Poor man's 26mm z32 caliper kit

[Ritz S14]

I hope this isn't a repost. But just trying to help those of you who would like better stopping power at a fraction of the price.

Well on my search for Z32 calipers I came across 26mm calipers for $175 shipped in the FS forum.. thinking the GB was asking $250 for 30mm.. I figure I'll go with the 26mm.. I know most of you wouldn't ever consider ebay, but I found z32 wrapped SS braided lines for $110 shipped front and rear(you can get these at the majority of zilvia.net sponsors but they aren't wrapped). The day I recieved my calipers I did some searching and found pads for 19.99+tax for the fronts from AUTOZONE which just opened down the street from my work. Then it took me a couple of hours calling parts houses for 26mm rotors, but I finally found them at NAPA for 28.99 +tax each which would arrive the next day.

So totalling the cost of calipers/rotors/brake pads/brake lines.. it came out to be about $375, just takes a bit more time and patience to pull together. But well worth if if you asked me.. The calipers I bought could have used a rebuild, but as I was examining it seemd in good enough shape to throw on, but I suggest anyone who buys a used/non rebuilt calipers to rebuild them or have them rebuilt. I already had a bottle of brake fluid laying around so if needed just add $10 or so to the price.
Here's a list to make things easier:
Calipers $175 (fs forum)
(2)Rotors~ $65 (Napa auto parts)
Brake lines $110 (Ebay/zilvia sponsors)
Pads $22 (Autozone)
Brake fluid~$10 (any parts store)
Total =$382
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/Ritz%20S14/6a056c16.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/Ritz%20S14/be08edf9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/Ritz%20S14/3930870a.jpg
Rotors aren't pictured..but they're just NAPA banks..

You can always find cheaper/better parts.. But this is the route I took.. we'll see in a few days/weeks/months to see how they're holding up. Stopping power has dramatically increased by at least 30%(oh yeah no leaks yet:crosses fingers:).Only bad part about this swap is that they don't clear my rims by about 10mm.. if anyone has them(spacers) let me know.. Hoped you guys liked the info.

[Loofee95SE]

love the looks of those lines. thinking about doing the same thing for my S13 but just gonna drill the rotors, great post. C

[Ritz S14]

Lines are great, I haven't installed the rear lines since I don't have the rear z32 calipers yet(I want the whole ebrake assembly). I didn't buy the lines because of the color, but if you look closely you can see that there is some type of heatshrink on the lines to protect from any type of road debris, which can cause your lines to break(from what I've heard).

Sorry I don't have any pictures posted of the install, but I'll do it tomorrow.

[kandyflip445]

That blue jacket looks exactly like the one on my clutch line from SPL. Technafit(sp?) makes their lines IIRC.

[nightwalker]

hahaha, you got the autozone pads? those things suck. well, they're cheap, but they suck!

...I know cause I bought some, and am still using them. I keep telling myself to get something else. But you all know how that is.

[Ritz S14]

Yeah..they're already started squealing when I left the lift.. But it's just barely noticable..probably cause I half assed cleaning the shims before reusing them :doh:, and not rebuilding the calipers :doh: or maybe cause of my atozne rotors and napa rotors. Anyhow, I'll give you guys an update in a few hours after I sleep.. 1:09am

<-Zilvia insomniac crew.

[Toahk]

Autozone pads for life! thats what im running right now.... will run some better once I decide to do my brakes again... I was broke, they were cheap, brakes were shot, you know how it is.

[old_s13]

i wouldnt do any of this stuff without quality pads and a set of rear calipers and master cylinder.

imo, its all way too unbalanced.

[Salty_X]

You could've done it a little bit cheaper...

Classified calipers and Autozone pads = $197
Reman'd 26mm loaded (w/ pads) calipers from Autozone = $210.44 (including tax) with a $54.00 refundable core charge = $156.44

Those lines are exactly like SPL who charge $84 for a set and are very nice.

The rotors definitely made up for that though.

Not trying to knock you, it's just a heads up for other people considering the upgrade. No worries.

[Ritz S14]

You could've done it a little bit cheaper...

Classified calipers and Autozone pads = $197
Reman'd 26mm loaded (w/ pads) calipers from Autozone = $210.44 (including tax) with a $54.00 refundable core charge = $156.44

Those lines are exactly like SPL who charge $84 for a set and are very nice.

The rotors definitely made up for that though.

Not trying to knock you, it's just a heads up for other people considering the upgrade. No worries.

Damn those caliper rebuilds are a great deal.

What were your costs on rotors?

