After mondays reconstruction day the the Collision Investigation Unit at TRL, one of the tests that were conducted was the braking abilities of the 300zx. The standard was set by a fully laiden 58 reg Mercedes Vito van, with a gross weight of 3 tonnes. 3 300zx's were used in the test. I cannot personally vouch for the condition of the other 2 zeds brakes, but i can confirm that following a check 6 weeks ago, my brakes are in full working condition with no seized pistons etc etc etc. The conditions were slightly damp, and the same bit of tarmac was used for the runs, so therefore i have given the average figures.

 

The test was conducted at 30mph, using a fixed braking point for each run.

 

Here are the Results:

 

Merc Vito Van generated 0.96G's

 

The average braking force generated was 0.69G's and a braking distance a ful 14 FEET FURTHER that the Vito Van.

 

Now thinking it isnt unusual to see these types of vehicles in the outside lane of the motorway, i think its pretty disconcerting to know that it will stop 14 feet shorter than you at just 30mph, never mind average cruising speeds in the outside lane of a motorway!!!!!

 

The biggest thing we notice was how inadequate the zeds ABS system is in comparison to a modern car, the zeds abs is sooooooooo slow at braking and releasing in comparison to a modern car.

 

Food for thought for those planning their next modification.

 

Nick

........ 3G grooved discs and Mintex pads. I've had the calipers cleaned and new fluid every 2 years and my ZX stops just fine. My daily driver is a 2006 Merc SLK350 yet I'd happily say my ZX can hold its own against it in the braking department.

Richard:cool:

 

The two vehicles I was comparing my zed to are a 530d (2001) BMW and an X5 4.6is (2002)and there is no way that it stops nearly as quick as either of these two. My Zed has also had the brake fluid changed, calipers cleaned and new EBC Redstuff brake pads. Maybe its just my perception. For interest and if the roads are dry, I'll do the 30mph test myself on the 3 and see what the results are at the weekend. Again maybe its just my perception.

The conclusion of the test seems to be that the Z's ABS operates slower than modern systems, which will affect braking distances when locking up on damp roads. Keep your distance in the wet peeps (but that's sensible in any vehicle).

 

Would have been good to see the results for a dry surface. The van would get eaten I reckon.

my white zed with stock brakes was pretty darn good in the dry, in fact it was f###in good. Had some kn#b pull out in front of me when I was doing some and the zed took it in it's stride. It has poly tension bushes and potenza rubbers and it will stop you well. Unless you are really doing something you shouldn't be. In the wet it's a different story I will not drive the zed in the wet unless I am caught out or have to then I take it easy.

Edited December 10, 200817 yr by 8ace

The two vehicles I was comparing my zed to are a 530d (2001) BMW and an X5 4.6is (2002)and there is no way that it stops nearly as quick as either of these two. My Zed has also had the brake fluid changed, calipers cleaned and new EBC Redstuff brake pads. Maybe its just my perception. For interest and if the roads are dry, I'll do the 30mph test myself on the 3 and see what the results are at the weekend. Again maybe its just my perception.

 

1990 Nissan 300zx 60-0mph = 116 ft

2001 Bmw 530d 60-0mph = 119 ft

2002 Bmw X5 60-0mph = 117 ft

 

These are dry braking distances.

 

Modern cars feel like they brake a lot better becuase of the intial braking response. They are much sharper, whereas the 300zx braking is far more progressive and requires more pedal pressure for the same effect.

Edited December 11, 200817 yr by Yowser

The conclusion of the test seems to be that the Z's ABS operates slower than modern systems, which will affect braking distances when locking up on damp roads. Keep your distance in the wet peeps (but that's sensible in any vehicle).

 

Would have been good to see the results for a dry surface. The van would get eaten I reckon.

 

I think you've hit the nail on the head there !!!

 

I completely missed the bit about it being on damp roads.

 

It would seem that the downfall is the ABS system on damp surfaces that can not modulate as quickly as modern systems Combined with Performance Summer tyres not at their best in wet conditions ....which means the 300zx suffers with wet braking.

Edited December 11, 200817 yr by Yowser

But to maybe add a few points to add onto this is the following:

1. Even when the ABS was de-activated on all 3 cars there was little or no difference

2. The big debate on tyre's, again there was little or no difference between the handling and control (or lack off) under the tests that were executed.

 

As with the info that was first posted by Nick, just keep what was said in mind or you will be sat in the back seat of the car (or van) in front of you.

1990 Nissan 300zx 60-0mph = 116 ft

2001 Bmw 530d 60-0mph = 119 ft

2002 Bmw X5 60-0mph = 117 ft

 

These are dry braking distances.

 

Modern cars feel like they brake a lot better becuase of the intial braking response. They are much sharper, whereas the 300zx braking is far more progressive and requires more pedal pressure for the same effect.

 

Thanks for the info Legrath. I am actually pleasantly surprised for the 300zx and disappointed for my workhorse the 530d. As I said it may be just down to my perception and what you say about the initial bite would back that up.

 

Before I do my own test my perception from 30mph is that the X5 has the best, followed by the 530d and then shortie. But I really hope I'm wrong. I'll report back the results

The wheels on the Z didnt stop rotating though even with no abs, that was the scary thing !

