Forums/Z31P/z31-performance-upgrade-forums suspension-chassis-and-brakes/2016 Big Brake Options
Imported from Z31Performance.com Forums{{#if:260DET| — original post by 260DET}}{{#if:2016-11-29 09:48:59|, posted 2016-11-29 09:48:59}}{{#if:32| · 32 post{{#ifeq:32|1||s}}}}{{#if:/Z31performance_archive/forum/z31-performance-upgrade-forums/suspension-chassis-and-brakes/533523-2016-big-brake-options.html|
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260DET: (2016-11-29 09:48:59)
Seeing that the sticky has lost pics and links and has not been updated for a while, can we do an update? I'll need some serious brakes for the race car project, say 6 pot calipers front and 4 pots for the rear using '88T hubs etc.Anything like that currently available?
shromy: (2016-11-29 13:11:31)
pretty much anything for the 32 chassis can be adapted. ctsv, evo, etc etc. probably not going to find a lot of info on the actual swap here these days.
260DET: (2016-11-29 22:18:12)
Have to ask somewhere [archived image: smile.png] What would be gold is info on later model Z kits that with reasonable mods will fit. Have googled Z31 brake kits but have not found anything suitable eg Arizona Z, Ceika, rt.trackpro and so on. Will go right through the sticky, there may be info in there on what can be adapted.
Reds89: (2016-11-30 15:19:02)
I saw something the other day on one of the Facebook groups where they put 350Z Track rotors on the Z31. IIRC they machined down the hub a bit, but that was all. They were using it with Z32 calipers. I would think that those rotors would be closer to what you need to mount some 6 pot calipers. NISMO here sells the 1" R32 master cylinder, it is part # 46010-05U00
Pace: (2016-11-30 16:51:50)
I saw something the other day on one of the Facebook groups where they put 350Z Track rotors on the Z31. IIRC they machined down the hub a bit, but that was all. They were using it with Z32 calipers.
That was based off of a write-up that James originally posted on here & the NZ forums. https://z31performance.com/forum/z31…urbo-or-any-na
Regarding the OP:
You can also follow Alex's old route with Evo/STi/G35 Brembo calipers (pics no longer work, but all the info is there): https://z31performance.com/forum/z31…and-kouki-hubs
Or look into another popular option using CTS-V 6pot calipers up front and SRT8 4pot calipers in the rear matched with 14" 370Z rotors. You'll have to do some research on this to make custom brackets, but the info is out there.
Picking up a set of Kouki turbo hubs or machining the early hubs is the key that opens up a lot of brake options. From there, your options are limitless. And don't forget to upgrade to a bigger/better master cylinder to match.
260DET: (2016-11-30 22:39:34)
Thanks fellas, am working my way through the sticky but the present thought is to look at what's available for the Z32 on the basis that they could be adapted to the Z31. Taking that a step further, there are some great deals around on 350Z kits, from memory the 350Z rotors still have the same ID and PCD?
88sinZ: (2016-12-01 04:07:34)
rt.trackpro is still active, greg or something on FB
260DET: (2016-12-01 22:01:47)
What I have not mentioned is that matching front and back upgrades are needed, around 330mm/13" two piece rotors for both. There are kits for later model Z's like that, six pots on the front and four's on the back would be nice but are getting up there in price. That would not be overkill for a track car, with the right pads it's amazing how braking distances can be reduced, being passed while you are braking for a corner is something you remember.
EDIT: Tried a S14 StopTech kit on the front and it fits, to make it perfect all it needed was 3-4mm thick spacers/washers between the mounting lugs and the caliper adapter brackets to space the caliper out. Anyone got any solid info on fitting S chassis rear brake kits? Because Arizona Z has a S chassis rear brake kit with four pot Wilwood calipers, 305 x 21mm rotors, that would match the six pot Wilwood 330 x 32mm Z31 front kit he offers. US$2095.00 for the lot, best bang for buck serious all round kit by far.
