Z brakes on a Q: Part 2

[phenryiv1]

When upgrading from the stock G50 brakes to the Z32 Turbo (30mm) brakes, can the same rotors be used, or are different rotors required? What about the G50 caliper brackets? Stock brake lines?

Also, what are the stock specs on the G50 brakes? Are they 2 piston? 26mm? Are they the same as the 26mm Z32 (non-turbo) brakes?

[1992Q45A]

You should run the skyline brakes. huge improvement over the front ZX brakes. The back are about the same. Only difference being cross drilled

[phenryiv1]

You should run the skyline brakes. huge improvement over the front ZX brakes. The back are about the same. Only difference being cross drilled

I will never fit skyline brakes behind my wheels, and even if I could, I cannot afford skyline brakes.

[AZhitman]

You'll want to use Z rotors with the Z calipers, as they are substantially thicker (and vented).

The Q calipers are single - piston, whereas the Z brakes are dual. The aluminum calipers from the TT are lighter and stiffer.

[phenryiv1]

Are the non-turbo (26mm) Z32 brakes single or dual piston?

I am going to be running these on 15" 36mm offset Q45 wheels, so I cannot go with giant brakes.

I also cannot afford to have this NOT work.

If I cannot fit Z brakes, I will stick with the OEM A32 brakes. I just saw S13 guys upgrading to both Z32 and G50 brakes, and it got me thinking...

[911/Q45]

If you are on a tight budget, stick with the OEM brakes. The upgrades are not really cost effective for any street application. Spend your limited funds on solid preventative maintenance.

[phenryiv1]

Well, when I replaced my rear pads and rotors, it was suggested that I consider replacing my rear brake calipers with reman units. I decided that before I did that, I woudl look into upgrades, so long as I could re-use what I had just bought.

As it stands, my brakes are working very well right now (knock on wood), but I will need to replace components up front very soon. When I do this, I want to upgrade, if it is cost effective to do so when I would be replacing OEM components anyway.

I really like my rims, though, for several reasons, and am not looking to replace them with something larger, if that is what is necessary to clear 30mm Z32 DPCs.

I know that you have to pay to play, but I am on a budget, so I have to be realistic. Some things you just cannot have.

[AZhitman]

With the rims you have, you won't be upgrading.

The Z calipers in front only would be a nice, solid, simple upgrade, however, i am almost positive they won't wrok with your OEM wheels. Rears are a definite nope.

Why not just go with some nice slotted rotors, stainless lines and high-performance pads?

[phenryiv1]

With the rims you have, you won't be upgrading.

The Z calipers in front only would be a nice, solid, simple upgrade, however, i am almost positive they won't wrok with your OEM wheels. Rears are a definite nope.

Why not just go with some nice slotted rotors, stainless lines and high-performance pads?

I have SS rear lines and good pads. I went with OEM rear rotors for now (had brembe CD rotors and cracked one center to edge).

I plan to do th efronts, and when I do it iwll be SS lines, good pads, and slotted or blank rotors.

I was just doinga little fishing before I start assembling my goodies.

Were you saying that they would rub due to offset/backspacing, or rim diameter?

[AZhitman]

They are thicker and will hit the spokes.

[phenryiv1]

Now were you basing this on regular G50 rims, or the Q45a model rims with the lower offset?

[Chaz98Q45t]

This is perfect timing for me - I'm about to hit 72k on my Q and was looking to upgrade my brakes / rotors at 75k. I've got the 2003 17" Z rims on my car now - with these would I be able to basically swap out everything for the Z brakes / rotors. Or should i just upgrade to drilled or slotted rotors - if so, which brand is best? Thanks in advance - Chaz

[Jeff Williams]

I have SS rear lines and good pads. I went with OEM rear rotors for now (had brembe CD rotors and cracked one center to edge).

My cross drilled and slotted rear rotors are off the car, now, due to the driver's side cracking, as well. I put the Brembo rotors back on the rear. I still have the CD & S rotors, on the front.

[phenryiv1]

Well, after hearing all of the evidence, I plan to just get reman'ed calipers and to stay with OEM-style brembos with good pads. While CD rotors might look pretty, cracking one has pretty much left me with the idea that I just need something solid and reliable.

It seems that the experts say that not only are the Z32 brakes unlikely to fit, but they are also not a cost-effective solution. 911/Q45 pretty much summed it up:

If you are on a tight budget, stick with the OEM brakes. The upgrades are not really cost effective for any street application. Spend your limited funds on solid preventative maintenance.

I need to allocate more funds to maintainence and upkeep anyway, so this sounds like a good plan.

Thanks to ALL who contributed; maybe this can be of use for others who search on the topic.