[Salty_X]

What were your costs on rotors?
Oh man. :Ownedd: Since I'm 4-lug and I didn't want to drill the rotors myself, I had to go with pre-drilled rotors from Heavy Throttle for $150. It's nice to have the peace of mind though, as I'm not sure I could've done it with the limited amount of tools and skill I have.

[Ritz S14]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/Ritz%20S14/a9c865eb.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/Ritz%20S14/f6433423.jpg
mixed matched wheels cause 2 SE wheels are bald, and my 17s don't clear by 10mm or so.

[mutkung]

cool, did mine for about $320. the caliper was $80+ rebuilt kit for &15.00. Run great so far. Haven't put HAWK pads yet though(still have about 70%left from the old pad that came with the caliper).

[evilimport]

Yeah, I got the 26mm z32 set-up too...all i need is rotors now...Dont really want to redrill them for 4 lug, though, and I wanna do a 5 lug swap too, so who knows when they'll get on the car...my conversion lines look exactly like that but without the blueish tint....

[Drunk Bastard]

i'll be doing the brake swap soon. glad to see some people are doing it pretty cheap.

[Frappe]

I've got a near similar 26mm setup.

ebay brakes (came with pads, still rocking those. Going to change to remanufactured calipers and MetalMasters soon, I don't trust the old brakes in the winter): 113 shipped, IIRC
SPL brake lines 300zx front, 240sx rear. Same price as yours, $84
Rotors from the Powertrix GB, 145 shipped?

I'd take pictures, but I lack a camera.

Does anyone know what size the bolts are on those SPL/Technafit lines?
My 12mm Flare Nut Wrench does not get along with the larger bolts.

[Ritz S14]

I piss myself off seeing that you guys only paid $84 for your lines, while I paid 110 shipped for the front and rear set of mine. That's freaking $26!!!!

[Kid Zelda]

I think those brake lines are trash, I wouldn't use them

imho

[Salty_X]

"IMHO" = "I have absolutely no evidence to support my reasoning, whatsoever."

:cj:

[silviasichigo]

the poor man has a jar marked Brakes and lines and a jar marked clutch and other jars marked with other various beautiful parts that are too expensive to buy right out.

[aznpoopy]

the other option for 30mm calipers is getting them from a junkyard and rebuilding them yourself... i've seen them for real cheap - even as low as 45 bucks / caliper. hell, sometimes they might not even need a rebuild.

[Ritz S14]

I work 6 1/2 days a week.. don't really have time to go to the junk yard or that would have been my first choice

[95Blue240sx]

depends where you live. here in the bay area i have never seen a z32 in a junkyard. you have to goto one of those nissan only place, and they still charge more than he paid.

good find i think. if you look at the lines they're dot legal. i dont really see any problem with them.

[theicecreamdan]

down here in san diego at ecology I have seen 3 different Z32s in the past couple months,

2 of them still had the front brakes, and each time it was $35 and some change for the pair

[Ritz S14]

You should take em off rebuild them..and start your own GB.. haha.
What does a complete rear z32 brake conversion cost with functioning ebrakes?

[TheSnail]

I got the complete rear brake conversion off a 300zx. I got the whole rear subframe. I needed the hubs and diff. My brother took the e-brake cables, for his conversion. So I have everything needed (-ebrake cables). Give me an offer for everything. Im cheap and I'm a nice guy.

-Snail

[Ritz S14]

PM'd ya

asldfjalsdfkjalsdkfjasdlkfjasdflaksjf characterlenght take that

[kabukie]

Hmmmmmm................

I tried looking for the Reman'd 26mm loaded (w/ pads) calipers from Autozone = $210.44 (including tax) with a $54.00 refundable core charge = $156.44
All i got was this?
http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?UseCase=C001&UserAction=setup&Parameters=Auto+Store|~REGULAR+PARTS+LOOK+UP|~BRAK E+CALIPER+LOADED+PAIR+-+FRONT

[bing]

good stuff,

i cant believe how much some places charge for the Z brake kits.

[Ritz S14]

TheSnail you are one AWESOME DUDE! I think you SO kindly for hooking me up with the complete rear z32 brake assembly (Minus ebrake cables, but that's OK!).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/56bcdad6.jpg


Oh yeah, the box looks like a marshmallow when it arrived (no pics threw it away immediately, and the styrofoam pretty much looked like it was caught up in a blender

[Salty_X]

Hmmmmmm................

