Toyota Brake conversion details

[240ZMan]

I know there has been a flurry of discussion about front brake conversions for early Z's but I have not seen a few details discussed. For example:

1. If you go with the 300ZX vented rotors and wider Toyota calipers, I know you need spacers for the hubs (~1/2" I understand). Does this mean the front wheels are now "pushed out" 1/2" wider? If so, what does that do to the steering geometry? Also, seems this would cause the lugs to have 1/2" less threads to hold which concerns me. Or did I miss something here?

2. Can the stock brake lines still be used? I've read that the answer is yes, but they have to be bent differently. I'm looking for feedback from someone who has done it already. Do you use a special bending tool? (I know you can use braided steel lines, but I'm trying to keep the cost down.)

3. If you go the vented rotor route, besides new calipers, rotors, and spacers, is there anything else that needs to be changed?

I'm trying to decide which route to go. Since my rotors are nearly worn out already, I figure it won't cost more to buy vented rotors and calipers vs. solid. The only extra cost, at least as I think I understand it, is for the spacers (~$100). Am I right?

[240ZMan]

Just found a website with pictures (and for good measure I just pulled a front wheel) and now realize that the way the rotor attached to the hub won't change the positiong of the front wheel on the car. So please ignore my #1 question. But I'm looking for feedback on #2 and 3.

Nothing like answering your own questions!

[1975yellowBSPZ]

Curious, what was the website?

[Ed]

2. Can the stock brake lines still be used? I've read that the answer is yes, but they have to be bent differently. I'm looking for feedback from someone who has done it already. Do you use a special bending tool? (I know you can use braided steel lines, but I'm trying to keep the cost down.)

You can use the stock brake lines. Bend them by hand very carefully.

I would upload a picture but for some reason I can't. I can email you a couple of pictures of mine if you want.

[240ZMan]

http://www.fonebooth.com/brakes_zcar.html

[240ZMan]

I can email you a couple of pictures of mine if you want.

Thanks Ed, that would be great. Please use daniel@nospambailin.org, and drop the "nospam" from the address.

BTW, did you go the vented or solid rotor route? What do you think of it?

[Ed]

Check your mail in a few. I went solid. As you will see by the pics they are not on the car yet. soon..........

[240ZMan]

Ed, I took the liberty (I hope you don't mind) of posting the two pictures. They look great, and I see what you mean about bending the lines.

Thanks, and good luck getting them on the car!

[240ZMan]

3. If you go the vented rotor route, besides new calipers, rotors, and spacers, is there anything else that needs to be changed?

I'm trying to decide which route to go. Since my rotors are nearly worn out already, I figure it won't cost more to buy vented rotors and calipers vs. solid. The only extra cost, at least as I think I understand it, is for the spacers (~$100). Am I right?

Can anyone who has done the vented conversion give me some input?

[Ed]

No problem, I wish I could have posted them myself (hint, hint). Good luck on your conversion.

[hls30.com]

I am doing the same conversion, and I have all of the parts except the flex lines(I want Braided Stainless, and have not taken the time to search the arcive or compare the size/thread of the fittings to be sure of what I need.) I have the suspension off the car, and can put the pieces together for measurements if you need them- my only worry is the fit of the Aluminum slot mags, the newer brake parts may take up more space than the wheels will allow-Ed verified that his fit, but I am using the vented rotor setup which is wider-though I am not certian relative to where.

Some of the sites I visited mentioned the need to machine a wee bit off the rotor to decrease its diameter for wheel clearance.

I found the cores for the rotors on car-parts.com for $30 a pair-the yard was local, so I had no shipping charges, the spacers came from JSK innovations, and were $65 a pair if memory serves.

Will

[240ZMan]

For anyone trying to upload pictures, often the image coming straight from the digital camera is too big - either in file size, or in the size of the picture itself. Microsoft has a great little utility from its Power Tools for XP called Image Resizer. It let's you right click on an image and select how much to shrink it. Very easy and fast to use. You can get it here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

It only works if you're using Windows XP though.