S12w Calipers on 280z info

[tymarbry]

I made the mistake of getting some S12W calipers off a toyota and was confused into thinking they would fit onto the stock S30s.

I recently found out that they will not fit without Z31 vented brakes?

Is there anyways to fit them onto my 77 280z while still having 4 lugs at all? Could I get the vented front rotors off of a 280zx or maybe even an AE86?

Anybody have info on this? Ive tried searching around a few sites (hybrid, here, some other places)

Thank you

[TomoHawk]

When I bought mine (new, from Federated Auto Parts) they were for a 1979 Toyota Pickup 4x4. They went on without a problem, besides adjusting the backplate. The stock rotor was used, and so far I haven't noticed if I should upgrade the master cylinder.

[tlorber]

From what I have read there are 2 versions-one that fits the stock rotors and the other fits vented rotors from a 300 Z non turbo. The latter one requires a shim to offset the rotor, but it should NOT involve changing to 5 lug (rotors and hubs are 2 different things).

Edited March 11, 2012 by tlorber

[tymarbry]

Ok I did find out that I need a spacer or shim as you put it. If anyone has done this setup (300zx 4 lug rotor with S12W Calipers) could you please comment?

Where do you get the spacer/shim or what is the size or options to fit the caliper in the right spot for the 300zx rotor?

[tlorber]

Here is one site that has them, along with other parts for the conversion

http://silverminemotors.com/Spacer-Spacer.htm

Motorsport sells them as an entire package but does not show them independently on their site. You might want to call and ask. Also note that this may prompt you to need a larger master cylinder due to the greater volume of fluid required by the calipers

[tymarbry]

Well crap, its over $100 just for some spacers, thats crazy. I hate over priced crap. If anyone could just tell me the thickness I need I could probably get a regular spacer or just thick washers =P

[John Coffey]

Edan's parts are not overpriced. He sells good quality parts in low volumes, that means his parts will be more expensive then similar parts for a Honda or Camaro. Unfortunately the market for S30 parts is tiny so the production volumes are not high enough to drive costs down.

And if you're thinking about using washers to space the brake rotor away from he hub, you're a fool - and soon to be dead fool.

[tymarbry]

Well I dont see the difference between a milled piece of aluminium and Grade 8 Washers that are hardened steel.

If I were to feel safe with either of these it would be the steel.

I was also trying to get the size of the spacer because there should be no difference between a wheel spacer and this rotor spacer.

[tlorber]

I think what John is getting at is that one spacer would be more stable than 4 independent stacks of, say 5 or 6washers each. These are brake rotors that undergoing a lot of rotational and lateral forces, not to mention vibration and enormous heat cycling. The fewer moving parts the better.

[grantf]

$100 for the spacers? really? well you could just get aluminium stock of the proper thickness and shape them yourself. aluminium is easy to work.

[tymarbry]

$100 for the spacers? really? well you could just get aluminium stock of the proper thickness and shape them yourself. aluminium is easy to work.

Yeah thats what Im saying, depending on the width I could just get Wheel spacers. I know that stacks of washers are dangerous, but Im thinking of using Thick washers that I can get from an Industrial part store for like 80 cents to $1.50 each and they can be anywhere from a half inch to 2/4 inch thick and wide enough to be stable for the rotor. Even though Im sure the spacer needed is smaller in size. But I still dont know that for sure.

If anyone knows the size of the spacer needed could you please let us know? thanks.

[Jeff G 78]

Glad I don't live and drive anywhere near Kansas City. Dude, washers are NOT machined to a precise thickness or even flatness. If I remember right, the spacer thickness isn't a standard dimension. It's "near" 1/2", but it's a bit thicker or thinner (can't recall). They need to be perfect or the calipers will not work right.