What brake hoses do I need?

[ezzzzzzz]

After hours spent searching for brake upgrade info for my '71 240Z (on many websites) I've come to the following list of parts to suit my purpose.

FRONT-

79-82 280ZX front calipers and hangers

84-up 300ZX front vented rotors (non-turbo 4 lug)

REAR-

88-90 240SX rear brake calipers and hangers

81-84 Maxima caliper brackets (bolt-on & assuming these are from rear)

84-up 300ZX rear non-vented rotors (non-turbo 4 lug)

Brake hoses ????????

79-82 2180ZX master cylinder (15/16" bore)

The only thing no one mentions is what flexible brake hoses are needed. Can I use the original (or new replacement) hoses or is another required due to fitting differences? Obviously, braided lines are better but I'm trying to discern the basic information. Anyone who has actually done this conversion please speak up. I also know I can order the rear brackets from Ross and may very well do so. The problem seems to be that no one gives very specific data as to which parts (year/model of vehicle, front or rear location, etc.) are needed. Photos would be nice too (I'll be taking pictures of every part and installation to post). It would benefit many Z owners looking for better brakes. There is also the Toyota 4x4 caliper and stock disc but I personally think a vented rotor is superior if you're going through the trouble so I've left that out in this post. Most of us would gladly bolt on a high dollar pre-fabbed kit if we had the extra money. I don't have unlimited funds (single dad with a young daughter, fiancee with kids) so daydreaming about such niceties is pointless. Can we somehow come to one post with all the pertinent info available? Thanks and sorry if it seems like I'm on a rant.

[240ZX]

With the upgrade you are doing, definitely go with the SS flex lines. To determine what hoses you will need, first figure out what fittings are required at each end of the hose (front & rear of course). Next will be length. You can use the old stock hoses to see if they have sufficient length and figure from there. Most of the prefabed hoses will have specific lengths for specific model cars. Alot of outfits sell these SS lines and most all are of good quality so I based my purchase on price. I purchased mine from Jim Cook Racing in SoCal (visit their website) because you can talk technical issues with them and they have tons of experience with the Z cars as well as their prices were lower than the rest I looked into. If I remember correctly, since the conversion you are doing is the same as what I did, I purchased the longer of the 280ZX SS brake lines. I think I payed approx $70.00 for the set of four. Regarding brake pads.....get the best you can afford....like HAWK or AXXIS Metal Master. Hope this helps you a little.

[LanceM]

I did the same front conversion that you are looking at and I used 82 zx rear calipers, used 82 zx lines all around, with the standard factory type replacements as I'm just driving on the street, SS braided would be nice but not worth the extra $ to me. On the front I did not use the 240Z hard line from caliper to hose but went directly from frame hardline to caliper.

[ezzzzzzz]

Was there particular reason for using the 280ZX rear calipers up front vice the 280ZX front calipers?

[LanceM]

Used ZX rear calipers instead of 240SX rear calipers

[240ZX]

ezzzzzzz, I believe Lance was talking about the rear calipers only. I don't think he is saying he has 280ZX or 240SX rear calipers on the front! He is using the 280ZX calipers as opposed to the 240SX calipers on the rear. By the way, the 240SX and 280ZXT rear calipers look to be identical. Anyway, the bottom line is, you want to use the 280ZX flex lines. As I mentioned previously, I ordered the longer of the two available 280ZX SS flex lines. Hope this is a bit clearer for you.