Z32 Brake Upgrade

[Dragon240]

I know this has been discussed before but the thread that was sticky on this subject was so long and filled with arguing that I got confused. Now basically i want to do the 300zx brake swap on all four corners and need to know exactly what all I need to source before I take my car down. I want to go with the 30mm preferably aluminum calipers (What models use those?) I also want to go ahead and complete the 4 to 5 lug conversion. I need a complete list of parts for this project minus the wheels, I'll figure that out. I have a 1992 240SX SE H/B without abs or hicas fyi. Thanks in advance I really appreciate your help.
Modified by Dragon240 at 5:39 PM 10/3/2004

[Hijacker]

parts you need.

Z32 Brake Master Cylinder

Front:S14 Steering knuckle. 2xS14 LCA Ball Joint (replaces stock S13 LCA ball joint) 2xS14 5 lug hub 2xZ32 caliper (30mm was 90 TT, and 91+ all models) 2xZ32 rotors 2x

RearZ32 upright 2xZ32 parking drum assy 2xZ32 parking brake cable 2xZ32 5 lug hub 2xZ32 caliper 2xZ32 rotor 2x

If you choose to go with the Z32 upright, you will have to change your struts over. If you have coilovers, it can be a simple matter of swapping the mounts for the Z style if your coilover will let you. I don't know if it's been confirmed or not, but a stock Z strut should fit the rear, although I don't know about the damping rate of a stock Z strut versus a stock S13 strut.

If you want to keep your current shocks, you can use the S13 rear uprights. Simply unbolt the S13 hub carrier from the upright, and swap the Z hub carrier on. Direct bolt on. The downside, you'll gain quite a few pounds per corner in unsprung weight.

The rear brakes are expensive to do, and I don't think that you'll gain much from doing them. Their contact patch is slightly less than the 240's, but they have dual pistons for a slightly greater clamping force. I'm leaving my rear brakes stock S chassis brakes.

Also, the Z MCs have two sizes. 1" bore, and 17/16" bore. Check on eBay. I've seen someone selling AC Delco MCs for the Z and you can nab them for a lot less than what the dealership wants ($275, IIRC). Also, be careful what part number cylinder you get. 46010-30P21 should be the part number of the proper 17/16" MC.

There were two suppliers, and one of them made the unused front brake plug use a VW style bubble flare, while the other (the one you want) uses a standard inverted flare.

[Dragon240]

Okay, much appreciated info there. A few things to clarify.Quote »Z32 caliper (30mm was 90 TT, and 91+ all models) 2x[/quote]Which ones are Aluminum though, trying to save the weight.

And in reference to the rears, I think I will just keep the rears stock then, however I would definately still like to go 5-lug so what parts would I need to change to 5 lug rears? Thanks again for the quick, thorough answer.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I got 91 TT calipers, and they are 30mm alluminum.

[Hijacker]

all of the twin turbo stuff should be aluminum. To be honest though, you won't see a major weight difference between the iron and aluminum calipers.

Not certain of this, but you may be able to use an S14 rear 5 lug hub. Can anyone shed any light on that?

[Dano]

i have 91 TT 30mm alum. calipers as well, i only have the fronts done and its still one of the best mods ive ever done to the car.

-Dan

[fantabulous]

when you order your calipers, just specify if you want aluminum or iron. they already make full z32 brake swap kits. togue factory has 5 lug hubs.

[Dragon240]

But I will likely source these parts from a junk yard and rebuild the calipers.. Possibly buy them from autozone and try to return my old stock ones... we'll see I watched a set of calipers on ebay go over 150.. Brand new at autozone with core charge only 210 so thats really not too bad but only 100 bucks if they take my 240 cores back.

[fantabulous]

goodluck with all the junkyard parts then. not much of a weight difference between the calipers. i really wouldnt care about that.

[yellow_jacket]

The rear hubs from the s14 fit. You do the same thing as changing out the hubs from a z32. Basically you just don't use the entire spindle assembly. You just unbolt the center section.

You do not need a z32 master cylinder to do the swap.

You can definetely use autozone calipers, just remember you will have to buy or fabricate your own pins.

I would do the brake lines as well. I know some people don't, but I don't like stacking washers.

I believe in 93 they switched to iron calipers. Personally I ordered calipers for a 91 tt.

[msaskin]

Autozone sells loaded caliper sets that come as a rebuilt caliper, full hardware set (shim pads, pins, etc.), as well as their crappy generic brand pads.

My Z32 setup cost:Loaded Caliper Set - $150 (200-50 core)Lines - $40Rotors - $150Hawk HP+ Pads - $100 (track events)Total - $440

If you didn't need the 2nd set of pads (I run them for track events) you'd save that money, or you could just buy a set of $50 pads that would be better for street use than the crappy autozone pads.

~matt

[Dragon240]

Quote »Loaded Caliper Set - $150 (200-50 core)[/quote]Clarify the 200-50 core please?

Quote »You can definetely use autozone calipers, just remember you will have to buy or fabricate your own pins.[/quote]Fabricate what pins for what?
Modified by Dragon240 at 5:37 PM 10/4/2004

[fantabulous]

pay 200 bucks. bring old caliper back, get 50 bucks back. core charge

[Dragon240]

Ahh got it, so current parts list:

Z32 Brake Master Cylinder (Optional)

Front:2 x Z32 30MM Loaded Calipers From AutoZone2 x Z32 30MM Rotors2 x S14 5 Lug Hub2 x S14 LCA Ball Joint2 x S14 Steering KnuckleAftermarket Pads

Rear: (Staying Stock, but going 5 Lug)2 x S14 5 Lug Rear Hub2 x S14 5 Lug RotorsAftermarket Pads

And I should still be able to use tokico hp's or kyb agx with no problems. Any errors here?

[Dragon240]

Just want to thank everyone again for their contributions here.

[Dragon240]

So I guess that list is complete.

[crzycav86]

http://importnut.net/300zxbrakeswap.htm

That will answer all of your questions.