OK so I would love to stop quicker than I am doing at the moment. Im using the car for making the occasional trip around A roads / motorways. No track or racing use.

 

I've got standard TT calipers front and rear with drilled and slotted discs and would like a better feel and performance without going crazy price-wise (until I can afford a proper big brake upgrade).

 

I'm ordering braided lines and fitting Ferodo pads as well as skimming my discs and using a new change of Motul 5.1

 

Questions:

 

1. How much of a difference will those changes be likely to make? I would like to see an improvement on performance so would spend extra if theres virtually no difference – only thing is it would be much more convenient to plan before handing the car in for a servicing so I would'nt be without it for two sessions.

2. Anyone know the best place to get a brake refurbishment kit?

3. What's the view on moving my front calipers to the rears and fitting some new calipers to the front? What would be the best value option (I have 17 inch BBS alloys)? Im quite attracted to the idea of getting EVO brakes in as previous threads have mentioned they are very effective and readily available.

 

Thanks in advance!

Before you buy anything expensive, I would advise a simple brake fluid change/flush and see how it feels.

Before you buy anything expensive, I would advise a simple brake fluid change/flush and see how it feels.

 

Agreed - and check out the condition of the calipers too. Most 300zxs will have partially seized or tired calipers by now; 20 years of hauling a 1.5 tonne high performance car will have taken their toll... The stock brakes are very good when working properly - I bought a set of fully refurbed OEM calipers in the spring and the difference is amazing!

 

If your car is just used on the road then a big expensive brake upgrade is not the best value for money.....

 

Richard:cool3:

wheres a good place to get the calipers checked out? My brakes feel a bit cranky and wasnt sure if buying some uprated discs and pads would be better (cant afford a big brake kit)

When I used to sell big brake kits I always used to advise people who weren't going to use the car on track to go down the following route:

 

1. Brake fluid change (don't forget to bleed the ABS pump)

2. Caliper refurb (call Biggred - http://www.biggred.co.uk - for a Z32 specific kit - they do it but don't list it in their online shop - both seals and pistons)

3. Braided brake lines (there are a lot of kits out there but I would recommend the kit from Earl's Performance - phone them and ask them for their Z32 kit that they developed in conjunction with Smithy's Place/DTA-Motorsport (UK), ie me, this kit goes directly into the caliper and bypasses the metal pipes which can corrode on the inside)

4. Performance brake pads - ie, Ferrodo or Mintex - note that Ferrodo pads are bloody hard and will squeel and eat your discs if used "spiritedly" ;) Porterfield pads are also highly recommended but I doubt you can buy them in the UK since I stopped selling them :(

5. Brake Master Cylinder Brace - this will NOT enhance braking performance but will firm up the brake pedal feel thereby giving you a more "confident" braking experience

 

Like Richard Smith said above, the stock brake system is actually very good when everything is in tip-top condition. The Zed is a heavy car and 20 years of "abuse" will take it's toll on the various parts.

 

All the best,

 

Dan

Oops, nearly forgot to mention:

 

Discs!

 

Stock discs are good but if your budget can stretch to DBA discs (phone RB Motorsport) then you'll immediately notice a difference.

 

As you were ;)

 

Dan

Thanks - thats a good post Dan - thivk ive still got some porterfield pads lying around that i bought off you.

Just ordered chrome pins and a brake caliper refurb kit from Biggred.

 

Wheres the best place to get a brake master cylinder brace?

Wheres the best place to get a brake master cylinder brace?

 

I'm afraid that I can't offer any suggestions for the BMC brace. I stopped selling the stainless steel ones years ago and don't know if anyone else has taken over the design and manufacturing of these. I seem to recall somebody on here fabricating a job lot in stainless at some point a few years ago but I can't remember (or find) his name or relevant posts.

i believe japspeed sell the braces.

When I used to sell big brake kits I always used to advise people who weren't going to use the car on track to go down the following route:

 

1. Brake fluid change (don't forget to bleed the ABS pump)

2. Caliper refurb (call Biggred - http://www.biggred.co.uk - for a Z32 specific kit - they do it but don't list it in their online shop - both seals and pistons)

3. Braided brake lines (there are a lot of kits out there but I would recommend the kit from Earl's Performance - phone them and ask them for their Z32 kit that they developed in conjunction with Smithy's Place/DTA-Motorsport (UK), ie me, this kit goes directly into the caliper and bypasses the metal pipes which can corrode on the inside)

4. Performance brake pads - ie, Ferrodo or Mintex - note that Ferrodo pads are bloody hard and will squeel and eat your discs if used "spiritedly" ;) Porterfield pads are also highly recommended but I doubt you can buy them in the UK since I stopped selling them :(

5. Brake Master Cylinder Brace - this will NOT enhance braking performance but will firm up the brake pedal feel thereby giving you a more "confident" braking experience

 

Like Richard Smith said above, the stock brake system is actually very good when everything is in tip-top condition. The Zed is a heavy car and 20 years of "abuse" will take it's toll on the various parts.

 

All the best,

 

Dan

 

Very good advice there.....

 

....and good to see you're still around Dan!

 

Richard:thumbup1:

i believe japspeed sell the braces.

 

Cheers - ill get onto them!

Have a search on ebay for a bmc brace, I got mine on there and it was half the price of the on Zcentre sell..

 

Good advice Dan, that's what I did to my brakes, great to see you back mate.

Edited October 19, 201213 yr by Steams

Phew!!

 

great advice - thanks. Only problem is that the car is getting stripped at the moment so I dont think it will get delivered in time. However - looking at the pictures it loks like the kind of thing that can be fitted later without too much trouble - is that correct?