260DET: (2016-12-06 22:07:16)
It's an annoying fact that the trend towards larger diameter wheels means that the widest choice of race tyres is also in the larger diameters so I'm going with 18", probably Enkei RPF1's which come in widths up to 10.5". What has this to do with brakes you ask? What it means is that bigger brakes will fit and incidentally look better but it's really balancing the extra (unsprung) weight against the improved braking which is most important. So I've decided to go with bigger brakes than Arizona Z offer which leaves only the dreaded Ceika as a virtually off the shelf source.
I've come across the complaining Corvette and SAAB Ceika customers, realistically it appears that both were acting unreasonably so they are not taken seriously. What would be interesting is feedback from Ceika users as to the actual performance of their brakes. Anyone?
300zxt: (2016-12-09 05:40:34)
I'll be watching this thread mate because I have the same challenge - I am very attached to my 16" RS-8 Wantabe wheels and they look mint on the Z31. Plus only coming in at around 7.5kg per wheel if I remember correctly with the mag center and aluminum rim. I can tuck Z32 brakes behind them but only with spacers and longer studs.
I've been scraping gumtree lately and my choice will likely be 17" TE37s and run the willwood big brake kit Arizona Z car sells. I'll be interested to see what you decide to go with.
260DET: (2016-12-09 06:16:44)
Arizona Z's are a good option although he does not have a dedicated rear brake setup. As I said, the S chassis rears he offers should be compatible if they fit which is worth a look. At the moment there is no other practical option for me than the Ceika's.
300zxt: (2016-12-09 15:10:13)
I understand your apprehension on winging it with brakes, especially for your application lol It's one of those rabbit hole issues too - new brakes, new pads, new rotors and by the way new wheels and new tyres and a new master cylinder then longer wheel studs and…and…and now you're down $6k lol
adamvann3: (2016-12-09 15:15:52)
Why do you need 6 and 4 piston brakes?
There are plenty of upgrades out there. Issues are mainly going to be found in the rear of the car with the STA. There are not many options outside fabrication to adapt. At that point you can really adapt anything you want.
Fronts, with slip on hubs any aftermarket setup for s-chasses, z33, z32 can be adapted pretty easily.
260DET: (2016-12-09 22:31:45)
The brakes are for a dedicated V8 race car, I have explained in previous posts the reasons. But one experience sticks with me, doing a circuit practice day a few years ago and I'm braking hard for a corner when a Porsche flies past me and brakes further down the track. Porsches don't corner that well but they are almost impossible to pass under brakes into a corner and are able to get power down out, that is how they beat you.
260DET: (2016-12-16 22:10:44)
Have been in contact with Ceika, as mine is a Dec '87 build turbo I want to be sure that their Z31 specs are applicable to mine eg that the caliper mounts front and back are all the same. They readily admitted that they were not aware of all the Z31 variations which is a good sign as far as I'm concerned.
Is anyone aware of any differences that would be crucial? Rotors are all spaced the same?
NissanEgg: (2017-02-15 20:49:34)
Using more pistons is not the end all for more braking performance. The right pad compound is the most critical aspect, then rotor size/thickness (mass). If you are running 13" rotors it would be beneficial to use 2-piece rotors for the weight savings and better options for directional vaned rotors which will greatly enhance brake cooling and durability.
I am currently refurbishing some vintage AP Racing/Stillen 4-piston 13" 2-piece Z32 front BBK for use on my 86T.
Pace: (2017-02-15 22:55:43)
I am currently refurbishing some vintage AP Racing/Stillen 4-piston 13" 2-piece Z32 front BBK for use on my 86T.
I look forward to seeing the progress on this project. Keep us updated.
NissanEgg: (2017-02-16 01:20:30)
I will update when I get the calipers back from the powder coated guy. Had to buy rebuild kit from AP Racing, and new rotor rings and hardware, and brake pads from Stillen.
260DET: (2017-02-19 21:08:26)
An update, have been in touch with Ceika and after some sorting out they now know what's required for my '87 turbo. If nothing changes I'll be ordering a set to suit 18" wheels, the car is a long term project so there is no hurry for brakes.
kaur: (2017-02-20 08:37:37)
the car is a long term project so there is no hurry for brakes.
If you're going with Ceika, then that's a good thing. They're nice and all, but delays can get looong. Like months long.
260DET: (2017-02-20 21:18:10)
Long delays? They say a few weeks although I've heard that sometimes parts have to be replaced to get a good fit.
