Lets talk brakes...

General discussion area for the L33-chassis Altima.
User avatar
TheAltima
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:44 am
Car: Altima - Intake / Exhaust / Nitrous / Tune / Tint / Wheels / Tires / Brakes / LED Everything / Audio

Post

Has anyone swapped the calipers on the 5th gen Altima to something like a 350/370, G35 /G37, Q50, or car similar? Is there other cars to pull from? I have seen alot of the older gen Altimas running SE-R setup or even stuff from the cars listed above. Is there options for the 5th gen other than a BBK? The short of it is, I have EBC pads (Green Stuff) and their slotted rotors on the way and want a better looking caliper.

Looking for some insight , thoughts or concerns. Thanks in advance.

Cheers, Jason.


User avatar
centralcoaster33
Posts: 2634
Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:41 am
Car: 1997 Nissan 240SX #5
Location: Central Coast, CA

Post

Well, you've got the pads and rotors, so changing the calipers now is just going to make both of those no longer fit the brake system. Maybe the rotor works with a factory swap, but the pads won't for sure and neither would for a BBK.

You know you need to upgrade your brakes when you can't lock up the wheels anymore. You have to turn off ABS to be able to test that. That happens to people when they've increased the contact patch of the tires significantly.

Now, what you have is a pretty smart setup. I'd maybe add steel braided brake lines. You can look into upgrading the Brake fluid if you notice a lot of heat and are worried about a boil up.

For looks, just pull the OEM calipers, take them apart, clean them up and have them powder coated or painted, re-assemble and be satisfied. Or, if you're not into the cleaning of parts, then ask if the powder coater person will do it for you or consider buying new, replacement calipers and doing the same (break down, paint, rebuild). Good prep work will ensure a longer lasting finish. Clear and Silver are pretty lo-pro, Gloss Black is kind of stealth and stylish at the same time. Red and Yellow are sporty. imho

PS - I don't know of all the actual swap options for you. But, since you have new parts, I say use those up before a swap out.

User avatar
AZhitman
Administrator
Posts: 54538
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 Z32, 91 GTi-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14, 23 Z.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
Contact:

Post

^ Great advice. Braking performance is WAY more contingent upon pad compound, tires and suspension than the actual calipers (although having something nice peeking through the spokes is always a plus).

04-07 Maxima front brakes will fit as far as I know, but require 18" wheels. They're not much of an appearance upgrade, however.

Semi-metallic pads, slotted rotors, stainless lines, and a good fluid flush will net you the most improvement for your dollar - Don't forget to service the pins and hardware while you're at it.

User avatar
TheAltima
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:44 am
Car: Altima - Intake / Exhaust / Nitrous / Tune / Tint / Wheels / Tires / Brakes / LED Everything / Audio

Post

Thanks for the remarks guys. I do have lines and fluid. I think I am just going to stick with the factory calipers and MAYBE do covers. Trying to keep it factory looking as possible while just making have a bit more sport feel to it.

The idea was the Gold Brembo setup from a G / 350. Doing that is going to require the 12.6 rotors and brackets I believe. I just dont want to hassle or have anything to really worry about in the braking system. I will update with a decision I do in the next few days or so.

Thanks again, Jason.

User avatar
GunnerCVT
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Oct 11, 2017 1:07 pm
Car: 2017 Altima SR
2014 QX60

Post

So what have you decided ??

User avatar
TheAltima
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:44 am
Car: Altima - Intake / Exhaust / Nitrous / Tune / Tint / Wheels / Tires / Brakes / LED Everything / Audio

Post

EBC S2 Greenstuff Pads
EBC USR Black Slotted Rotors
EBC SS Lines

Given how long it took to get the fronts it seems like they had to build them.

https://www.carid.com/2015-nissan-altim ... SUBMODEL|S

Cheers, Jason.

User avatar
centralcoaster33
Posts: 2634
Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:41 am
Car: 1997 Nissan 240SX #5
Location: Central Coast, CA

Post

Sport slotted... haven't seen that style before. Could be awesome!

User avatar
TheAltima
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:44 am
Car: Altima - Intake / Exhaust / Nitrous / Tune / Tint / Wheels / Tires / Brakes / LED Everything / Audio

Post

I hope so. These cars are so picky on brakes.

I have (or am testing) Autozone's New Duralast GT pads and their new GT rotors (Not yet to market) and the rears squeak like crazy at low speeds. The pads have been pretty impressive thus far, and were night and day over stock. Really looking forward to see what the EBC offers.


Return to “5th Generation Altima Sedan (2013-2018)”