I tried looking for the Reman'd 26mm loaded (w/ pads) calipers from Autozone = $210.44 (including tax) with a $54.00 refundable core charge = $156.44
All i got was this?
http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?UseCase=C001&UserAction=setup&Parameters=Auto+Store|~REGULAR+PARTS+LOOK+UP|~BRAK E+CALIPER+LOADED+PAIR+-+FRONT
The link just takes me to a page to pick out a car... use 1990 Nissan 300ZX non-turbo. There are pairs remanufactured by Morse and by ARI, I got the ARI ones, but the Morse pair would actually be cheaper. Go to the physical store and order them, they probably won't charge you shipping that way (didnt' for me).

[Ritz S14]

Ok I have the rear z32 brakes installed, and the ebrake should be fully functional tomorrow. Sorry I don't have any pics at the moment because I my sister has my card reader, and the camera link is at the shop. So I'm going to do a "write up" first, pictures later. Just want to hear your guys input.

Okay removing the rear brakes. Forget taking off the caliper to access the pads, just remove the two 17mm bolts holding the caliper assembly, and leave the caliper aside. Now that the caliper is off, you can remove the hub. YOU DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE THE WHOLE KNUCKLE THAT IS WASTING AN INSANE AMOUNT OF TIME!! There are 4 19mm bolts which can be easily accessible with a short 19mm socket and a ratchet. Once it's loose, you can use a 6" extenion to remove them(but do not remove them at this time). Next you would need a socket large enough to remove the bolt that holding the output shaft (forgot what size sorry). Now that the output shaft bolt is out you will need a slide hammer mounted to the hub to detach the hub from the spindle. So the hub should be out, but the 4 bolts in the back is holding it in place, now is the time to remove it. Staring at you is the output shaft and the knuckle. If you were to remove the knuckle expect roughly adding an hour to your completion time.

Okay if you have the complete e-brake assembly(if you don't, skip this part), the little hole on top of the knuckle is dirty/rusted. Solution: Insert the ebrake assembly into the hole of the knuckle, and tap it in with a hammer. Problem solved. At this time if you have extended wheel studs, install them now. I'll do a write up of my NISMO 60mm wheel studs tomorrow when I get back to work if anyone is intersted. E-brake assembly mounted, make sure to install the bolt securing the e-brake. To make the ebrake work you will need at least a foot of z32 ebrake cable along with your stock ebrake cable to work.. You'll see what I mean when I post the pics. You can now mount the hub back on, securing the four rear 19mm bolts, and the center outputshaft(dont' forget washer!).

(No ebrake assembly start Here)Now put the z32 rotors on, and you're now probably 60% complete. Install the caliper with the 17mm bolts you removed from the stock calipers, and make sure the washers are on there. Install pads,shims/pins and remove the stock caliper lines 10mm flare nut wrench. Install z32 conversion lines, bleed brakes and you're ready to test drive. Brake pedal with the z32 fronts feel just like stock. Brake pedal feel with z32 f/r rear brake setup feels very low, but solid. Pics tomorrow. E-brake pics tomorrow.
ALWAYS ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THE TORQUE SPECS ON THE BOLTS YOU'VE REMOVED WHEN YOU REINSTALL THEM.

Thanks to TheSnail, this setup only set me back roughly $160. +/- Feedback is welcome.

[s13dan]

My freind works at O'Rielys... (an autoparts store in the midwest) so i think i might be able to get close to that price with all new parts.. stock front and rear rotors and pads for my 89 was 150$ with all the best parts dot3 and brake qiuet. maybe could get all new parts for 400-450$

[Ritz S14]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/f1463446.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/99c5d0ad.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/c03ec0d9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/2823b7aa.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/5c5298e5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/b6d07bf8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/82f4129a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/910fd928.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/96877be3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/46668ada.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/bd811076.jpg

[drftwerks]

For the core at the store do you jsut return your 240 sx ones?

[Ritz S14]

Sometimes you may be able to get away with returning the 240sx core for the z32 calipers. But if the guy who takes the core looks it up in the book, then no.

[infinitexsound]

< i tried that LOL....

[mrmephistopheles]

that was a pretty useless revive, so I'll try to make it less useless by asking a tech question:

Does anyone know if that hole (the top one that Smog Tech mentions being rusty) is on S13 spindles too, or not?

[mrmephistopheles]

Also, could you take a pic of the socket/extension/swivel/ whatever your'e using to get at those 19mm bolts? Maybe my 19mm sockets are just too big.

