s13 calipers bolt on upgrade

[CC200SX]

Hi there can anyone tell me what calipers are a bolt on, to upgrade the rear calipers on a 200sx S13 1991.

Thnaks

[Koopa Troopa]

Almost any Nissan made caliper.

[Ragnarok043]

Q45 and Z32 are the most popular brake upgrades.

http://importnut.net/300zxbrakeswap.htm

[Yuri]

You can also use S14 rotors and calipers. They are a small upgrade over stock.
If you combine these with Maxima front calipers and Altima rotors (4-lug) or Maxima rotors (5-lug) you get a cheap noticeable brake upgrade that lets you keep the stock master cylinder.
These are also direct bolt-ons, not requiring any custom lines.

[unicoladron]

let's not forget!

JDM 180SX OEM calipers and rotors. pretty beefy upgrade over stock

you can also source USDM Altima 4-lug rotors (i believe 1994 or 95 can't remember what i used) and Maxima pads from the same year and use them on the JDM 180SX calipers.

edit: fuck....yuri beat me to it, i'm leaving it anyways.

edit again: wait he didn't beat me, he mentioned s14, so...yes...you can still use 180sx calipers lol

[sblack13]

well since theres a thread. Anyone know what's are involved in swapping S14 rear calipers on a s13 vice versa. From my understanding they are not a bolt-on affair, and I searched on Freshalloy and came up with a confusing post. Any info would be great.

[Koopa Troopa]

S14 rear calipers are the same as S13... At least in Japan anyways.. I don't see why it'd change for the US because you guys got the shit end of the S chasis stick.

[hijack3d]

let's not forget!

JDM 180SX OEM calipers and rotors. pretty beefy upgrade over stock

you can also source USDM Altima 4-lug rotors (i believe 1994 or 95 can't remember what i used) and Maxima pads from the same year and use them on the JDM 180SX calipers.

edit: fuck....yuri beat me to it, i'm leaving it anyways.

edit again: wait he didn't beat me, he mentioned s14, so...yes...you can still use 180sx calipers lol

Uhhh... I'm a little under the influence right now but iirc, the maxima/altima combo is the EXACT same thing as 180sx. And yes, he did say that.

Q45 requires little modification (cut dust shield, that si all). I did not upgrade my master and I was told many a times it was not necessary to.

Have a great new years.

[CC200SX]

Tanks for all your feed-back, but i am stil a little bit confuse, i explain:

I have already upgrade my front brakes with the kit from fastbrakes.com, wich selles the WILWOOD calipers wit four pistons, and rotors with 280mm, with brackets, and now i intend to put on the rear a set of used JDM Nissan SKYLINE Turbo R33 rear brake calipers, and wath i ask if this capilers are a simple bolt on, that does not requiers brackets, new rotors, ..., is it only unpluged the standart calipers e plug this ones with no midification?

Thanks again

[CC200SX]

Hi again were is some useful information, that respond to my question:

Stock Upgrades
The stock 240sx front brakes are single piston units with 9.8" ventilated rotors. The rear is a 10.2" rotor and a single piston caliper with an integrated e-brake. These brakes are sufficient for most people and with appropriately upgraded pads/fluid/lines. Rule of thumb if you can lockup your brakes then a larger brake caliper is not needed for the speeds and tire compounds your using. These brakes are more than adequate for daily driving and some track use, but once your start doing some serious racing you will need to upgrade parts appropriately to handle the heat and to avoid the dreaded brake fade. The stock brakes will be great for spirited driving and light track, But research your options and decide on an upgrade appropriate to you. Several factors need to be considered. Something with larger rotors is needed for more repetitive stops, and something with a larger amount of clamping force is needed if you are not able to push your current tires to the locking point (while using pads with an appropriate heat range).

