Performance VS Vanity

[MAGILLA]

I just got a set of z32 aluminum calipers, and need to rebuild them. Like most people I am thinking of having them powder coated while they are apart. I must admit that it looks good, hell actually down right pimp, but I also know a bit about heat transfer. Even though I slept through most of that class, I do know that the powder coating will hold in heat which will lead to quicker brake fade. I was wondering if anyone has tested this out, and if it makes a noticeable difference? Especially on the track which is where this zenki is headed as soon as I shake off this long bout of poor and buy a truck.

OH and if anyone wants to donate a set of rotors for free or cheap. pm me.

[MavericStephenc]

no, shouldn't make a difference and if it did I'm sure you could currect that with brake cooling ducts either home depot custom, spl, or nismo

good luck

[projectRDM]

My Z calipers have been powdercoated a few different colors over the years, never noticed any problems when running into the chicane at Road Atlanta, which will cook any brake setup on most cars. You're fine.

[mmdb]

A lot, if not all, performance brakes are powder coated so you shouldn't have an issue, besides you should probably look into cooling the discs (ie brake ducting) and using better brake fluid if you plan on running them hard on the track.

[IIIXziuR]

^ Yeah agreed. Good point Sir

[Jung918]

You could get the z33 brake rotor upgrade to dissipate heat better.
I would want a coating around aluminum to protect it from pitting.

[MAGILLA]

Thanks for the replies

A lot, if not all, performance brakes are powder coated so you shouldn't have an issue, besides you should probably look into cooling the discs (ie brake ducting) and using better brake fluid if you plan on running them hard on the track.

I am going to eventually do some duct work from beside my fog lights to the front brakes, but that won't be for a while.

You could get the z33 brake rotor upgrade to dissipate heat better.
I would want a coating around aluminum to protect it from pitting.

Good point on the protection thing, but the upgraded rotors will really have to wait man I am broke and I still have to buy front brake pads, and a rear caliper rebuild kit.

OH AND ON that note PHUCK the damn dealership. Those f-ing crooks want 90 bucks for the rear rebuild kit. My god and its like I have no other choices left. Every store lists it but no one can get it. On back order they say.

~sorry about the rant, but getting rapped :eek: by the dealer is not my idea of fun

[projectRDM]

You're going to the wrong dealer. It's been said a million times before, any dealer can put any price they want on parts. Some charge MSRP, other charge 10% more, others want 30%. Finding the right dealer locally will save you at least 20% all day long, more if you open an account. However, from what I've found in buying the rebuild kits, the rear is NLA from the dealer, most parts places don't stock it either. The last one I got was from NAPA, three day order, $35.99 each. For the price it's almost easier to buy the calipers reman over the counter and core your old ones in if you don't plan on making them look flashy, otherwise if you do plan on a full powdercoat they have to be stripped. The oven heat will destroy the seals, so it's up to you if you want to take the time and effort to rebuild them yourself.

[Jung918]

I called several dealership looking for the rear rebuild kit. The only place that had it was courtesy nissan in texas. The price was high but you really don't have much options. Also, make sure you prepare yourself for the o-rings on the caliper halves. The size on the front and rear are different. I bought new ones from mcmaster for the fronts. Been holding up for me for a couple of months now.

[statik]

I called several dealership looking for the rear rebuild kit. The only place that had it was courtesy nissan in texas. The price was high but you really don't have much options. Also, make sure you prepare yourself for the o-rings on the caliper halves. The size on the front and rear are different. I bought new ones from mcmaster for the fronts. Been holding up for me for a couple of months now.

got a part # on the o-ring from mcmaster?

[Jung918]

^ Don't remember the part number off hand. If you pm me your address I'll just send you some. You have to buy a pack of 50. If possible, I would try to keep the olds ones. I only have new ones for the front.

[MAGILLA]

You're going to the wrong dealer. It's been said a million times before, any dealer can put any price they want on parts. Some charge MSRP, other charge 10% more, others want 30%. Finding the right dealer locally will save you at least 20% all day long, more if you open an account. However, from what I've found in buying the rebuild kits, the rear is NLA from the dealer, most parts places don't stock it either. The last one I got was from NAPA, three day order, $35.99 each. For the price it's almost easier to buy the calipers reman over the counter and core your old ones in if you don't plan on making them look flashy, otherwise if you do plan on a full powdercoat they have to be stripped. The oven heat will destroy the seals, so it's up to you if you want to take the time and effort to rebuild them yourself.

I want to rebuild the rear calipers, because I am going to get them powder coated. Your price for napa is close( 36.99), but when you said each I thought you ment for the rear kit as a whole, seperate from the front kit. That price is just for one side of the rear. That is just as bad as the dealer.

So now I am kind of stuck. A friend of mine said that if the caliper was in good condition, then the seals could be reused. I would have to soak them in 70% rubbing alcohol to make them fill back out but they should be fine. Has anyone else heard of this?

[pr240sx]

OK...probably dumb question but
Why not anodize the calipers instead of powdercoat?

[Jung918]

Stop being cheap on a part that stops your car. Just do it right the first time and be done with it. I have heard of people reusing seals but I would never put them in alcohol as it will dry up the seals. I would either lube them up with grease or soak them in brake fluid.

[MAGILLA]

OK...probably dumb question but
Why not anodize the calipers instead of powdercoat?

that would look great but, I am in no mood to be a guinea pig. Anodizing adds + or - 0.001 inches i believe, to every surface including the close tolerances around the piston and treads. so no thanks to that pain in the a$$. I think that the companies that do it account for the added material before hand and engineer it into the process.

Stop being cheap on a part that stops your car. Just do it right the first time and be done with it. I have heard of people reusing seals but I would never put them in alcohol as it will dry up the seals. I would either lube them up with grease or soak them in brake fluid.

I thought as much just had to ask. Oh and I wish I was able to stop being cheap. I guess I can just wait until I can afford to do the rear and just do the fronts for now.

[Jung918]

I thought as much just had to ask. Oh and I wish I was able to stop being cheap. I guess I can just wait until I can afford to do the rear and just do the fronts for now.

This is zilvia. For some odd reason, most people can't help but to be cheap.
Like the saying goes, measure twice, cut once or measure once, and buy twice.

It is usually cheaper if you powdercoat more at the same time. The place I brought it to gave me a discount for doing my front, rear, and valve cover all at once. Just do it in stages. Powdercoat first and then rebuild it when you have more money.

[fromxtor]

powder coat those bias.

[pr240sx]

that would look great but, I am in no mood to be a guinea pig. Anodizing adds + or - 0.001 inches i believe, to every surface including the close tolerances around the piston and treads. so no thanks to that pain in the a$$. I think that the companies that do it account for the added material before hand and engineer it into the process.


Oh.... Ok
Anodizing is easy to remove so will try on some scraps and check tolerances

I ask because I can have my parts anodized quite cheap here.

Will keep you guys posted

[Koopa Troopa]

OK...probably dumb question but
Why not anodize the calipers instead of powdercoat?

Anodize is just a color you can make by mixing different colors when powdercoating.....