AngelC

Hey folks.

My brakes are dying after 100k miles. And well I wanted to replace them with something worthwhile. I have a 96 Max SE. They have stock wheels.

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the Big Brake Kit from SouthWestAutoWorks.com, and if so does it have everything I need to have my brakes replaced. And will they fit the stock tires. I'll be upgrading rims and tires later but I'd like to keep these for now.

If these don't meet my needs or if they downright suck, let me know what are my alternatives. I really dont want to pay too much, but I want quality as well.

Thanks guys.

Nealoc187

iTrader: (23)

No those will not fit under stock wheels.

Mmmaxx

hmm only think I dont like about big brake kits is that its expensive and only for front, you have to get another kit for the rear ;(

mrb23

ya really don't need anything for the rear if you get a BBK.

AngelC

What would you guys recommend then? Something inexpensive would be great.

silver99

My alternative to the expensive big brake kit was a 300zx brake conversion. U can do this by purchasing new 300zx rotors and 300zx calipers. I recommend getting the steel version that came on the later models. Unfortunately u will need a bigger rim to fit the 300zx rotor. This conversion will not work with the stock rims

drewm

Actually the Wilwood was quoted as fitting under the SE 16"s just fine because the rotor is only 12.2". I almost got it. The other kits like the AP and Brembos will definately need 17s.

Nealoc187

iTrader: (23)

I was thinking of stock 15s that most of the cars on here came with.

silver99 why do you recommend the iron calipers? It will work with stock rims if you get spacers, the diameter isnt the problems its how far the caliper sticks out.

JeffesonM

iTrader: (5)

Where did hear about Wilwood fitting under stock wheels? I remember hearing this also, but I've also heard that they will not fit. Can you provide any more info?

drewm

I almost bought a set when the first came out for $850 because I had the stock 16s and was interested in a big brake kit, and wasn't looking to get new rims at the time. They only fit under the 16in SE rims and not the GLE/GXE/older SE 15s. The calipers were specially designed to be very low clearance, you can even see it in the pics, they don't stick out much past the rotors.

With the poster having a 96SE that came with the 15s, it won't fit. I was thinking of the 97+ when I first answered. The only thing that will fit under the stock 15s would be stock sized rotors. You'd definately need bigger rims for any sort of larger brake kit.

Then again, not everyone needs a big brake kit, it's generally only useful if you've expierenced fading with your stock brakes. Otherwise the stock size with good pads can lock up the wheels really well.

All the big brake kits compared are here:
http://drewm.dyndns.org/~drew/maxfaq...maBigBrakeKits

JeffesonM

iTrader: (5)

Thanks, that's good information. So presumably if they fit under OEM 16s, they will fit under 2K+ 17s?

99Maxima5sp

Ive always wondered, but if you dont have ABS, and you get a big brake kit, are you more liable to lock them up?!


Eric

JeffesonM

iTrader: (5)

read this article from StopTech, which is discussed in this thread

silver99

Im looking for the link now that explains the benefits........, getting the steel caliper is a sure fire way ur getting the 30mm caliper, the one that came stock on the turbo model. The "30mm Iron" calipers were used on ALL 1992.5-1996 300ZX's (both turbo and non-turbo alike). They also used the 280mm x 30mm rotor. I am assuming that the latest available version of the caliper is the best and would also assume that if its standard on the turbo model it is designed for performance. If i find that link ill post it asap.