Z to ZX brake upgrade

[ezzzzzzz]

I was reading with interest the front and rear disc brake upgrade written by Terry Oxandale at www.zhome.com/rnt/FordPower/BrakeUpdate.html. Has anyone else tried this? It sure sounds like a straight forward and cost effective approach to 4 wheel disc brakes. I have looked at the commerically available kits (Outlaw, Arizona, MM) and feel that the cost is reasonable for items provided but more than is needed or necessary for a street driven 240Z. I like the idea of using all Nissan parts too for maintanance purposes.

[240ZX]

I did the street conversion on my 1970. Front - 280ZX calipers/turned down 300ZX vented rotors, Rear - 280ZXT or 240SX calipers/ 280ZX rotors. I used the Axxis Metal Matrix pads, S.S. flex lines, 15/16" bore master cylinder, and Nissan caliper brackets, for mounting the rear calipers. This conversion will give you way better feel and braking than the stock setup. I've been more than happy with this setup. Do some searching on this site for the Nissan caliper mounting brackets. The only tough part of this conversion, using the Nissan caliper mounting brackets, is the disassembly and re-assembly of the stub axles.....however, it provides the opportunity to replace those old wheel bearings and seals. There are other brackets available that can be installed without the disassembly process (these brackets have 3 mounting holes as the Nissan units have 4). Oh! By the way, I had to turned down my 300ZX rotors to 10.55" diameter to fit under the 280ZX front calipers. This step can be done by a shop that has the capability to turn (reface) rotors. Good luck.

[ezzzzzzz]

Thanks for the feedback... I'll be collecting bits and pieces as time allows. If anyone here has the Nissan caliper brackets available and for sale let me know. I'll be replacing the bearings anyhow and it would be prudent to do everything at once. Plus, I hate the idea of trashing the good backing plates.

[240ZX]

Mark, I did the search for the mounting bracket part numbers.

NISSAN part #4415504S10 (originally for a 1981 Maxima) Should cost you approx $90.00 for the two brackets. Try Courtesy Nissan in Texas or any local Nissan dealer.

[redneckz II]

:beard: Before you do any thing, go to the following site and do a search on the site for info on subject. www.HybridZ.org this is great site for info on improving your Z. I have done the early model 300ZX rotors with the S-12W Toyota calibers on the front (mostly bolt on, spacer needed to bolt rotor to hub). Also have the 280ZX late model rotors and early 280ZX calibers on the rear. It was a low cost part replacement for better brakes. Have drawing of low cost flat plate mounting system for the Z, if you are into making your own parts. Good Luck with it, Rich.

[Zs-ondabrain]

My Toyota 4 piston calipers bolted right up to my stock rotors, NO spacers, No special adapters.

Rotors cost $80 each, ($35 + $50 core) Pads were $40 for the front set, Stainlees steel braided brake lines were $100 for all 4.

Stops on a dime. The rears are next, 240sx calipers, 280zx rotors, maxima adaptor, E-brake adaptor (2" plate w/ 2 holes in it) It's all pretty basic.

[TexasNissanDude]

I did the street conversion on my 1970.

Would you happen to have any pictures of the installation? I am curious to see the before and after. If so, could you please email them to jon@pdgost.com