ma3zastar

I’ve been looking to get some new brakes and both of these are similar prices except Akebono is for the front wheels and the powerstop for all 4 brakes. Suggestions?

iideadeyeii

iTrader: (6)

Are you talking about the calipers? Powerstop are just powder coated factory rebuilt; I don't think they have a big brake kit. Akebono look very similar to the factory brembos

iideadeyeii

iTrader: (6)

Here's a spoon Get factory dual piston brembo calipers, rotors, pads and lines for about $500 shipped. You just need 4 banjo bolts/8 washers

ma3zastar

The brake kit. With the calipers and the pads included

iideadeyeii

iTrader: (6)

Link both items

ma3zastar

Front and Rear for 1k PowerStop
https://www.carid.com/2004-nissan-35...parentsubmodel[]=SUBMODEL|Enthusiast
Z1 14" Akebono Big Brake kit
https://www.z1motorsports.com/z1-pro...57061a2bc208e7

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Let's go over basics: the Powerstop kit is a small upgrade over the stock Z33 brakes. Either the Brembos or Akebono brake calipers use a monoblock design that greatly enhance the heat sink potential of the brakes and have a greater swept area for better friction. Personally, I'd go for the rebuilt Brembos that iideadeyeii listed from Rockauto. It will make the biggest difference in braking distances and overall performance than either of the options the OP listed.

iideadeyeii

iTrader: (6)

You can get center vented rotors too for about $80 a pop also.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=1896&jsn=949

I don't need this swap, but I might just do it for looks. The banjo bolts are m10x1.0

fullvietFX

iTrader: (1)

Ksport.

MicVelo

THIS. ^^^

Apples v. Oranges comparison.

As has been noted by dkmura, the Akebono calipers are monoblock design and direct from the Z34 Sport Pkg/Nismo cars. They feature a larger diameter than stock - 14" vs 12.6" rotor (higher swept area) and true four piston design. And perhaps the most important comparison is in the fact that the Powerstops do not mention what they are made of. The Z34 brakes are aluminum versus what I'm guessing is the Powerstops are cast iron (like stock Z33 and Z34 basic, non-Brembo and non-Akebono Sports, respectively).

BIG difference in heat dissipation AND, a highly important (and often overlooked) factor, a big difference in unsprung weight. Weight is the enemy in brakes. I liken this to putting on inexpensive aftermarket wheels that weigh more than OE wheels, you'll pay the price in braking, steering response, suspension action.

If you are going to UPGRADE brakes because you truly need the performance enhancement for track or other heavy duty tasks, pay the price and use quality materials that offer a significant upgrade in performance, not something that offers a trade off; that is, you'll get sticky pads in cool looking calipers and rotors, but offer only fractional improvements in braking because they aren't up to the other units in offering lower weight and higher heat rejection.

I also note that the Powerstop kit comes with "Extreme Performance" rated pads. Watch out for those when the brakes are cold. Anything that offers claimed improvement for "performance or racing" also require heat to get them to work properly. Once they're hot, they're probably good; but cold brakes can catch you off guard.

Don't get me wrong, Powerstop products aren't bad - I used them on one of my Zs - but generally speaking, won't offer the type of performance that a proper (and yes, more expensive) Brembo or Akebono setup will.

icer5160

iTrader: (4)

I've tried 3 iterations of brake kits on my Z. The stock 2-piston front/1-rear, Akebono BBK, and now I'm using the Brembos. In my humble opinion, the Brembo setup is the best all-around way to go. I like the Brembos for simple reasons...you get more wheel fitment options, no funky adapters to worry about, solid stopping power, and great heat characteristics. I'm also using Stoptech slotted rotors (not drilled!) with Goodridge SS lines and the stock bmc. I love the pedal feel and feedback. I'm not even using crazy brake pads, just some Akebono Pro ACT Ceramics. Not ideal for track use, but great for all weather/daily driving (at least here in CA) with some "spirited" stints mixed in. I've been super happy with this configuration, no complaints.

Do what you like, but I would shy away from the Akebono BBK unless you plan to run 19s all around.
-Icer

DarkZ03

iTrader: (11)

I planned on 19s and still have zero desire for the Akebono boat anchors lol. I love how light my Nismo setup is, and I have no fear of paint damage cause they are anodized. =)

mr. sparco

iTrader: (13)

I <3 my boat anchors. Compared to the stock steel brake calipers these felt lighter. Can't say the rotors were though. lol

DarkZ03

iTrader: (11)

That's what I was referring to, the calipers are lighter.
At the end of the day they are all prone to the same issue.
Only way to fight knock back is relocating the calipers which the Nismo and some BBKs do.

jhc

Agreed, love my Akebonos but 1 front started scoring the inside of my 18" RPF01s, had to dremmel off some material to prevent more damage.

ma3zastar

my stock brakes are squeaking right now so I’m just looking for something aesthetically nice with some performance as well. Not tracking it or anything. I’m planning to run 18s all around with some coils. I’ll look for some other options. Thank you!!!

fullvietFX

iTrader: (1)

Front:
https://ksportusa.com/product/infini...initi-g35-2006

Rear:
https://ksportusa.com/product/infini...initi-g35-2006

DarkZ03

iTrader: (11)

Useless and expensive, may as well do GTR brakes for that money

fullvietFX

iTrader: (1)

OEM ones? Would they even fit a G35/350Z without custom brackets?

MicVelo

$6200 brakes for my car, worth, at best $10k.

Yeah, no.