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=11)] Z32/Skyline Front Brakes

By far the most popular brake upgrade for the 240sx. The stock brakes on the 240sx are fine for autocross and track days on stock power, but as soon as you get more power and start attaining more straight away speeds you are going to want to upgrade to big brakes to handle the heat and to help avoid brake fade. Skyline brakes are almost identical, but do come with some small variations in width. Also some JDM S14's came with 300zx brakes from the factory. Another note about z32 brakes is that they are bigger so wheel clearance can be a problem. Only 7 spoke S13 alloys sometimes clear. S14 stock wheels will clear z32 brakes, You can shave off the Nissan lettering on the outside of the caliper to gain more clearance, and you can also run wheel spacers to also help with wheel clearance. But remember about your wheel offset when using wheel spacers.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=12)] Parts Necessary

You will need the following parts to make the Z32 front brakes work on your 240sx.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=13)] Calipers

There are many different versions of the Z32 brake calipers. There are some that are aluminum and some that are cast iron. There are some that accept 26mm wide rotors and some that accept only 30mm rotors. 26mm aluminum calipers were only used on 1990 non turbo model 300zx's. 30mm aluminum calipers were used on 1990 twin turbo and all 1991-1992.5 300zx's (turbo and non turbo). 30mm iron calipers were used on all 1992.5-1996 300zx's. The best way to see if you have aluminum or iron is with a magnet. Obviously if its aluminum a magnet will not stick to it.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=14)] Rotors

There are many different rotor designs to choose from, but make sure you get the rotors to match your calipers. You can get slotted, cross-drilled or both on the same rotor. These features help with the heat dispersal by giving you more surface area, although they do eat away at your pad quicker than blanks. The 300zx came with 5 lug wheels as well as 5 lug rotors. This is not a problem for S14 LE's because they all came with 5 lug stock, but for us S13 guys there are 2 options. One is to convert to 5 lug (which is explained elsewhere on this wiki), or you can have the rotors re-drilled for the 4x114.3 lug pattern. Any competent machine shop should be able to do this.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=15)] Lines

Conversion lines are necessary for doing the conversion. SPL parts sells them for a very reasonable price. The fitting going onto the caliper is different from the stock style. The stock fitting is a banjo style, and can be made to work with an appropriate adapter, otherwise z32 brakes will need 10mm Inverted Female (IF) flare fittings. Also steel braided brake lines are recommended because they help with brake feel and also don’t fail like stock brake lines can.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=16)] Installation

Installation is very straight forward. Remove and replace everything and bleed the system of air. The only tricky parts is the removal of the dust shields. The stock dust shields are designed for stock rotors, and since the Z32 brakes are so much bigger they must be modified/removed. You can either take the whole set up apart and remove them completely or simply cut them so that they are out of the way, the choice is yours.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=17)] Z32 Rear Brakes

The stock rear brakes on the 240sx are single piston with an integrated e-brake. The Z32 rear brake set up is comprised of a 2 piston caliper, an 11.2" rotor and a separate drum e-brake. The swap can be difficult, but it does help complete a total braking system.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=18)] Parts Necessary


[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=19)] Calipers

The rear calipers from any z32 will do, but once again make sure that they match your rotors.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=20)] Rotors

These come in many designs similar to the front rotors, and the same 4-5lug solutions apply.



[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=21)] Other Parts

You can directly bolt on the rear brakes the same as the front if you wish, but you will not have an e-brake. To make the e-brake work you will need the Z32 rear drum assembly and the e-brake cables. Some people have used the Z32 aluminum uprights, but it is not necessary and requires the use of different rear lower shock mounts.

For the S14 you will also want to get e-brake extension cables.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=22)] Installation

You need to remove the stock calipers and remove the spindle from the control arm. Also unbolt the axle so that you can get the spindle free from the car. Remove the hub from the stock assembly and put the new splash shield/ z32 e-brake assembly onto your hub. After this is complete reattach the spindle to the hub assembly. Run the e-brake cable through the sub-frame towards the e-brake handle, and then reattach the spindle assembly. Put the caliper back on, attach the brake lines, attach the e-brake cables, bleed the system and your done.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=23)] Q45 Front Brakes

Q45 brakes are a cheaper still upgrade to the brakes of your 240sx. They are dual piston calipers and a larger rotor. They also have the pistons on the inside of the caliper so the wheel clearance is almost the same as with stock brakes, allowing the ability to continue running lower offset wheels. Pads have many options as with all the other brake options we have here. The lines are the same fittings as stock so you can reuse your stock lines to save even more money.
You will need the following parts to make the Infiniti Q45 front brakes work on your 240sx.



