Rear Disc Brakes? Worth It??

[texasz]

I have seen many people say that they have done a rear disc brake conversion, at least one stated it was from a 240SX.

I would like to know if this conversion is worth doing? And also how difficult it is? How much should I expect this mod to cost?

In conjunction with this I have also been wondering about the front 4x4 mod. I have read the threads on this one already so please do not feel like you need to answer questions about it here or point me to those threads. I say this as it helps give a full picture of what I have been thinking about.

[psimkin]

Hey TexasZ; I built a 72Z with a 360HP small block Chevy, I went with the Toyoto front brake upgrade, stainless lines and better brake fluid, DOT-3 and just used better pads on the rear. I use the car for mostly cruising, quick cruising, in-town and highway. I found this brake setup good for what I need. Guys I have talked to about the rear dics say it's a great upgrade and with the parts available from guys like Ross Corigan [ sorry I dont have his e-mail at hand] the swap is easy. I think the biggest concern is what you want to do with the car???? Drag raceing, roadcourse, cruising whatever you want the car to do will effect every system from suspension, brakes, tires and wheel size, cooling etc. At some point I guess we all need to stop, crap. Ther are brake upgrades out there that will hall down a Z from 60 to 0 in less than a 100 ft, hold on to your nickers!!!!! It's what you need and how big is your wallet??? Think, Plan, DO!!!:devious:

[texasz]

I plan on using it for autox and some around town driving. NOT a daily driver. But to and from work once a week or so to keep things working properly between autox events.

[aRCH-Z]

I've upgraded to 280zx rear calipers on z31 discs and there is quite a noticable difference in stopping power (the fronts are the same) on my '75 260z

however I've seen quite a few other conversions..

My dads '74 260z has R31 Skyline brakes on the back.. and his car pulls up insanely quick (the large 4 pot volvo calipers and vented merc rotors up the front may have something to do with that as well)

[Wagz]

My hybrid '76 has stock brakes all the way around. For most street driving they really seem to be sufficient. I haven't had any situations where my brakes faded and scared the out of me. Although, I haven't tried to autocross this car and I really don't know if the stock setup will handle that type of abuse.

I am building a Velo Rossa on my '71 chassis and am planning on extensively autocrossing that car. I purchased a 5 lug, rear disk setup from Mike Gibson at Future Mobile. I don't have the car on the road yet so, I can't really say how much better they are.

There is an avid and very knowlegable autocrosser that posts frequently at HybridZ that feels the rear drum setup is quite adequate even for hard track use.

By the way, here is a link to Ross Corrigan's site: Modern Motorsports

[Britt Boyette]

I have never heard of anyone saying they had too much in the way of braking. If you use them hard, the stock set up will fade and that's when it will hit you that an upgrade might be a good idea. If you decide to get an upgrade, Ross is the best. He will be around for you after the sale too.

[TomoHawk]

I recently was told through email that the 280zx calipers are junk because there are problems with the e-brake cable. Instead, you should use the 240sx rear calipers.

Anybody got some experience with this? I need to decide if I shoulds go 280zx or 240sx calipers.

thx.

[speedyblue]

I think the concern with the handbrake cable is it is too short and won't reach to the 280zx caliper. Two options I have heard to fix this:

1. Put the left caliper on the right side and the right caliper on the left side, but this leaves the bleed screws on the bottom.

2. Extend the cable.

I am working up to this conversion at some stage. I have the discs and calipers but haven't go the brackets yet. Since I have a whole 280zx for parts, I was going to see if I can use the handbrake cable from that as mine has snapped and hence needs replacing.

If you haven't had your stock brakes fade yet then you just haven't been driving hard enough.