Brake Question - Swapping 03/04 Calipers out for the 05/07

[Sentientbydesign]

Ok,

I've been doing some side work for a new G owner and he has an 03 coupe with the anemic front brakes (sorry guys, truth hurts).

Anyways, the question is: Is it possible to swap out the newer 05-07 calipers onto an 03? I've can't find any info on anybody who's done it. My google search skills might be directly related to how quite my stomach is (quite load ATM).

I believe the 05 and newer torque member (?) uses a larger bolt than the 03/04. Not sure about that.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

As far as i know they work... But you want to get the bigger rotors from the 05/06's

RED_DET had done this to his 04 and then he upgraded to brembo.

DJ

[Sentientbydesign]

Hmmm...

Interesting. There was an ebay auction. Actually, it's still live right now, I believe, that stated that the 05+ brakes were tested by Road and Track and performed better than the Brembos, BUT they're also trying to sell they're used Brakes...

I need to get a 1/2" drive breaker bar and some large metric sockets and just try it out. I can't swap out my front rotors because my socket set stops at 21mm. I think I tried 23 and that still wasn't big enough. Wish the FSM stated bolt sizes in the exploded views lol.

[kmckis1029]

i actually called the infiniti dealer asking if they would do this for me... they named alot of parts that would have to be changed... probably be better off just going with an aftermarket kit.. as it would probably cost about the same...

im personally just going to go with steel brake lines and some "dustless" pads... when my newly replaced fatory brakes (my highest cost maintence item so far) wear out again...

might change the front rotors to aftermarket... but that would be way cheaper and still be a braking improvement.

[johnparkyourcar]

Why not get the Akebono BBK off the G37?

[Sentientbydesign]

i actually called the infiniti dealer asking if they would do this for me... they named alot of parts that would have to be changed... probably be better off just going with an aftermarket kit.. as it would probably cost about the same...

im personally just going to go with steel brake lines and some "dustless" pads... when my newly replaced fatory brakes (my highest cost maintence item so far) wear out again...

might change the front rotors to aftermarket... but that would be way cheaper and still be a braking improvement.

Thanks,

I'll look into this. My concern is the bracket and making sure the master cylinder is capable of handling the larger calipers. On the flip side, my understanding is that the Brembos are a direct swap, so you'd think the master cylinder should be the same too.

Take a look at Racing Brake. They have a really interesting setup that utilizes the stock caliper, an adapter bracket, and two piece rotors for increased brake torque AND 2 lbs of unsprung weight loss.

Why not get the Akebono BBK off the G37?

Not my car. They guy was going to get Brembos and Volk's off of somebody for $1600 + the his wheels and brakes, but ended up selling them before I could do the swap.

Akebono's are like $2700 I believe. I personally wouldn't want the reduced accleration unless I was FI.

When we going to do another OC meet?

[RED_DET]

they are a direct swap as the brembo's are as well. you will need the brackets, calipers, rotors and pads. take off and put on, very simple. the master cylinders didn't change either. i had no issues with the 05 setup, just as i have no issues with a complete brembo setup. while you' re at it, might as well add some stainless steel lines just to stiffen up the brake pedal even more. just make sure to bleed the hell out of those lines when you get everything bolted back up. i bled each corner like 5-6x and keep that reservoir full when bleeding.

no bolt on the brake setup is bigger than 19/21mm, so i don't know what you were trying to take off.

akebono's can be purchased for 1800 shipped with custom bracket, BRAND NEW.

[JeromeS13]

Are you sure? I'm pretty sure the front caliper bracket is a 22mm? Rears are 19mm.

[RED_DET]

they maybe possible, but i know it ain't no 23mm bolt.

[johnparkyourcar]

When we going to do another OC meet?

We should have it soon! Have you seen Vivek's car lately? Ballin! I'm about to put on my HREs soon too.

[Sentientbydesign]

Ok. After 12 hours of HELL.

Here are my comments regarding the Brembo swap.

Do this on a lift. Jacks and jack stands are a b****.

Make sure you have WD-40, 10mm flared wrench, 12mm socket and wrench, 19mm long handle wrench, 19mm socket, 22 mm socket, and a claw hammer or pliers to pull the brake line clips.

Another word of advice, the rear dust shields MUST be trimmed/cut/removed because the rear rotors are larger than Infiniti ones.

A flared 10 mm wrench is MUST HAVE. You WILL strip the brake line nipples otherwise.

Total time to do the swap should be around 6-7 hours, but we took 12 because of some unforseen issues, including me driving 35 miles to the nearest 24 hour autozone for a flared wrench.

I would personally look into doing the 05+ brakes instead of the brembos for the sake of cost of replacement parts. OEM and aftermarket on the 05+ brakes are much cheaper than Brembo.

One last VERY IMPORTANT NOTE- The caliper bolts on the Brembo and Infiniti are the same size, but NOT the same thread pitch. The Brembos use a M12 x 1.75 x 35mm on the rear, whereas the Infinitis use an M12 x ??? x 35. Don't mix these up and try to make them fit. It won't work.

[Poyzinous]

I've been wanting to do this for over a year, but lacked the motivation. If I do put the 2nd series brakes on my G, It will only be fronts. Rears I could care less. Great job however.

[RED_DET]

I wouldn't go that far to overlook Brembo's. I have 750-800 in my Brembo setup and guarantee I will out brake those 05 brakes anywhere and everywhere.

[Sentientbydesign]

Why do the Brembos still have dust and premature wear issues? Or am I reading a bunch of stupid posts from people who don't have a clue?

My opinion is based on the fact that the newer front brakes are similar in size to the Brembos. A used pair of fronts goes for $300 ish. Replacement rotors and pads for the 2nd gen brakes are significantly cheaper in most cases.

Did you really notice a real benefit in going from the 2nd gen to the Brembos?

[RED_DET]

The dust issues are from the pads, just as they were on the 03-04. I run project mu ns pads just as I did on the 05 brakes and have no dusting issues at all, now on to how they perform. I had the 05 brakes and have tackled the tail of the dragon and many other roads in the area. I was more comfortable with the Brembo's under the same circumstances and felt they performed better. Just my opinion. If I had the cash at the time, I would have the akebono brakes instead.

I paid 350 for the front setup and 450 for the rear. Prices include shipping.