300ZX brake swap --> MC question

[Mark95TT(ATL)]

Guys,

I'm new around here, so I hope I don't get flamed for asking. I know it's been discussed extensively, and I used search and read the Zilvia.net tech article as well as the write-up at:

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

Anyway, I found a good deal on the brakes off a totalled '91 TT, so I jumped at it, and was hoping to install this weekend. I got front/rear calipers, rotors, pads, Z32 stock lines, and Z32 MC (not sure which of the 3 sizes, though). Right now I just plan doing the fronts, might tackle the rears at a later date.

(1) Regarding just swapping the fronts, I was going to go ahead and swap in the 300ZX master cylinder. I saw some conflicting information/opinions regarding this in some of the previous posts, there never seemed to be a real consensus as to if/when the 300ZX MC would be needed, and if the bias would be OK when just swapping the fronts. Anyone have any insight?

(2) Also, I was planning on using the stock Z32 lines for now. From the other posts, it seemed like this would be OK, maybe a little mushy, but not dangerous. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance for any help. BTW, I have a 95 S14 SE w/o ABS.

[Jeff240sx]

MC isn't necessary for just the fronts. You WILL throw off the bias with just the fronts and MC.
Also.. get some convertion lines. The z32 lines won't properly mate with the 240sx lines... and if anything on the car should be done right, for saftey purposes, it should be brakes.
-Jeff

[Tyler Durdan]

First off, welcome to the boards.

Answers:

1. I take it you have the 30mm aluminum calipers. It's not necessary to swap the mc when just doing the fronts. There's only a 4psi sent to the rears, so the bias is not as bad as some think (it's still not stock 240 though). I am using the same brakes as you have on the fronts with the stock 240 mc. Just bleed the brakes like hell to get rid of the mushy brake pedal.

2. You can use the stock lines. Just use the 300zx brake lines and hook them directly into the 240 hard lines. Use a copper washer to ensure a good seal. Do not try to use the 240 lines on the 300zx brakes. I would recommend the conversion ss lines though for safety purposes as well.

Edit: Spelling and one more thought to add.

[Mark95TT(ATL)]

First, thanks for all the input. Yeah, I assume have the 30mm calipers since they were off a '91 TT; I think the 26mm were only available for early '90 NA models.

So this weekend I'll just plan on doing the front calipers/rotors and lines, leave the stock 240 master cylinder.

From the tech article, I see that SRSwap.com, Stranoparts, and PDM Racing are all good sources for the SS lines. Let me know if you have any other suggestions regarding this. Thanks again.

[Jeff240sx]

PDM all the way. In a thread I made about brake mushyness... only people with PDM lines said that their pedal was firm.
-Jeff

[Ozone240]

You can use the stock z32 lines. That is if you have the small length of hard line off of the caliper and the stock z32 rubber lines. You might have to bend the caliper hard line a bit, but it will work. I would just wait till you got the ss lines though, no sense bleeding twice, when you upgrade.

kevin

edit for clarification