DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

We all talk about front brake upgrades, for good reason, since the fronts do most of the braking, particularly in FWD cars. But is there any brake upgrades that can be done to the rear brakes?

I notice that the 350 has VENTED rear brake rotors, but the same rotor diameter as the Maxima - 11.5"x .39" for the Maxima versus 11.5" x .63" for the 350Z. Im wondering if anyone knows for 100% certainty if these fit on the Maxima? Is there a parking brake issue? Is this a worthy upgrade?

There is alo a 300zx 2 piston caliper that would match my front 300zx calipers. I wonder if this would fit? Parking brake issues?
Opinions?

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

It would be a direct fit for the rotor. The only issue is you might need a new caliper; I don't think the vented rotor will fit in the Maxima caliper. I terms of performance it's hard to say. You always run the risk of stopping shorter from messing with the brake bias. I'd just do it and if it doesn't work out then take it off.

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

I know the caliper would be needed too since the rotor is wider due to the venting. The question is, will the caliper and rotor bolt up?

SilverMax_04

The parking brake in the Maxima is located inside of the small drum that sorrounds the hub of the rear wheels. It is a small drum brake system and should not impact the rear disk brakes. I assume (but don't know) that the 350Z has the same parking brake system, so new 350Z rotors should have a similar small drum in the center.

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

I am 100 percent on the rotor being a direct fit including the parking brake system which is identical. The caliper (non-brembo) looks like a direct fit so I'll say 95% since I haven't actually tried. Overall I'd say your safe to try it. If I had 3g's I would have already done front and back.

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

Also I'd stay away from spending the extra money for two piece rears. The drum ads to much weight so it only comes out to maybe a pound difference versus a one piece rotor and the rears don't do enough braking to justify the added heat benefits.

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

I wouldnt go with two piece rears anyway. It doesnt cost much to upgrade the rears. It can probably be done for $350-400 and you get nice vented rotors and I think a slightly larger piston.

I do think 2 piece fronts are worth it, and I am sourcing some for about $480 shipped.

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

I agree fronts are worth it. I have spent to much time researching what will fit and not enough saving to buy it. Unfortuneatly brakes will be the last on my list as my car only has 12k. I'd rather do exhaust/headers first and let the stockers burn up.

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

Do you agree that the 350Z rear caliper and rotor (non Brembo) simply bolt to the Maxima? I believe the caliper is needed since the vented rotor is wider, correct?

MaxFan

How about Brakeforce Distribution ? My Murano has rear ventilated disc and it stops the things 60-0MPH in 121ft, beating most of the sport sedans on the road (and that includes the flagship Maxima)

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

The Maxima automatically distributes braking force. The rear discs really affect brakes minimally, but there is still an effect.

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

Pretty much, like I said the rotor is direct fit and the caliper appears to be a direct fit.

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

I agree brakeforce distribution plays an important part of braking distance but it has nothing to do with vented vs solid.

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

I thought a bunch of people had problems with the ABD after lowering and BBK's? I have tons of problems with my ABS after lowering, always kicks in and prevents me from stopping. I haven't figured out if it's a product of the ABD or over sensitive ABS sensors.

MaxFan

I think brakeforce distribution can start to increase with just a full tank of gas. My car is stock and mostly only carry me. But the pads wear out at almost the same pace front and rear. I guess I have to change them out at the same time. Normal FWD eats two front sets per one rear. And then the VDC may come into play too. My bro-in-law TL-S wears out rear pads faster than the front.

mwalker23

that is an upgrade we just did it to my boys max we swapped out all 4 and rotors and caliper it bolted right up no problem and that was the brembro system.

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

I figured it would use the same mounts, but hadn't examined the brembo system in depth.

xoomer.com

iTrader: (19)

WORD? What year max? Where did the calipers/rotors come from?

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

Id love to bolt the Brembos up, but they are ghastly expensive unless you can find a no serve sale on ebay.

!PrjctMax!

iTrader: (38)

woah woah woah...so the BREMBO calipers from the 350Z are a direct bolt-on? So pretty much, the whole rear Brembo assembly from the 350Z including the rotor would fit our Max? If this is the case...then what about the front?