300zxt: (2017-02-21 07:03:03)
Didn't consider the wilwood option?
260DET: (2017-02-22 01:02:07)
The Arizona Z kit? Best of the rest but for circuit racing bigger is better.
adamvann3: (2017-02-23 19:55:38)
The rear hubs are different from early models to late models - the difference in solid rotors vs vented rotors. 87 turbo should hopefully already have the vented rotor setup which will be greatly on your way.
The rear STA of the car is going to be the biggest battle since there are not many (or if at all) options outside of z32 rear caliper in which there is a loss of parking brake. Some people have switched to the m30 rear brake setup with the integrated drum type parking brake. Either way, the rear will require custom brackets for caliper and rotor upgrades to be welded.
The fronts are readily out there with caliper adapters and pretty well documented
Back to your Porsche comment, a 2-way limited slip could greatly help you with braking in corners without going with huge brake setup. The deceleration with a 2-way will prevent less weight transfer to the front giving you a better balance of braking and deceleration.
Overall I would concentrate more so on 2pc rotors to reduce as much weight as possible. Not sure about AU but Wilwood is a very good option in the US due to it vast catalog and options.
300zxt: (2017-02-24 06:04:38)
The Arizona Z kit? Best of the rest but for circuit racing bigger is better.
Very interested to see this when you have them! Pictures please! [archived image: smile.png]
Overall I would concentrate more so on 2pc rotors to reduce as much weight as possible. Not sure about AU but Wilwood is a very good option in the US due to it vast catalog and options.
We basically would get them from Arizona Z just like ya'll! lol [archived image: smile.png] I cant even order factory parts without the dealer having to dust off the old parts fiche as their "updated" systems only back to 1992.
adamvann3: (2017-02-24 18:03:18)
We basically would get them from Arizona Z just like ya'll! lol [archived image: smile.png] I cant even order factory parts without the dealer having to dust off the old parts fiche as their "updated" systems only back to 1992.
I only know of 1 person ever ordering Arizona Z for a z31. While it is a nice product there are better alternatives that are more cost effective. As far as I know AZ does not offer a rear upgrade
300zxt: (2017-02-25 07:16:19)
I'm not considering it basically because I've grown quite attached to my 16" Watanabes and I already have the Z32 calipers that I've measured to fit with some spacers and longer studs.
HarvesterUT: (2017-03-09 15:23:41)
IMHO, the best "BBK" upgrades you can do for the Z31 are any of the Sumitomo brakes found on the Z32 and the R32/33/34 Skylines. The Sumitomos came in 3 sizes; 280mm, 296mm, and 310mm. All rear brakes are the same.
I'm currently running Z32 calipers on all 4 wheels, but I am about to swap my fronts to use the 310mm caliper/rotors from the R34 GT-T Skyline. These are the largest Sumitomo/Nissan brakes you can find before you get to the Brembos and Akebonos that Nissan switched to. The benefit of the Sumitomo family of brakes is that they are half the cost of the other brake systems, and they basically bolt right on.
260DET: (2017-07-16 22:39:59)
Have decided to either get a custom set from Cheika or else use a S14 kit on the front ('87 turbo) and something bigger than the Z32 option on the back. Up to 330 mm / 13" diameter with a hand brake but can't find anything.
kaur: (2017-07-17 11:21:29)
Hard to find these parts, but according to Pavel the Euro market Zenki turbos had larger rotors in the rear. Don't know how it was on cars sold in Australia.
zenki eudm turbo have front 300x22 and rear 304x20
all rear vented calipers are same, excluding zenki eudm turbos, only brackets are different.
eudm zenki turbo - both calipers and brackets are unique.
260DET: (2017-07-18 22:19:56)
Incidentally I went through the Wilwood cattle dog and priced calipers, ring rotors and bells that would make a kit suitable for my application. Without any adapters or hardware the cost was way too high compared with the Ceika option.
Cruisnhard: (2017-09-18 00:41:12)
im in the process of doing brakes as well. Looking at a 4 pot 2 pot setup, probably go with the Akebono setup. Basically going to use the Z32 adapter setup.