided to upgrade.

From my research, the weakness in the braking system is the caliper. So I will begin to prepare for the z32 caliper & master cylinder upgrade. Stock brake lines & rotors appear to be sufficient to keep. If any member has experience with upgrading their Q's braking system, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[superuber]

I upgraded the rear to z32 and braided lines. I upgraded the front to Brembo's big brake kit. However I saw these and may get these. Plenty of choices,crack your wallet!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ksport-P ... ccessories

[johnsy33]

I upgraded the rear to z32 and braided lines. I upgraded the front to Brembo's big brake kit. However I saw these and may get these. Plenty of choices,crack your wallet!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ksport-P ... ccessories

Wow...that would be an awesome upgrade! Definitely not in the market for that tho That's actually how much I paid for the car! The z32 front & rear will have to do for now.

[maxnix]

No, just maintain the stock system. Z32 has less swept area. The Stillen Brembo rotors or a few select others is a decent upgrade.

[elwesso]

Z32 brakes are definitely a downgrade from the stock Q45 stuff..

Get yourself a set of hawk HPS or some other high quality pad and then tell me the Q doesn't stop well.. the 90-96 Q could stop 60-0 in 120 feet with OEM pads, and the 90-96 had lesser brakes than the 97-01 AND was slightly heavier.

[johnsy33]

No, just maintain the stock system. Z32 has less swept area. The Stillen Brembo rotors or a few select others is a decent upgrade.

The previous owner had installed new rotors just a couple months before I bought the car. Not sure of the brand, but they are cross-drilled & slotted. He said he got them off of ebay. When it comes time to change them, I will consider a company with a solid reputation for quality like Brembo. Thanks.

Z32 brakes are definitely a downgrade from the stock Q45 stuff..

Get yourself a set of hawk HPS or some other high quality pad and then tell me the Q doesn't stop well.. the 90-96 Q could stop 60-0 in 120 feet with OEM pads, and the 90-96 had lesser brakes than the 97-01 AND was slightly heavier.

The Hawk HPS high performance street brake pads sound really good. After the 1st incident, I changed the front brake pads (which weren't worn down much at all but were just of the very cheap kind) to thermoquiet ceramic pads. Not sure of the brand though. Rears are next week so I will order the Hawk HPS. Thanks for the recommendation.

[maxnix]

I wouldn't mix brake pad formulations!

The eBay rotors have a reputation of failing early.

OEM pad is always the best for that initial cold stop on the street.

[gas money]

Was wondering if anyone has an opinion about Raybestos rotors from Rock Auto. This is just for a daily driver 2000 Q45, no hard driving. Are these decent rotors that won't warp easily? Anybody have any good pad recomendations for me? Thanks for the imput!

[BadQ45t]

They are okay, but stock are probably better. If i did aftermarket I would do brembos. I have solid OEM on my car and I can tell you my brothers 96' LS400 has nothing on my Q in stopping power. I am afraid your a victim of crappy replacement non-OEM from the previous owner. The stock system is darn strong, the only thing I am considering upgrading are the brake lines to braided steel.

[S13xCrazy]

Z32 brakes are definitely a downgrade from the stock Q45 stuff..

Get yourself a set of hawk HPS or some other high quality pad and then tell me the Q doesn't stop well.. the 90-96 Q could stop 60-0 in 120 feet with OEM pads, and the 90-96 had lesser brakes than the 97-01 AND was slightly heavier.

Just out of curiousity, how are the 300zx Z32 4 pistons looked as a downgrade? I would assume that they would be a step up....that's the way the 240 guys (myself) look at it anyways.