Not getting any help over in the advanced suspension, chassis, and braking section. Hopefully someone can help me out here!

So I am pretty sure my front brakes are experiencing the infamous warping/shuddering and am ready to replace the rotors and pads. I've been doing some research and if possible, would like to up the size of the front rotors with as little modification as possible. I know the 6th gen rotors are a popular upgrade, but they do NOT fit underneath my 5.0 AE wheels.

Since the 6th gen BBK upgrade is out of the question, my next option is to upgrade the fronts to 5.5 gen rotors. I've been searching around and would like some clarification on upgrading to this size. I found this thread and the OP states he did this upgrade. Is all I need to make the 5.5 rotors work with my 5.0 calipers the 5.5 caliper bracket?

I'm planning on replacing the rotors with brembo blanks, which seems to be the consensus choice. As far as pads, I've read a lot on here about how everyone likes the Hawk HPS pads. I've also been hearing about EBC pads (anyone have opinions on ebc's?). Also have been looking through the Group Deal. They have the zinc plated brembo blanks for 89-01 but not for 5.5 gens, they are RTP. How do they compare in quality/stopping power/reliability to the brembo blanks?

I know there's a lot here, but any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Why even bother upgrading to 5.5...just go ahead to do teh 6th gen swap...its not hard nor expensive, then just pick up some stock 6th gen 18 inch wheels to clear the calipers. If I, a 22 yr old, part time working, full time student can find a way to afford it so can you.

 

I don't want to buy new wheels. I just bought brand new tires last summer and they have less than 3000 miles on them. I'm just trying to go the easiest route possible. I'm in my last semester of college and it's definitely not your typical blow-off last semester class load. Kinda funny, took less than an hour to get a response over here. The braking section of this forum doesn't get much action, hadn't gotten a response in over 3 days.

 

I need to make a decision on this quick. Would really appreciate some thoughts/opinions.

 

I could be wrong but I believe the 6th gen brake setup would work if you get wheel spacers. It saves you having to buy new wheels (since you don't want).

I believe they go for around $80-100

 

I have 17" 04 maxima SL wheels on my car which let me fit the 6th gen bbk in there. You can probably find a set off of craigslist for cheap, then swap the tires over.

 

Please stop telling me to buy new wheels. I've already said I do not want to to do that. It's upgrading to the 5.5 brakes or sticking with the 5.0 gen setup. How many times do I have to say it? I also do not want to buy wheel spacers. /rant

 

I have been happy with hawk hps pads (currently not running them because I got too good of a deal on my monroe ceramics when doing the 6th gen bbk). One thing with hawks is that they put out a lot of dust. Just be prepared for that.

fyi: i sold my 16" maxima wheels w/tires for $225 to some altima owner who's car went offroad and damaged 3 wheels. I purchased 04 SL 17" wheels on craigslist for $250. Sold the tires which came with the wheels for $50. Made $25 on the entire swap, but had to buy new tires (expensive!). The reason I am suggesting this option to you since you can swap your tires over.

 

Have you considered doing the 6th gen BBK and simply adding a 5mm spacer to your stock wheels for clearance?

One rotor which is affordable and great quality is Centric Premium, the hubs (IIRc and vanes too) are painted black so no ugly rust occurs. Hawk HPS is good but unless you are going to use them i.e. hard braking from high speeds you can easily settle for something cheaper like Axxis Ultimates or Hawk ceramic...etc.

 

There's no real need to upgrade to 5.5 or 6th gen rotors. Splurging for better-than-OEM-quality direct replacement rotors cured our repeated shuddering problems.

 

To answer your original question, yes - all you need to do the 5.5Gen swap is the caliper brackets. I'm the OP in the other thread you referenced. I used ATE Powerslot rotors and ceramic pads from Advance Auto Parts. I did do a pad change after a HARD track day about a month after I first did the swap, but I did not have the rotors turned. 2 years and 50K miles later, still NO warpage or discernable rotor wear, or even rust on the rotors!

 

Just go oem size with better rotors, this will take care of your warping problem and save you the headache that this situation is clearly creating for you.

 

So if I go with OEM siize but a different brand, which one usually gives everyone the best results? Centric Premium, Brembo blanks (zinc plated) in the group buy, or some other brand?

 

brembo blanks get good reviews, i have the ATE slotted rotors and so far so good. I have Haws hps pads and love them but the Axxis pads are good as well from what i have read here

 

No matter what I do I'm just going with blanks. Anyone have any opinions on the ebc pads?

 

They're ok...virtually dust free isn't really true....the dust is just lighter in color but it's still there...They're ok brake pads, I prefer my Hawks which seem to bite better....

 

Most people I talk to dont really like them, apparently they make AWESOME pads for motorcycles but their 4 wheeled pads aren't too spectacular. I had gotten some EBC Green stuff's for free and ran them on my VR-4 for a while and cold initial bite was decent but they didnt like heat. I now run Porterfield R4S pads on that car.

I've also heard reports of hawk pads not aging well at all. Apparently they lose their bite.

With how most of these cars are used i see no reason to spend a fortune on brake pads.

 

Like many I used to have the same warping/shudder problem. I got a set of brembo blanks and had the Axxis Ultimate pads (group buy) - lots of dust though. Recently switched to Akebono Ceramic pads and have been really happy with them. Great stopping and literally no noticable dust. Better than OEM I would think for most uses - I don't take my 5th gen to the track.

Not sure you'll get a huge difference when upgrading to a 6th Gen kit over a really good set of 5.0 gen quality brake parts....So if you're trying to save money and keep your wheels spend the money on quality 5.0 parts...IMHO.

 

Think I'm going to go with the zinc coated brembo blanks in the group deal. Now I just need to decide on pads. Looks like the Hawk HPS fit my driving style the best. Don't think I need ceramics.

 

Go with Hawk HPS pads and NAPA blanks. That's right, NAPA. Most of the shuddering/warping feel is 'build up' from cheap pads. Can't beat $40/pair for rotors picked up.

 

Best price I can see on their website is $32.89 EACH. Price must have gone up?