Akebono front Brakes vs Powerstop for all 4
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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?
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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
https://www.carid.com/2004-nissan-35...parentsubmodel[]=SUBMODEL|Enthusiast
Z1 14" Akebono Big Brake kit
https://www.z1motorsports.com/z1-pro...57061a2bc208e7
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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.
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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
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
Last edited by iideadeyeii; 09-08-2022 at 09:01 PM.
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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.
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.
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dkmura (09-09-2022)
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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
Do what you like, but I would shy away from the Akebono BBK unless you plan to run 19s all around.
-Icer
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ma3zastar (09-10-2022)
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ma3zastar (09-10-2022)
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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.
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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
Do what you like, but I would shy away from the Akebono BBK unless you plan to run 19s all around.
-Icer
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Yeah, no.