Brake upgrade (q45 calipers) AMAZING

[nigel34]

Just felt like sharing this ><

I just did the q45 front brake caliper upgrade on my s13 with no problems at all. I got some calipers for 50 bucks at a local used Nissan/infinity parts store, 1998 rotors off a altima and some pbr pads. Bolted it all on and i could feel a very impressive difference in modulation and braking power. I know the altima rotors are 6mm thinner but they were 4x114.3. i will be getting the right rotors soon because as the pads were the pistons get somewhat close to falling out >< i was just a little nervous about drilling the 5 bolts to 4 and wanted to do some research first.

All in all i would highly recommend this upgrade to anyone because its very cheap and the calipers work with your stock se rims. Also it was a very easy install and bleed, partially due to the speed bleeders! another great invention.

[diggles240]

Are you still using the stock BMC? Did you rebuild the calipers? And, any plans for the rear brakes?

[nigel34]

Yes, i used the stock BMC, rebuilt the calipers and painted the gold ><. I don't have any plans on the rear brakes as of now, mostly because i dont want to mess with the parking brake line and such... lol.

[diggles240]

Consider the Altima rotor conversion using Z31 caliper brackets, stock calipers and pads of your choice. With this setup is good to switch to a Z31 BMC because of the brake bias split.

[nigel34]

That is interesting, ive never heard of that. I will do some research and look into it. What benefit do you think that has over the q45 calipers?

[diggles240]

Q45 fronts (that you have) and the Altima rotor/Z31 caliper bracket on the rear. Keeping the stock calipers allows you to retain the stock caliper integrated e-brake. Sorry, my other post was not exactly clear.

[Razi]

Yeah, just the Q45's alone will throw off the brake bias way too forward.

This is the Altima rotor/Z31 bracket upgrade everyone is talking about:
Original article I saw on Zilvia:
http://zilvia.net/f/archive-faqs/291877 ... ipers.html
Write-up I did:
diy-larger-rear-rotor-upgrade-t483332.html

When not counting for the brake proportioning valve, and just going off of brake force...
Q45s + stock rear's give you a 78% front brake bias.
Stock front + stock rear's give you 70%
As you can see, the Q45's up front give you way too much front bias.

I did some calculations, and Q45's front + Z31/Altima upgrade rears will put you at about 74% front brake bias.
Remember, this is not counting the brake proportioning valve that controls the bias further, it's only calculating braking force that can be applied by the brakes.
So far I like this upgrade, it was just a pain shaping the dust shield in the right shape.
Also, remember to make sure your brake pad shims aren't touching the rotor, or you'll start hearing squeaking noises in the back.

[nigel34]

OK, awesome idea! I'm kinda wondering why i havent read about that rear brake upgrade already...