97-98 Q45 calipers, drilling required, offset different?

[Fred Allen Burge]

I'm installing 98 Q brakes on my S13, I didn't realize it when I started this but FYI it does require drilling your S13 spindles out to 9/16" in order to get the Q's larger bolts through. I believe this is the same thing that has to be done to bolt on Z33 brakes (brembos and non). This is not required from what I've read on the older Q brake caliper upgrade (96 and earlier).

I'm curious (should find out tomorrow for sure) does anyone know if a spacer is needed between the Q caliper and the 240sx spindle? It looked at a glance like the calipers have a different offset. Anybody used 97-98 Q calipers on the front?

Thanks and I'll chime back in when this is wrapped up.

Fred

[frankist]

i used the stock s13 caliper bolts, theyre a bit shorter. just a fyi that the stock one works as well. ive only had a glance, but im sure theyre the same till 00' id have to take a better look.

[SoguRacing]

why not just use the older set of calipers. it'll save you the hassle of drilling for extra space and its only like 50 bucks.

[Fred Allen Burge]

why not just use the older set of calipers. it'll save you the hassle of drilling for extra space and its only like 50 bucks.


I had access to these for cheap.

Also they seem to be easier to find around here, I haven't verified this yet but they seem to be identicle to newer Nissan Quest calipers which may help some of you find them if you want to go this route.

[SoguRacing]

sounds like more work than needs to be done to me.. I'd rather work smart, not hard. that's just me

[projectRDM]

sounds like more work than needs to be done to me.. I'd rather work smart, not hard. that's just me

Yes, drilling two holes is so much work.

[SoguRacing]

wasn't referring to that. you've got issues man. get a life

[projectRDM]

wasn't referring to that. you've got issues man. get a life

Are you serious? The only issue he posed was having to drill the spindle holes to 14mm. Same as you would do for a Z33/V35 caliper. If they bolt right up after that and he gets them cheap, what's the problem? Another 3 minutes of drilling? Yes, avoid that at all cost. We wouldn't anyone straining a muscle by actually doing something.

[Fred Allen Burge]

Ok, brakes are on finally. There was no problem with the offset, didn't need any spacer of any kind. Used the Q brake lines.

Stock S13 alloys do not fit over these calipers (neither do G20 alloys)! Need atleast a 16" wheel to clear I'd say and probably one with better spoke clearance too.

Here's a tip: Don't use a cheap drill bit! Broke the first Chinese piece of junk on the first hole :( got a better one from Atwoods for $20 Made in the USA :) cuts like a knife through butter.

Hopefully I'll get them bled tonight and tested out but likely will be tomorrow with this rain we are having.

Fred

[Fred Allen Burge]

Ok, got 'em bled tonight and tested out.

The braking power is greatly increased as expected, I can easily lock up the front tires when I really push down the pedal with authority. I like the ability lock them up like this so I can easily tell when I'm at the limit of the tires ability. Makes me want stickier tires really but I don't feel it is necessary or anything.

Pedal feel is about what it should be for stock brakes, no real difference there, feels good.

Lastly, I really think these are the same calipers as newer Quest, G35's and Z33 (non Brembo) calipers which are all aluminum instead of cast iron like these. I may swap them out some day to save the unspung weight and to prove the theory.

So, bottom line? Using the 97-98 Q45 brakes is definatly worthwile if you have them available, drilling of spindles is required w/a 9/16th bit, stock Q45 lines work. Drilling of the spindles will make a future Z33 Brembo upgrade one step easier.


Fred