stupid question....can i just replace the rotors in the z and upgrade them to stillen slotted or cross drilled/slotted rotors? or do i also have to do the calipers? wanted to replace the rotors...but don't think i need to replace the calipers as well. thankz...

 

For what purpose are you doing the swap? If you just want to do it for looks (or less brake fading) go with the rotors. If you want to increase stopping power you must get the calipers also.

 

just wanted to do it for the looks off the bat. doing that and replacing the brake lines with steel ones. i'm not racing it on the track...but i do show it off! haha.

 

Looks?? Go for it. Nothing sexier than big x-drilled rotors. But don't think for a minute they'll stop any better because they will not.

 

that's what the steel braided brake lines are for. that will help a little....and then eventually i'll get some nice calipers to add to the x-drilled rotors! for now....it's all looks!

 

If you plan on replacing the calipers later just do it all at once. If you buy the stillen rotor for the stock calipers you will have a hard time finding a good caliper for them. Just bite the bullet spend the 2 grand and get the real thing right off the bat.

 

i would if i had 2 grand to throw into brakes. i could pay 250 on ebay for some stillen x-drilled rotors....beats spending 2000 for all new brakes....especially when i'm only looking for a "cosmetic" fix. unless you wanted to buy them for me? haha.

 

Go with Stoptech setup rotors,calipers,steel brake lines.. and upgrade all FOUR corners. I can't stress this enough

 

13" Rotor Big Brake Kit: $1,995.00
14" Rotor Big Brake Kit: $2,595.00
4 wheel Brake System: $4,995.00

just a tad too much for me! would rather just get the rotors (scratch off the last number on any of those prices...if not more!) and other "cosmetic" parts.

 

If the money is the problem, then it sounds like you are really low on choices and have come up with a pretty good solution. I'm not sure if I like the slotted or drilled or slotted/drilled look the best, increasing the size fit well in the wheel is critical. From what I've read, it sounds like properly drilled brakes do not have any negatives over slotted, but also not any positives. Improperly drilled brakes however, can have stress concentrations at the holes that can lead to premature failures. I doubt any well reputed aftermarket brake company has that problem. I would guess it only the do-it-yourselfer's who X-drill their stock rotors that have problems like that.

I personally like the stoptech $2000 kit, but it is a bit expensive so I'm holding off on my upgrades until I can afford that one. My true, hearfelt advice would be to save the cash until you can get a well engineered kit, rather than a bunch of thrown together parts, but if that's not an option for you, then go for it and be sure to tell us all how it turns out!

React3, why do you say to upgrade all four corners? I have read many reports about front only kits that still work very well and that are balanced to the factory (or near factory) specs. Where are you getting your info? I'd like to read it.

-D'oh!

 

What about this brake kit: http://www.freewebs.com/350zbrakes/

A fellow 300ZX owner (that also knows Mr. K personally, BTW) and NASA Spec-Miata racer is developing that kit. I got a chance to see to 6-piston front caliper & rotor and 4-piston rear caliper & rotor. They are really nice.

Michael.