!PrjctMax!

iTrader: (38)

on what he said

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

Of course the fronts fit too! For the price of used brembo's your better off buying a kit for the Z.

kamski

iTrader: (9)

ummmm i could have told u guys that last year, my wilwood BBK was designed for the 350Z and its a direct bolt on to the Maxima. Go figure

Companies try to save coin wherever they can so they reuse parts everywhre. Hey if u want a cheap BBK upgrade just get teh g35 front calipers, they are 2 pot right off the bat

Kamski

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

Well aren't you special.

!PrjctMax!

iTrader: (38)

just went on m350z.com and a used f/r set would still run about $1,500 BUT I figure that's a much better price since you get BOTH f/r for a lesser price than a front BBK from WilWood

kamski

iTrader: (9)

(smells armpits, throws hands in the air and yells: )

SUPERSTAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

Not when you consider what you're getting. Used calipers, rotors, and if your lucky pads. You buy a one piece rotor BBK with everything including SS lines and it will only be a little over a grand.

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

Or u can get a 300zx front calipers for about $400.

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

But then you still have to buy rotors and pads. Plus a 300zx doesn't outbrake a maxima, they run about the same numbers. I think the maxima calipers are just as good as 300zx calipers. If your going to upgrade why not go with something of higher quality.

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

No, u dont need rotors. And there is a better selection of pads. The brakes are better cuz its 4 pistons, instead of one, its a solid caliper instead of floating, and u can change the pads in about 2 minutes. And it looks 1,000,000 times better. And its says NISSAN on it. Oh, and the aluminum zx calipers weigh about 9 lbs less EACH than the Maxima's. Thats unsprung weight too!! Great bang for the buck.

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

You got me on the looks and weight(As long as it's the aluminum version). All I'm saying is that the stock 6th gen caliper can brake just as well, maybe even better. You have to remember that the 300zx calipers were made for a 280mm rotor vs the 6th gens 320mm. That's a big difference in swept area.

Just saying...

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

but the 4 pistons spread the load much better. Even the Wilwoods are about the same size and the 300zx brake pads

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

I've been researching pad sizes and piston area for some time. I've noticed that the caliper upgrades don't increase the pad size. I figured that would impact stopping more than pistons. The 300zx pots are 30mm I believe giving only slightly more piston area than a 6th gen caliper. I understand evening out the load but I don't know how much it really effects performance numbers. Pedal feel is easily appreciated but actually stopping the car quicker I find is much rarer. It's interesting to note that the racingbrake calipers use the same pads as the 300zx but with ALOT more piston area.

Basically I've seen alot of BBK's that don't slow cars any quicker than stock. I guess I'm just jaded because I'd like to spend the money for the looks but if it doesn't back it with performance than why bother in the end.

Sorry for the rant.

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

No problem, that's what the forum is for - to opinionate and share information and discuss. The brake feel is much better. Not sure how the stopping os. But it sure looks like $1,000,000 through the rims, and it is significantly lighter.

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

I certainly agree on the looks. I'm thinking of just painting my calipers and doing a two piece rotor with hawk pads and ss lines. I think that should compete with most any BBK in terms of performance for quite a bit less.

What's the weight on 6th gen calipers?

xoomer.com

iTrader: (19)

I can assure you the stopping is AMAZING. My brother has the 6 piston wilwood BBK and the car stops on a dime.....waaaaaaaay quicker than my stock brakes. Trust me the looks are there but more importantly the performace is there to back it up. Worth it.

!PrjctMax!

iTrader: (38)

are you or your bro thinking of doing a rear bbk? (I would want a full BBK)

Nietzsche

iTrader: (7)

Yes, however you have new rotors and pads with that. Like I said, two piece rotors, hawk pads, ss lines and stock calipers. I'm sure that would stop right with you. Maybe your pedal feels better than stock but I really doubt your numbers are that much improved from just the caliper. From what I've read the Wilwood's also seem to mess up the bias which would hinder your braking performance. Perception doesn't equate to reality. You take a GM 3800 and it feels alot faster than it is. Same thing can happen with brakes.

!PrjctMax!

iTrader: (38)

OR you could get the 6pot front caliper and the 4pot rear caliper w/o the rotors, just the proper mounting hardware and new lines! (that might look a little funny though)

Jeff92se

iTrader: (82)

^^^ and enjoy the pedal travel from hell and back.