StopTech's brake upgrade beats Track's Brembos
 

The following are the results of a on track testing, all performed on the same day.
They had two 2003 Nissan 350Zs, one was a Performance Model and the other a Track Model.
Tires, wheels, and pads were as delivered Original Equipment (optional 18 inch wheels on the Performance Model.)
They tested the stock Performance Model then mounted their 332mm front kit and then their 355mm front kit using Axxis Ultimate pads with stock rear.
The Track Model was tested unmodified.
They performed 20 stops per car.

The averages were:

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp60-0 100-0
Stock Perf. model &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp118.01 333.57
Stock Track model &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp117.28 328.30
ST 332mm front &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp115.83 326.87
ST 355mm front &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp115.08 326.16


With a close look to this results I would go with the 332mm front upgrade. They run for about $1995, the 355mm go for $2595

For more info look at http://www.stoptech.com/docs/350Zstopping.htm

yes, they are marginally better. However, after 100 miles on a road course on saturday (talladega grand prix), my Brembo's exhibited no fade at all. After 2 20 mile sessions, my friend's M3 brakes were fading badly. There definitely is no need at all to upgrade from Brembos!

I agree with those statements. I am a big fan of Stoptechs. Used them on my Audi A4 at the track. Great brakes and a huge upgrade from OEM Audi A4 brakes.

Not so sure I would upgrade my Brembs to the Stoptechs.

This past weekend I put about 400 miles on my car at Texas World Speedway. It's a 2.9 mile road course with 15 turns and a few spots with heavy braking.

I use Carbotech Panther Plus in the fronts and Carbotech Panther in the rears. Everything else is stock. No fade, no boiled fluid and very even wear on the pads. Very impressive brakes.

Once I start running R-compound tires, I'll go to a more aggressive pad in the front and a true track-compound pad in the rear.

Now... if I did not have the Track model, I would have had a Stoptech kit in the garage waiting for my Z to be delivered.


PeteH

That's true the Track Brembos should be great, but for people w/o the Track model this could be a great upgrade.

Anyone knows about the price for the Track model's Brembos from a dealer or OEM parts retailer?

They should fit any other model with the right wheel size. Right?

The Track Brembos would be much more expensive than stoptech, but you don't need to upgrade the wheels to put them on. I tried the 17s from my wife's g35c, same wheel specs, and they fit fine, and I have 17" auto-x wheels also.

I've seen them purchased used from G35c guys for 2000 and 2500.

I too agree, that over stock, it would be a worthwhile upgrade.

I agree!



(oh yea, I already have them)

all bark, how would you rate the brake upgrade overall...worth the $2000?

Thats a tough answer. I like the brakes, they do work very well. For everyday street driving do you really need them?????? I am not so sure. They seem better than the stock ones for sure but I guess it just comes down to the $$$$$.

If you have an extra 2K hanging around burning a hole in your pocket I would say, go for it. If you frequent the track with your Z I would say, "definitely go for it!"

Other than that I would say, How hard do you drive? The hard drivers (like me) would be wise to increase stopping distances and brake fade by adding stoptechs. Normal drivers, save your moeny or invest in some nice tires instead!

I hope that helps!

Oh, and by the way. Two different sets of pads and they both squeak (annoyingly) on the slow pull up to stoplight stops. This BUGS ME! Hard stops are quiet.

edit:

....nevermind. Answered own question. Nothing more to see here :)