Budget Big Brake Kit.....opinions?

[nsrZ32]

I've been looking into stepping up the braking power on my 300zx and have found a lot of appealing big brake kits (stoptech, AP, Endless, etc) but they are insanely expensive and none of them would fit with my current wheels as you need 18" rims to fit most of them.

So I got looking into the big rotor type kits since the stock 30mm 4pot 300zx calipers are excellent. Now there are quite a few rotors out there that are 30mm and caliper relocation kits for them (VR4 12.5", 350Z track 12.8", cobra mustang 13", skyline gtr). Stock 300ZX brake rotors are 11".

Now here's the thinking on the bigger rotor idea....Larger brake rotors, even with stock calipers, can provide a significant improvement in braking over stock rotors. The larger diameter moves the caliper further from the center of the hub, which gives the caliper more leverage thus increasing brake torque (with the same pedal pressure and pad friction). The larger rotors also have more thermal mass, which reduces brake fade.

Here's a picture of a 350Z track model rotor vs. a stock 300ZX TT rotor for comparison....

And here's a picture of the VR4 rotors with the caliper relocation brackets...

So for a definate upgrade and for under $600....what do you guys think?

[cdlong]

the VR-4 kit seems popular, but make sure you get good rotors, i've heard the cheap ones tend to break off from the hat. some shop also had a supra kit that did the same thing. there may be some options with skyline gtr parts.

don't forget the rear. i read somewhere that the evo VIII system uses the same size parking brake drum so you might be able to use those rotors with a similar bracket. i don't know about rotor width though.

oops, you said opinions, not options... what does your system consist of now?

i say go for it if you feel like your brakes are lacking. have you faded the stock brakes? if you just want something with more power, you could try a pad with a higher friction level. but if you can already lock up the tires, there's no point.

[nsrZ32]

Don't currently lock up the tires and the brakes are pretty good but I get a little bit of fade from time to time.

My set up currently consists of :Brembo cross drilled and slotted rotors front and rear, axxis pads front and rear, brake master cylinder brace, and braided lines. Car has 4 pot front and 2 pot rear calipers.

[cdlong]

i suggest some better pads first of all, i haven't heard many good things about Axxis pads. if you do decide to upgrade further the pads will carry over so nothing wasted. maybe some hawks or cobalts.

i'm starting to like the idea of VR-4 fronts and evo rears. you could probably get some nice two piece rotors for both ends too. that would really kill the $600 budget though.

[hannibal]

I would go with the 350Z track brakes. You could get the rotors now, and use a relocation bracket with you stock calipers. And if/when youre ready to spend more money, you could upgrade to the 350Z Brembo calipers. They bolt on if you drill out the mounting holes.

Heres the thread about EVO rear brakes...zerothread?id=142825

[nsrZ32]

thanks for the link on the EVO brakes, will have to look into that. I think I'm going to go with the VR4 brakes as I've found I'll be able to do it for around 350 bucks and there will be enough clearance for my current wheels. I'll pick up good quality rotors don't worry

Anybody be interested in a write up on how to do it and what all is needed? Would work for a lot of you 240 guys with Z32 brakes.

[elwesso]

The 350Z brembo calipers are basically the same as the Z32 calipers except their powdercoated and say brembo on them..... In other words, the 350Z brakes are the same as the skyline R33 and R34 GTRs.... and realy the only difference in those is the mounting tabs for the calipers are longer.....

I dont think that there are any upgrades for the rear.... however, you gotta be really careful about how you add extra powerto the rear.... my brakes are actually biased a little rearward because i have better pads in the rear (OEM vs really cheap).... having the rear brakes grip harder than the front is not good for business!