Disc Brake Options for 280Z: best street package value

[wheee!]

A search of the forum didn't bring up a definitve answer on what people are recommending for a rear/front aftermarket disc brake setup for the 280Z.

 

I am looking for a 'street' functional setup that will look and perform well. I would like to go with a performance look like the Wilwood or Brembo caliper and reatin the rear parking brake functionality. I understand this will probably necessitate the use of larger wheels too.

 

Please post up your personal choices and reasons why. I like the TTT rear kit but the front looks a tad too aggressive for me. I'm thinking of something along the lines of the rear 300ZX kit with a better caliper. Thoughts?

 

 

 

 

[cbuczesk]

I'd stick with the stock brakes and go with better pads and shoes. It's a lot of time, money and effort spent for something that is essentially for appearance. I just installed a 4-wheel kit and wasn't impressed with how it gets installed. It was a challenge to get the parking brake to connect but I got it. The instructions also have you installing the rear calipers up side down and thus requires you to remove them and flip them upright to bleed. What a PITA! Installing the rear bracket can be a real PITA too since you have to remove the brake backing plate which might require removing the rear stub axles. But once you get it done you'll get to buy and install your new 15" or larger wheels/tires.

 

Years ago I put a Modern Motorsport 4-wheel kit on my 1974 260Z turbo. Everything on the car was taken apart and rebuilt so it really wasn't any extra work to install the disc kit. I was happy with the MM kit. Good quality and design. But looking back I should have just gone stock but changed the pads/shoes.

 

If you have an unlimited budget then go for it. Otherwise, the 4-wheel disc kit should be one of the last "upgrades".

 

Chuck

[Jeff G 78]

The stock setup works great, but I understand the desire for rear disks.  I have great brake feel and excellent performance from the OE brakes with just a pad change, braided hose upgrade and quality fluid.  For the street, I'd keep the front rotors and calipers and for the rears, I'd go with the MM setup (they are back in business with a new owner) or stick with the stock drums.

[Zed Head]

Here's something from a guy who seems to know what he's doing.  He did a nice writeup on the "bellhousing' swap for the 71C - 71B 5 speeds.  He put a lot of thought into it.  Nigel.

 

http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/113199-yet-another-rear-drum-to-disk-conversion-option/?hl=%2Brear+%2Bdisc#entry1060325

[Zed Head]

Here's a link to the guy who took over MM's products.  http://www.chequeredflagracing.net/HOME.html

 

The web site isn't up to date.  He posts in the Vendor forum on Hybridz also.

[wheee!]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

I will be doing a complete restoration of the whole car so the brake work is minimal compared to all else. My stock system in the rear is all but missing so rather than replace the drums and internal hardware, it is more sensible in the long run to just get the discs for both performance and looks. And if I'm doing the rears... the fronts should match!

[EuroDat]

I know the bling factor is hard to resist, but getting these aftermarket systems balanced is going to be a challenge. After all its brakes. First priority is stopping the car safely.

I was tempted, but ended up settling for the original setup with R4-S porterfield pads and shoes. Man what a difference they make.

[siteunseen]

Check out Zcardepot. Coms rear disc conversion.

thats my Christmas present to the orang Z.

[wheee!]

Check out Zcardepot. Coms rear disc conversion.

thats my Christmas present to the orang Z.

 

 

I have seen that kit and like the simplicity, just wish the caliper was beefier...

[siteunseen]

I have seen that kit and like the simplicity, just wish the caliper was beefier...

I have and like! 15" Rewinds on this car, the springs had a coil or two cut out. Those bigger calipers need the 16" wheels, I believe.

[wheee!]

For reference, this is my starting point...

[Patcon]

wheee!

What's wrong with those???   As a side note Chuck and Jeff both race these cars so they have high expectations. Their endorsement of the stock system is pretty high praise. I would like rear disc simply to do away with the drum adjustments. The rear calipers don't have to be very large on a light car as the fronts do a lot of the work. Chas has a good point about reestablishing the correct brake bias...