[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=24)] Calipers

You will need a set of calipers from a 94-96 Infiniti Q45. These calipers are larger than the stock 240sx calipers. They use two 42.8 mm pistons instead of one 54mm piston to increase clamping force. These calipers will bolt onto the stock location as well as use the stock banjo brake lines.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=25)] Rotors

There are many different rotor designs to choose from, but make sure you get the rotors to match your calipers. You can get slotted, cross-drilled or both on the same rotor. These features help with the heat dispersal by giving you more surface area, although they do eat away at your pad quicker than blanks. The Q45 came with 5 lug wheels as well as 5 lug rotors. This is not a problem for S14 SE's because they all came with 5 lug stock, but for us S13 guys there are 2 options. One is to convert to 5 lug (which is explained elsewhere on this wiki), or you can have the rotors re-drilled for the 4x114.3 lug pattern. Any competent machine shop should be able to do this. The Q45 rotors are approximately the same diameter as the 300z rotors, however the width of the rotor is in between the two thicknesses available from the 300z. The rotors are 28mm thick.---NEW POST---4 lug Nissan Altima rotors are the same diameter as 300zx and Q45. They are not as thick but are centered between the caliper perfectly. I have been using this set up for a few months with some extra shims and it works great. This really save time and trouble because there is no need to redrill or convert to 5-lug. Also they are only like 30 bucks a piece at any Autozone.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=26)] Pads

The brake pad options are the same as with stock and they come in a lot of different compounds from mild to wild. Once again make sure you are getting the correct pad for the caliper/rotor set up you have.



[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=27)] Lines

Conversion lines are not necessary for doing the conversion. The stock fitting is a banjo style end and for the Q45 brakes you can use the same connection. Also steel braided brake lines are recommended because they help with brake feel and also don’t fail like stock brake lines can.



[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=28)] Installation

The installation of the Q45 brakes is simpler than it would sound. The hardest part is cutting away or removing the splash guard from the front wheel hub. This can be done with a set of tin snips or an angle grinder. Once the splash guard has been removed the Q45 rotors and calipers will go on the same way the stock ones came off. Tighten down and bleed the brake system.



[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=29)] Benefits

One of the benefits of the Q45 brake upgrade over many of the other one available is that the calipers and rotors are significantly less expensive than the 300zx and 240sx rotors and calipers. Furthermore, because they use the banjo brake lines the swap is quicker and can be done without having to replace as many parts. The Q45 calipers do not use as large an amount of brake fluid as the 300zx calipers due to the smaller piston sizes. This maintains a pretty equal bias between front and rear of the car without replacing the master cylinder or the rear brakes.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=30)] Infiniti M30 Brake Upgrade

The M30 brake upgrade that is also available for the 240sx. The M30 used a larger rotor and single piston floating caliper which will increase braking power. The M30 was also a 4 lug vehicle, which makes it an ideal upgrade for those looking to increase their braking power without having to replace the 4 lug hubs or re-drill the rotor.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=31)] Calipers

The rear M30 brake use an integrated drum design for the parking brake.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=32)] Rotors

According to PartsAmerica.com, M30 front rotors (http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=RAY&MfrPartNumber=96251&PartType=221&PTSet=A) are 10.78" in diameter and .865" (approximately 22mm) thick. The rear rotors (http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=RAY&MfrPartNumber=96252&PartType=221&PTSet=A) are solid 10.47" in diameter and .394" (20mm) thick.



[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=33)] Maxima / 180sx spec Brake Swap

The owners of S14's ('95-'98), can upgrade their brakes using 1995 Nissan Maxima calipers, rotors and pads, and for those with 4 bolt use 1995 Nissan Altima rotors with a 3mm spacer between the caliper and the spindle.
For the owners of S13s ('89-'94) You can upgrade your stock front brakes to JDM 180sx spec using USDM parts. This upgrades main benefit is the additional mass to the rotor for heat dissipation. The caliper pistons are not so large as to impact braking bias more than a trivial amount. The following will be needed for this swap:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikibooks/en/thumb/e/e3/S13vs180brakes.jpg/180px-S13vs180brakes.jpg (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Image:S13vs180brakes.jpg) http://en.wikibooks.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Image:S13vs180brakes.jpg)
stock non abs s13 brakes VS 180sx style brakes


('93-'97) 1st generation Nissan Altima rotors. These are 280x22mm and have a 4x114 bolt pattern.
('89-'99) 3rd and 4th generation Nissan Maxima brake calipers
('89-'99) 3rd and 4th generation Nissan Maxima brake caliper mounting brackets
('89-'99) 3rd and 4th generation Nissan Maxima brake caliper mounting bracket hardware kit
('89-'99) 3rd and 4th generation Nissan Maxima brake pads
These parts all directly bolt onto the s13 with no major modifications needed. This swap retains near stock
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikibooks/en/thumb/2/20/Padoverhang.jpg/180px-Padoverhang.jpg (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Image:Padoverhang.jpg) http://en.wikibooks.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Image:Padoverhang.jpg)
stock non abs s13 brakes VS 180sx style brakes


