brake set up is as it was and has 20 years wear and tear on it theyre not great. id like them to at least feel as good as a modern car. so whats the best way to go on a budjet

New pads and fluid mate. Not too expensive and a good start. Discs can always be done later when funds allow.

What is your budget?

is this on a TT or NA as i would say upgrade to TT aluminium calipers :)

Refurb the calipers with new rubber seals etc.

is this on a TT or NA as i would say upgrade to TT aluminium calipers :)

 

the UK twin turbo had cast iron which ime led to believe are better calipers

I agree with everyone above. Refurb the stock items. When they're working properly they're pretty good.

the UK twin turbo had cast iron which ime led to believe are better calipers

 

Ive had both i prefer the aluminium ones :)

Keep the opinions coming guys. My pads have only covered 3000miles but I had to get some interim ones due to a wrong order. Looking to replace mine again now, any recommendations? Preferably personal opinions of ones you've tried, some of the pads are well expensive!! Is this extra cost justified?

Not trying to hi jack this thread, just keep it moving nicely.

Caliper overhaul is probably a good bet as well as some of the above suggestions. The piston seals tend to swell over time making the pistons stick and eventually seize in the caliper body. I know half mine were seized. Seals kits aint expensive.

 

 

is this on a TT or NA as i would say upgrade to TT aluminium calipers

 

Always thought the cast iron ones were the upgrade, if I remember correctly the alloy ones were fitted to the earlier UK cars, my car had the iron ones fitted by a previous owner.

they were fitted for a limited time between 1990-1992 i believe brakes on mine are outstanding and alot better than the TT i had on cast iron ones. Im going to be putting my aluminium TT ones on the NA next week. From what i have found the 200sx boys also sought after the aluminium ones off the zed for their upgrades as i was asked a few times when i had my breaker

Always thought the cast iron ones were the upgrade, if I remember correctly the alloy ones were fitted to the earlier UK cars, my car had the iron ones fitted by a previous owner.

Correct mate, they stoppped using the Ally ones due to problems with them, which was overcome by the iron ones.

 

Either way, overhauling calipers, decent pads an discs with fresh fluid, makes a massive improvement!

smithy

ttand an early one at that. what is over hauling the calipers like?

I refurbed mine recently, it's not too difficult, I just found it time consuming. I replaced all the seals and gave them a fresh lick of paint, the improvement was massive! There's a few good guides online.

 

This is the guide I used - http://www.zmods.org/index.php?page=caliper_rebuild

 

Got all the bits from Dan @ DTA who was able to give me good advice and top customer service!

I would throw in an upgrade to braided lines while you have the calipers off for a refurb/rebuild. Definately on my to-do list.

new seals defo.

 

I got unipart brake pads for like £38 quid which were really good!

I agree with everyone above. Refurb the stock items. When they're working properly they're pretty good.

 

I agree also!

 

Overhaul the calipers as they will stick over time; when they sieze it gives a firm pedal feel but it is deceptive, as the brakes are not actually working very well.

 

Then add new fluid and some new pads; that will make one hell of a difference before you have even got to upgraded discs.

 

For a budget disc and pad package, speak to JeffT. He does a great set up with grooved discs and Mintex pads fully fitted for less than £300 all in - I can't remember the exact price and VAT has gone up since he did mine.....

 

Richard:thumbup1:

Braided flexi lines and a master cylinder brace will definately add to a sharper response.

yeh i had braided lines on my old car BIG difference, think il overhaul the calipers and change the fluid first doubt its ever been done. do the flexi lines at teh same time, then if thats still not as good as id like, then its gonna be a case of larger front discs. can anything be done for exapmle fitting the calipers from something newer like a 350 to the front then using the zeds standard fronts for the rears? obviously some adaaptor plates would need to occur.

yeh i had braided lines on my old car BIG difference, think il overhaul the calipers and change the fluid first doubt its ever been done. do the flexi lines at teh same time, then if thats still not as good as id like, then its gonna be a case of larger front discs. can anything be done for exapmle fitting the calipers from something newer like a 350 to the front then using the zeds standard fronts for the rears? obviously some adaaptor plates would need to occur.

 

Yup - I believe it's been done! I wouldn't bother upgrading the rears though as it's unlikely you'll see any real difference for your efforts. Most of the braking force is applied by the fronts.

 

Richard:yes: