Z32 Internal Drum eBrake vs S14 Integrated Caliper eBrake

[dongoesby]

According to my240.epijunkie.com, Z32 and most GTR, GTS, GTST R32-R34 use "297mm x 18mm Rotor - Internal drum e-Brake", and S-chassis 88-98 uses "258mm x 9mm Rotor - Integrated caliper driven e-brake".

1) Does anyone know the advantage over each one? The Z32 obvious uses bigger and thicker rotor, but the word, drum, sounds no good? Does that mean that it would over heat under repeated ebrake motion? (not saying i'm a drifter, but just curious to know)

2) In that case, do ebrake use individual brake that separated from the rear caliper?

3) While converting the rear Z32 caliper also involve of converting the ebrake (requires R33 ebrake cable, Z32 hub and more), does that mean for a real brand name big brake kit (like brembo, endless) would required to switch out the OE ebrake?

Hope some brake experts could answer these silly questions. Thanks

[projectRDM]

1) Drum ebrakes are always better, more clamping force, less chance of rotor warpage from the caliper sitting on it while hot. Plus there's a much greater surface area with a pair of shoes versus two tiny pads.

2) Question makes no sense. Of course the drum is separate from the caliper.

3) You don't need hubs or uprights to do drum ebrakes. You also don't have the option to upgrade to an aftermarket kit unless you choose something for the Z32, in which case you would still need the drums and parts if you want an ebrake. The S14 upgrade stuff simply moves the caliper outward on a larger rotor.

Lastly, welcome to the internet. Anything imaginable about brakes for the Schassis is well documented everywhere.

[dongoesby]

1) thanks, makes good sense! any chance D1 silvias convert to drum ebrake also (very curious)

2) If there are two brakes in the rear, would it be the same goes to the integrated-caliper ebrake? correct me if i'm wrong.

3) "As previously mentioned, rear 5 lug hubs from a NA Z32 will be needed. S14 5 lug hubs won't operate safely due to the lack of a flange for the main e-brake bolt." my240.epijunkie.com
In addition, I don't really understand this part. If i'm mistaken in the 2nd part, integrated-caliper uses the same caliper, so it makes sense that we don't have the option to ungrade to an aftermarket kit since the rotor thickness would be fixed for the caliper. In order to have an ebrake for big brake kit, we convert to Z32's drum brake, otherwise, the S14 upgrade brake kit would be without an ebrake?

Thanks ProjectRDM!

[OptionZero]

You need to think about that last question again, the answer is clear.

The S14 e-brake is ON THE CALIPER. Any S14 upgrade that replaces the caliper...well...bye bye s14 oe e-brake, right? Obvious.

[projectRDM]

1) thanks, makes good sense! any chance D1 silvias convert to drum ebrake also (very curious)

2) If there are two brakes in the rear, would it be the same goes to the integrated-caliper ebrake? correct me if i'm wrong.

3) "As previously mentioned, rear 5 lug hubs from a NA Z32 will be needed. S14 5 lug hubs won't operate safely due to the lack of a flange for the main e-brake bolt." my240.epijunkie.com
In addition, I don't really understand this part. If i'm mistaken in the 2nd part, integrated-caliper uses the same caliper, so it makes sense that we don't have the option to ungrade to an aftermarket kit since the rotor thickness would be fixed for the caliper. In order to have an ebrake for big brake kit, we convert to Z32's drum brake, otherwise, the S14 upgrade brake kit would be without an ebrake?

Thanks ProjectRDM!

The Z32 hub is NOT required. Some have a flange, some do not. There is PLENTY of info on hub differences as well as fitment of the kingpin bolt when using different hubs. Flange or not it can be made to work fine.

As for who converts, I have no idea, I assume people who feel the need to. I don't have an ebrake period on my car, don't need it, never have needed it, and it's just extra weight and parts that don't serve a purpose for me and never will. Some people use it solely when drifting, some when parking, I don't drift though and will never be caught dead doing so, and I always park in gear on flat ground so it's a pointless option for me. Others may disagree and feel the need to use an ebrake.

[dongoesby]

completely right, perfect, thx!! :)

[trsilvias13]

simple option is to get adapter plate to use bigger rotors. I notice you live in SF like me and it is wise to actually have ebrakes, unless everywhere is flat.

[dongoesby]

yea, ebrake is crucial for DD, especially in SF, you are right!