Before and after pictures of swap done on '90 240sx without abs:


Concerns worth noting:
-The brake swap will not fit anything smaller than a 15" alloy wheel. This will not clear a stamped steel wheel and drags on the caliper parallel surface.
- The stock rotor dust shield no longer clears the larger brake rotor. Modifications or removal to this are necessary for fitment. 2" deep slices with shears spaced 1.5" apart should be sufficient to allow the outside edge to be bent flat.
-The pad hangs over the edge from this setup by approximately 5mm. Although it is visually striking, it does not negatively impact braking performance or cause any reliability issues.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=34)] Master Cylinder Upgrade

This only really applies to the Z32 brakes set up.
The stock master cylinder on the 240sx manual transmission is a 7/8" piston. That is fine for stock brakes, but you are now pushing between 10 and 12 pistons. Stock is just 4, so you can imagine that you will need a bigger master cylinder to help push more fluid and get the brake feel and bias closer to where you want it. There are many options of master cylinder sizes to go to. Many people have run all of these on different brake set ups, so its up to preference on which one you prefer. I have had a 7/8 (stock) 15/16 and a 17/16 and I thing the 15/16 is perfect (stock brakes rear Z32 front). The 17/16 was much to stiff and hard to modulate.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=35)] Master Cylinder Sizing


[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=36)] 15/16 MC

This came off of either an automatic 240sx or a Z31 non turbo. This is the best set up if you plan on running Z32 front brakes with stock rear brakes. The bias is close to stock and the feel is perfect.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=37)] 1" MC

This came off of a 300ZX. It is bigger than a 15/16", so this is better for a full brake conversion (front and rear Z32).

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=38)] 17/16 MC

This is also off of a Z32, and it is the biggest master cylinder you can get. It will give you an even firmer pedal feel.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=39)] Installation

On a S13 240sx with ABS these should all be direct bolt on, as the ABS models only have 2 lines running to the master cylinder. For non ABS you have to take out the middle screw (5 sided hex key) and put in a flare fitting to match your brake hard line. This can be attained from your stock master cylinder by cutting it out. As soon as you get this part out lightly tap it into the master cylinder. It is impossible to get it all the way in, so just get it to sit upright and use the brake line to make it square in the master cylinder. For S13 the lines are all in the right place, but for S14 you are going to need to bend the lines around to meet up with the master cylinder. Be careful not to kink them when you are doing this. Unbolt the old master cylinder from the brake lines and the brake booster and reinstall the new one. Done and done.

[edit (http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modificat ion/Brakes&action=edit&section=40)] Aftermarket Big Brake Kits

There are many aftermarket brake kits out on the market for the 240sx. These kits are usually very big (13"+ rotors) and they require the use of 17" rims. Also they usually come with 2 piece rotors, that is where the hat (the part that the wheel sandwiches between itself and the hub) and the rotor are 2 different pieces.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modification/Brakes (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Nissan_240SX_Performance_Modification/Brakes)"

[deevietboi]

quick question while this is up... i need bigger brakes for 4lug 240sx hatch

i want to keep my 4lug gold mesh rims and not have to change to 5lug... what are my options on bigger brakes for the 4lug?

[5t341tH]

quick question while this is up... i need bigger brakes for 4lug 240sx hatch

i want to keep my 4lug gold mesh rims and not have to change to 5lug... what are my options on bigger brakes for the 4lug?
u can always redrill ur rotors. upgrading brakes doesnt mean u need 5lug. u can use z32 or q45. also, if u use z32 i bet ur meshes will hit the caliper

[besTint]

whats better? the aluminum or cast iron? im debating which one to buy.

[Firestorm]

aluminum of course. they're lighter, therefore, less unsprung mass.

[burninrubber85]

well thats not the case. Nissan had may problems with the aluminum calipers thats why it ran for two years. and the weight on the calipers really matter because its not a rotating mass. i think your best beat is the 1992.5 - 1996 iron calipers

[projectRDM]

aluminum of course. they're lighter, therefore, less unsprung mass.

On a 240, yes. On the pig heavy Z32 the aluminum calipers had problems overheating, hence the switch to iron.