View Poll Results: Which brakes are better for minor track use
Small brakes - Performance pads & Rotors
0
0%
Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll
Stock Brakes (track pads/rotors) VS Akebono (stock rotors/pads)
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: South FL
Stock Brakes (track pads/rotors) VS Akebono (stock rotors/pads)
I'm new to the 350z Community
I'm approaching my first SCC track day on the 18th
In an effort to prepare for track use and not die, I'm trying to make a decision
I have 2 choices of now
1# $500 - Stock small brakes
Stoptech front and rear performance pads
Stoptech front slotted rotors
Stoptech rear Cryotreated - slotted rotors
2# $1000 - Akebono
Front & Rear stock brakes w/ rotors
Front brackets for mounting
Front steel brake lines
3# CHEAP Braked and Rotors (of ceramic quality)
Cheap brakes and rotors I expect to destroy and replace after the track
I need to know if option #1 will be enough for track use or even if option #2 can handle 3x 10 minute sessions on the track?
What is the best option here? This doesn't include fluid and install prices
I'm approaching my first SCC track day on the 18th
In an effort to prepare for track use and not die, I'm trying to make a decision
I have 2 choices of now
1# $500 - Stock small brakes
Stoptech front and rear performance pads
Stoptech front slotted rotors
Stoptech rear Cryotreated - slotted rotors
2# $1000 - Akebono
Front & Rear stock brakes w/ rotors
Front brackets for mounting
Front steel brake lines
3# CHEAP Braked and Rotors (of ceramic quality)
Cheap brakes and rotors I expect to destroy and replace after the track
I need to know if option #1 will be enough for track use or even if option #2 can handle 3x 10 minute sessions on the track?
What is the best option here? This doesn't include fluid and install prices
Last edited by DJKapeesh; Apr 6, 2017 at 10:59 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 8
From: Ottawa, ON
To be honest, if this is your very first day you will be fine completely stock. If you do really want an upgrade you'll be fine with just upgraded pads on stock brakes and rotors. I'd also go with a Dot-4 brake fluid such as Motul 600. Getting SS lines is good but truly an option at this point.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,625
Likes: 1,394
From: Aurora, Colorado
There's two considerations to be aware of: first, most first time track day enthusiasts tend to overbrake as they learn a particular circuit. This introduces a lot of heat into the brake system and the smaller standard brakes on the Z33 will quickly fade. Second, the amount of track time and FUN you get to experience at the track is inversely related to the amount of brake fade you get as the day goes on.
To me, upgrading the standard brakes is a bit of a waste; just spend that $500 towards Brembo or Akebono monoblock brakes and you'll be better off in both the short and long runs.
To me, upgrading the standard brakes is a bit of a waste; just spend that $500 towards Brembo or Akebono monoblock brakes and you'll be better off in both the short and long runs.
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
MY350Z.COM
MY350Z.COM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,315
Likes: 3,378
From: Northern California
No comments other than "Where are you getting those prices?"
Z34 sport brakes for a grand?? Might be able to find a set of calipers for that much. Add good rotors, lines, pads, mounting brackets and you're well into the $1500-2000 range.
But, if you can source that setup for a grand and it doesn't need rebuilding or similar, go for that, track or not.
Z34 sport brakes for a grand?? Might be able to find a set of calipers for that much. Add good rotors, lines, pads, mounting brackets and you're well into the $1500-2000 range.
But, if you can source that setup for a grand and it doesn't need rebuilding or similar, go for that, track or not.
New Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 558
Likes: 41
From: Margate, FL
There's two considerations to be aware of: first, most first time track day enthusiasts tend to overbrake as they learn a particular circuit. This introduces a lot of heat into the brake system and the smaller standard brakes on the Z33 will quickly fade. Second, the amount of track time and FUN you get to experience at the track is inversely related to the amount of brake fade you get as the day goes on.
To me, upgrading the standard brakes is a bit of a waste; just spend that $500 towards Brembo or Akebono monoblock brakes and you'll be better off in both the short and long runs.
To me, upgrading the standard brakes is a bit of a waste; just spend that $500 towards Brembo or Akebono monoblock brakes and you'll be better off in both the short and long runs.
I went thru the same decision process about 2 years ago. Considered the Brembo upgrade as well. As mentioned the factory brakes are just too small and overheat easily. Since switching to the Akebonos I have not had any issues. I run EBC Blues and am getting much better at braking late and HARD. With Motul 600 Racing Brake Fluid I get no fade and thus high confidence all day long, multiple sessions. I run at Homestead and Sebring.
Also budget $1700-1900 for this upgrade with all new pads, lines, fluid, plus shipping (rotors are heavy!). I installed everything myself.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: South FL
This advice is spot on.
I went thru the same decision process about 2 years ago. Considered the Brembo upgrade as well. As mentioned the factory brakes are just too small and overheat easily. Since switching to the Akebonos I have not had any issues. I run EBC Blues and am getting much better at braking late and HARD. With Motul 600 Racing Brake Fluid I get no fade and thus high confidence all day long, multiple sessions. I run at Homestead and Sebring.
Also budget $1700-1900 for this upgrade with all new pads, lines, fluid, plus shipping (rotors are heavy!). I installed everything myself.
I went thru the same decision process about 2 years ago. Considered the Brembo upgrade as well. As mentioned the factory brakes are just too small and overheat easily. Since switching to the Akebonos I have not had any issues. I run EBC Blues and am getting much better at braking late and HARD. With Motul 600 Racing Brake Fluid I get no fade and thus high confidence all day long, multiple sessions. I run at Homestead and Sebring.
Also budget $1700-1900 for this upgrade with all new pads, lines, fluid, plus shipping (rotors are heavy!). I installed everything myself.
