Potential brake upgrade... thinking out loud.

[1080Rider]

So, I've been looking around the web to upgrade my brakes. Even on ebay the Akebono calipers are going for quite a bit of $$$ ($700) or so, and it seems I would have to upgrade to the 20 inch wheels. Over the weekend, I got to thinking how much I liked the brembo brakes on my volvo v70r and that it only had 18 inch wheels, i checked ebay and a set of calipers go for $2-300 less ($500 range).

So then I started looking around and learned that the volvo used 330mm rotors front and back. This seemed like a problem since rotors for the M37 were quite a bit different in size and it wouldn't be very easy to work the volvo rotors to fit the M. But, looking around, i found that the G37 runs 330mm rotors and I think it has the same lug pattern as our cars. That means the only problem would be getting the offset in the caliper to rotor sorted out. I'm thinking of trying this in the summer, anyone have any input, good or bad?

Also, it seems that the sport and regular M's have different master cylinders, i assume because it's pushing more fluid through the system. I think upgrading to the "sport" master cylinder would be necessary too.

Let me know if this is a stupid idea

[SwissCheeseHead]

I wouldn't risk a hack job brake job for $200. Me stopping with confidence, in one piece, and NOT DYING is worth way more than that. Plus I haul my wife and kids around.

[1080Rider]

Wouldn't be a hack job, If the calipers don't bolt right up, a bracket could be fabricated out of steel or aluminum pretty easily, it's done all the time. But we're not talking about $200, that's only for the calipers. If I need to upgrade to 20 inch wheels for the 14 inch rotors and akebono calibers, we're talking more like $2000 w/ wheels and tires...

[mikedamageinc]

SCH is right, don't hack the brakes. Other questions come up like what type of steel are you using for the bracket? Thickness, tolerance, etc. Even on the minor side, it could be one mm off and chew thru pads in a month. Maybe the fluid flow from the master doesn't match the lines, calipers, etc. Lots of variables but if you feel comfortable with it, go for it but brake systems, especially OE have been tested thoroughly by the manufacturers that spent millions on it.

[EdBwoy]

I'm with damage on this one. I know you mentioned an intention to upgrade. If you're doing it for looks, then go ahead.
For performance, the law of diminishing returns might get you. Auto magazines will test these cars' stopping distances from 100mph and the difference between them is a few feet or maybe even 10 feet. Does an average driver needs that kind of stopping power versus what the NHTSA has blessed to be OK for stock cars? . Maybe, but at what cost?

However, I am also a fan of tinkering. If the calipers from the Volvo bolt right up, I'd consider. I know you've already thought about clearances, but the other concern of mine is safety & liability.

[1080Rider]

I get all the issues, the thing that made it even worth a try is that the G37 rotors are the same size as the volvo rotors and would be a perfect match. I'm less concerned about getting the calipers to match up than I am about the amount of fluid needed to properly apply the brakes. There are literally, hundreds of adapter kits for calipers at places like summitracing.com. In the past, I converted a car from drum brakes (in rear) to disc and needed to upgrade the master cylinder, so I know that there could be an issue with how much fluid is being pumped to the caliper. That's my biggest concern...

I just don't get why the akebono calipers are so expensive. There are tons for sale around the web, seems like they should be cheaper based on the availability... also, upon researching, the akebono calipers are the same across the nissan/infiniti line, but the 350/370z's and even the G37s only come w/ 18 or 19 inch wheels, so I'm wondering if there is enough room for the sport brakes under the base 18 inch wheels.

[Altered]

I have installed my OEM 18" wheels over Sport brakes with a spacer, but I forget if it was 20mm or 15mm. It's possible.

If you are going to try it, first measure the distance between the two caliper bolts on the M37 and the Brembo calipers. I know you can make brackets but if the bolt spacing is off it will force you to push the caliper away from the rotor, reducing the likely hood it will fit.

Also, measure the thickness of the 330mm G37S/M37S rotor, and see if it will even fit in that Brembo caliper, these OE Akebono rotors are super thick, it would be good to make sure first.

Last thing, I have a set of used Akebono's I will not be using...just letting you know. I have a couple of parts to sell cheap and need to make a thread.

[1080Rider]

Altered- thanks for the tips, super helpful!

[mikedamageinc]

Have you priced stock replacements for the sport brakes? I looked on rockauto a while back and the prices weren't bad, of course you won't get the core back for calipers but still might be a little cheaper than other vendors. I was going to do the the sport swap based on those prices but gave up when I figured I needed different wheels.

[austin713]

i sold my 18" wheels and tires on craigslist for $700. i bought 4 new 20" sport wheels off the infintipartsusa website with a 25% off coupon for around $300 a wheel. new hankook tires at about $160 a piece.

honestly if you arent tracking your car the stock brakes are fine. you can upgrade to a slotted caliper and more aggressive pad if you do actually go to the track.

[1080Rider]

I know these aren't the most agile cars but we have ridiculously cheap track days ($100 and $12 for every pssngr for the day) so I'm thinking of tracking the car this summer. I'd like to upgrade the brakes for the track.

If I sold my wheels it would take a veeeery long time. We have one dealership in the surrounding 300 miles. I see almost no infiniti in town and I've only seen about 3 M37/Q70's around town. There is zero demand for parts for this car where I live.

Ultimately, I think my plans are to upgrade brakes, do eibach springs and order sport shocks. The part #'s between the base shock and sport are different, I'm not sure what the difference is, but I assume the sport shocks are stiffer.

Thanks for all the info and opinions. They help when planning what to do in the future

[moneyteamlouis]

How much for the set of Akebono's?

[EdBwoy]

1080, did you get a chance to attempt this?