 

Need overhaul big time.. lol

The wheels on the Z didnt stop rotating though even with no abs, that was the scary thing !

 

Need overhaul big time.. lol

 

it would'nt lock up !? Yep, you definatly need to overhaul

??

should with no abs

??

should with no abs

 

yes, it should completely lock up to a screeching halt if you just slam on the brakes and dont try and modulate the pedal yourself.

it would'nt lock up !? Yep, you definatly need to overhaul

 

Agreed particularly in the WET, this whole exercise shouts out for people to refurb their calipers and renew their brake fluid regularly!!!!!!!!!!

Edited December 11, 200817 yr by TopLess

Ah see how your saying it now Dave, ye absolute rubbish on all 3 cars

Yep, then all 3 cars brakes definatly not working properly

a lot is down to pads as well as old calipers.

Both of my Zeds had 'race' brake pads when I got them which were shocking! Hardly slowed you down at all because they never got up to temperature under normal driving.

Switched to decent pads and a world of difference.

The wheels on the Z didnt stop rotating though even with no abs, that was the scary thing !

 

 

?????? which cars were you watching?

 

All 3 of us locked up the front wheels without abs!?!?!

I'll be replacing my front pads and changing fliud again, even tho done it in last couple months and made a real difference

1990 Nissan 300zx 60-0mph = 116 ft

2001 Bmw 530d 60-0mph = 119 ft

2002 Bmw X5 60-0mph = 117 ft

 

These are dry braking distances.

 

Modern cars feel like they brake a lot better becuase of the intial braking response. They are much sharper, whereas the 300zx braking is far more progressive and requires more pedal pressure for the same effect.

 

^^^^ This is very true, my daily driver Vauxhall Combi van feels very sharp on initial braking, I also drive a VW Caddy and those brakes are stupidly sharp on initial braking (annoyingly so!).

BUT, both at speed when braking hard soon lose this sharpness and really suffer from fade, round town though, too sharp! This makes you think the brakes are excellent, but sometimes can let you down!

I find Renault brakes typical of this, mega sharp when you don't want them to be, when you need them at 80mph - fade away.

The Zed however is the other way round, much more progressive, requires much more pedal power at low speeds, but when needed at speed really wipe the MPH off (in the dry) (assuming the Zeds brakes are in excellent order).

1990 Nissan 300zx 60-0mph = 116 ft

2001 Bmw 530d 60-0mph = 119 ft

2002 Bmw X5 60-0mph = 117 ft

 

These are dry braking distances.

 

Modern cars feel like they brake a lot better becuase of the intial braking response. They are much sharper, whereas the 300zx braking is far more progressive and requires more pedal pressure for the same effect.

 

^^^^ This is very true, my daily driver Vauxhall Combi van feels very sharp on initial braking, I also drive a VW Caddy and those brakes are stupidly sharp on initial braking (annoyingly so!).

BUT, both at speed when braking hard soon lose this sharpness and really suffer from fade, round town though, too sharp! This makes you think the brakes are excellent, but sometimes can let you down!

I find Renault brakes typical of this, mega sharp when you don't want them to be, when you need them at 80mph - fade away.

The Zed however is the other way round, much more progressive, requires much more pedal power at low speeds, but when needed at speed really wipe the MPH off (in the dry) (assuming the Zeds brakes are in excellent order).

 

So true - I reckon if the same test was performed from 100mph then the ZX would fare much better.....assuming that the brakes are in good working order;)

 

Richard:cool:

Overhauled the brakes on mine in the summer, front and rear calipers new seals all round, Brembo drilled and grooved front disc's and grooved rear disc's with new pads and replaced the brake fluid with dot 5.1 and the feel of the brake peddle is much better and the initial bite has also sharped up.

For those who would like to improve your brakes for a small outlay and a days work, renew the brake fluid and deglaze the pads and disc's with some course emery cloth or sanding disk (do this buy hand or an orbital sander not a grinder) and then bed the disc's and pads back in, as long as no pistons are seized you should see some improvement for little cost.

 

Paul

what were the abs vs non abs times like?

?????? which cars were you watching?

 

All 3 of us locked up the front wheels without abs!?!?!

 

Well... guess we will have to wait for the vid, but im sure they didn't, thats what i was shocked at most

Thought i would give this old thread a quick bump considering the current wet weather!

 

Having done a few brake upgrades recently and with a bit of reflection on the results, i would have to say that the stock rubber brake lines (no over 20 years old for some) area a deffo must for improving the braking system of the zed. All that effort that is put into the brake pedal, and the amount that the stock 20 year old rubber hosing will flex will put a serious dent in the zeds braking performance

 

Worth a read for those who havent seen this thread before

Just changed all my pads and freed calipers which definately need doing on most, brakes much better now :) that day was very interesting and enjoyed every min of it, even tho it was a reconstuction for some guys death...it was a good day and lots of fun...

Just to add did contact the policeman that had the film evidence but was unable to release it to us unfortunately :(

i'm using Vented/Slotted discs and EBC Red stuff Pads all around ..

 

the braking is very good in saying that i didnt find a problem with the stock

discs/pads that was on the car in the first place