[nlzmo400r]

i wouldnt do any of this stuff without quality pads and a set of rear calipers and master cylinder.

imo, its all way too unbalanced.

when i first did my swap, i rebuilt my 26mm, used stainless lines all the way around, brembo fronts, rotora rears (stock rear calipers) and dot4 fluid (no m/c swap) and it wasn't unbalanced at all. I was actually surprised at how well it felt. I'll be doing the z32 rear swap in a couple of weeks, and getting a new m/c (1 1/16), and im almost afraid it'll feel a little 'off' as opposed to what im used to.

[mrmephistopheles]

Well, having driven Mike's car, and driven mine (and other cars with Z32 front only), I have to agree with him. His car is WAY more balanced.

[sw20>>s14]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/brakeswap/910fd928.jpg

ive been though the write ups plenty of times. granted, i havnt actually done it yet, but why do you have to hammer a part of the ebrake assembly. i havnt read anything about it yet...any more details?

edit: :duh: duh! to make it fit...nevermind...its like 3 and im tired

[Ritz S14]

The hole is rusted, rather than cleaning it.. I just hammered it in.

[michael1284]

so how did you connect the z32 ebrake to your stock ebrake -_-

[Ritz S14]

Damn it... lol I should have took pictures while the car was in the air. I'll try and do that tonight.

[sw20>>s14]

you do the 'ol spliceroo?

[Marty]

So for this autozone deal, you trade in a pair of 300zx calipers to get a rebate on the remanufactured ones?

[sw20>>s14]

So for this autozone deal, you trade in a pair of 300zx calipers to get a rebate on the remanufactured ones?

you pay 50-60 something for "core charge." you get the money back when you give them your brakes. so its like a deposit...why else would it be so cheap? its a cycle. thats why autozone usually doesnt care. if they get your 240 brakes for their z brakes, theyll still be able to sell them...as long as they can sell something with minamal work, theyre happy...

[Marty]

you pay 50-60 something for "core charge." you get the money back when you give them your brakes. so its like a deposit...why else would it be so cheap? its a cycle. thats why autozone usually doesnt care. if they get your 240 brakes for their z brakes, theyll still be able to sell them...as long as they can sell something with minamal work, theyre happy...

Oh so I don't even need to find an old pair of 300zx brakes to trade in, I can just use my 240's?

[sw20>>s14]

Oh so I don't even need to find an old pair of 300zx brakes to trade in, I can just use my 240's?

your not supposed to, but if your lucky, yeah...id say you have a strong 75-85 percent...depending on whether the autozone at your location has been scammed a lot and is very aware of this type of exchange...either way, go for it...

i sw20>>s14 am in no way liable for marty's actions or reprecussions

[HyperTek]

thanks for bumping this thread up. I didnt know about it.. ill prolly swap my full z32 setup soon..

Any one got insite on how often would the drum brakes need to be replaced? I got a z32 rear end (and MC) sittin in my garage that I really havent jumped on yet, but seeing as how easy it is in the pics.. I want to do it..

[Ritz S14]

Z32 brakes should last the life of the car.. IF you just use it as your ebrake.

But if you decide to use it for drifting, I suggest you check it every six months or so.

[nrg]

not too shaby.
I did my 30mm alum front install for 170 INSTALLED! oem rotors, oem pads, oem lines.
Stock half hard half rubber lines bolt right in like stock.

I'll be doing the rear in the future.

[boosteds13]

Here's my setup--

26mm calipers from car-part.com -- $50 (for both)
seal kit from parts store -- $14 (both calipers)
Axxis pads from heavy throttle -- $39
front lines from SPL -- $45
Slotted rotors from forumracing.com -- $105 (for both including the $10 per rotor to have them in 4-lug)

Total = $253

My car has ABS with the slightly larger master cylinder (15/16), so anything bigger would be overkill. And I don't plan on doing the rears.

[Ritz S14]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/z32/z.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/z32/PICT1342.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/z32/PICT1340.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/z32/PICT1339.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/z32/PICT1338.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/z32/PICT1337.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/smogtec/z32/PICT1336.jpg

There done!!!

Worked pretty well at the NCDA event.. can't wait till next Thurs!! :drama:

[projectRDM]

that was a pretty useless revive, so I'll try to make it less useless by asking a tech question:

Does anyone know if that hole (the top one that Smog Tech mentions being rusty) is on S13 spindles too, or not?

All rear spindles have it.

[bosozoku.s14]

these pics are great!!! they helped me alot when i did my 5lug swap last night...

thanks smogtech

[HyperTek]

hey what is that piece called that you tied the ebrake lines together?? thanks.

[Ritz S14]

They're in the same section as "cable crimps". I seem to have misplaced my other package :( they're sold in pairs. Available at OSH.