Brembo upgrade
 

Hi I'm new to the 350z world. I recently purchased a 2005 base model. I was wondering how much work is involved in switching over to brembo calipers ? Thanks for any input.

Welcome- you'll find there's already a wealth of info on this subject with even a basic search. Here's a link to one thread that'll answer most of your questions:

https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...bo-brakes.html

Fairly straightforward upgrade, but a word of warning. Do not let the hydraulic system run dry. If you do, you'll have a world of pain trying to get the air out. Install the calipers one att a time, and cap the line when you're changing over to the new calipers/hoses.

thank you for the response

thanks good to know

Sorry to thread jack but...

what is the best way to cap them?

I want to paint my Akebonos and figured removing them from the car would make my life easier. Pinching the stock rubber lines would seem straight forward but I've got stainless lines and then don't compress as easily. I was thinking of finding a nut that is the right size/thread and screwing the banjo bolt into it. Since I'm painting I would have all the calipers off at once.

I just used one of the rubber bleeder caps from one of the calipers. That works for the line junction at the chassis. If you want to plug a banjo fitting, I like to use foam ear plugs, or you can shove a short piece of appropriately-sized vacuum tubing thru the hole.

Depending on the wheels you have you might also want to look into the Akebono swap. It sometimes is a very similar price in the end and you can get new parts.

Other than getting used calipers somewhere you can get "rebuilt" calipers from napa and a few other places. The calipers will require paint and are also "equivalent fit and function" not Brembo calipers.

Interesting... I give it a shot thanks :thumbup:

For the OP - above is the route I took. Sourcing Brembos is hit and miss - gotta check local Craigslist and the forum marketplace here. Since the Akebonos are also OEM parts (G37S & 370Z) replacement pads/rotors are no problem. More info here: https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...03-07-g-z.html

On both Akebono and Brembo (not as difficult since these are OE Z33), just make sure your wheels (OE or aftermarket) will clear BEFORE buying the kit else you're going to be looking at different wheels and your car will be on stands while you wait for them.

Vendor sites selling the Akebono upgrade kits have fit templates you can download and cut out of poster board to check existing wheels for both spoke and barrel clearance.

Good point. The Akebonos are MASSIVE, they clear the factory V1 and V2 Touring 18" wheels... but just barely - you'll only have millimeters of clearance. Due to the space they occupy your spare tire will not fit up front :o The Brembos are smaller which widens your selection of choices including the lightweight Rays 18" Wheels which were the OEM setup on Brembo equipped Zs (aka the Track package)