I'm looking to upgrade my OEM non-brembo '03 using this kit from Z1:

http://www.z1motorsports.com/350_g35...oducts_id=2240

Does anyone know if this kit (slotted rotors, SS lines, super blue fluid, Hp + pads) is track worthy or a true upgrade from the stock setup, or should I hold off for either some brembos or a BBK? It's the only option within my price point right now.

I did some HPDE's at Sebring (FL), MSR (TX) and H2R (TX) with just HPS pads, and by the end of the day my brakes were always fading fast.

 

Z1 is who I went with when I did my OEM Brembo upgrade and I noticed a significant difference. I'd say their non-Brembo upgrade package will really help you out for the time being! Now, it won't hold up as well as Brembo's do on the track, but if you're looking for something in your price range to give you better performance feel I'd say go for it.

However, on another note...if you can scrounge up another $500 on top of that upgrade package cost and do some hunting I bet you could find a set of OEM brembos. Choices choices. Something we all gotta deal with!

 

I'm probably around $500 into my G37 brake upgrade, with good hawk pads and slotted rotors it stops pretty well. They're not exactly Brembos but I don't pay nearly as much for rotors or pads.

The 07 G35S and the 08/09 G37 run 13" rotors front and back, I believe the calipers are the same as the later non-sport G37 and 370z only with larger rotors.

 

Where can I find rear OE Brembo's nowadays ?
I have already installed fronts several years ago.

 

Another cool thing about Brembos and actually using them at the track is that after they get heat treated a bunch, they turn brown. The more brown the caliper is, the harder you drive the car. Its like earning Xbox achievements, its awesome. "Player has unlocked Brownbos!" hahah

Pad changes really are a breeze. Just pop two pins out and remove a retaining bracket, they slide right out. Pads and rebuild kits are not vehicle specific so if a non-nissan shop has a sale on either of them, you can get them a bit cheaper. Race pad selection is also much greater for Brembos.
You can also get titanium brake pad backing plates for brembos that help to disperse heat and keep your seals from blowing and fluid from boiling.
Brembos. If I say it one more time I think I'm going to squeal with delight.

 

Keep an eye on the marketplace, there are sets popping all the time

 

 

My '03 Track Model came with Brembos and when we do hwy 25 heading south to Hearst Castle with the straights and sharp curves, etc. I loved it. The bite, smooth action, running with others: S/C NSX's, corvettes, Z's, G's S/C'ed it's a blast. Also a good safe comfortable feeling with the performance of the Brembos. I can't say anything bad about them.

 

Is there a kit at that price somewhere? I need new brakes (non-brembos) and every good brand I seem to find is at least 200 each f/r just for rotors.

 

My OEM 07 calipers work fine with race pads fluid etc on the track. That being said I evantually want to get a BBK, but im doing just fine on stock calipers and I'm not dirt slow or anything.

 

- Go to TireRack.com
- Put in your model/year
- Copy the part #'s for the rotors (Centric are fine)
- Google and find the lowest price

Think I found fronts at like $90 a piece shipped and rears at $70.

 

True!

 

Thanks, guess I was looking at too fancy rotors.

 

Has anyone upgraded from stock brakes to something else, where the difference (improvement) was phenomenal ?
.

 

“Phenomenal” is subject to expectations. There isn’t a kit out there - without going through the entire 9 yards of upgrading to huge rotors, calipers, hydraulics and pedal - that will improve braking much in street driving. Read terrasmak’s comment post #5. Dead on.

While not “phenomenal” per se, biggest improvement in both feel and stopping distance reduction can be had through a review of your actual needs and using the honest and appropriate pads for your needs. While Z stock brakes (non-Brembo) are not terrible, when I went from stock to three different sets (testing), the feel - initial bite, fade resistance, perceived (butt dyno) overall stopping power - improved to the point of ruling out even the “budget friendly” Brembo upgrade FOR MY NEEDS. If I did anything more than the mountains, e.g., track use, then yes, bigger everything is a “must” upgrade simply due to the thermodynamics involved.

Bottom line: You can probably make your brake set up "phenomenal" IF you’re willing to spend the $4-6k to go full BBK with upgraded hydraulics, steel/teflon lines, pedal, etc. A Brembo/Akebono Z34 conversion is honestly more than adequate for the large portion of Z owners.

 

This highly depends on what year car you have, the 03-05 brakes are a pathetic choice for a sports car. My GTI brakes are VASTLY superior.
I went from 04 single piston to 06 with dual piston fronts and there was a performance difference felt, but feel was about the same.
Then I went to the Nismo 4/2 kit with 2pc rotors, that setup feels WAY better than either of the stock setups.
They not only stop faster, they also have better modulation, they also look better lol.

 

KSport makes BBK with 15.7" rotors.

 

I went from single piston to Brembo fronts with Motul fluid and Stoptech pads, while improving over stock, full F/R Akebono with Bosch synthetic fluid and pads are my favorite in terms of feel and response.

 

I been debating if i should upgrade to the brembos but I just cant seem to pull the trigger on a set. They definitely give the car a better look but is it really worth it for me? I dont track and ill go up to the canyon every once in a while so i dont see the need for a BBK. Now is getting some slotted rotors, some better pads and steel braided lines a better route? or is that also over kill for what i use the car for?

 

Save your money. Get the Akebono used.