I was watching one of the hot-rodding shows on TNN where they upgraded the all the brake components on a Camaro. They tested it out at the track. Originally it was something like 140ft/60mph and after the mods it was 103ft/60mph.
Cool.
So I went to Stillen to see what they had. 2g's for a kit, hmmm, that is a little bit out of my range. So that's out of the question.
Will smaller (price) modifications make a difference? I'm willing to spend around 5 bills.
What are the options; pads, steel brake lines, calipers,...?
I also heard that you could swap infinity brakes with the max.
Do they have better components, bigger rotors? Get this at a junkyard?
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Later

 

You might be able to start with eatricezone.com for a set of slotted rotors to start. Maybe better pads and lines too. Im not an expert, just saw them the other day on there though, thought you could check it out.

 

If you're willing to spend 5 hundred, then definately go to http://www.eatricezone.com/brakes01.html and check out the full brake kit.

It comes with everything you need and great customer service too.

 

For rotors too if your intrested you can swap the front ones with rotors out of a 300zx for better braking.

SuDZ

 

I found a company called Fastbrakes. Their site is http://www.fastbrakes.com/pages/kits/maxima.htm. I notice they have a maxima kit with 4 piston wilwood calipers and their own custom 12.2" rotors. Their price is $999 which is pretty cheap compared to other full kits that include calipers. I emailed them a pricing inquiry and they told me if i can sell a few kits they can get me a better price. If you are intersted I can get you a kit for $900 if you get just one. If other people are interested, I can do $850 for 3 and $800 for 5. Maybe even $750 for 10.

If anyone would be intersted let me know so I can setup a formal group deal. I wouldnt mind getting one going cause I could really use their kit for my car, but dont really want to spend $999.

-Jordan

 

Swap meet at Stafford Speedway, here I come.

 

You CAN'T do a straight swap with 300ZX components. Alot of machining and custom work is involved. I looked into this.

To the point of the original question. Pads will make the largest difference in your braking performance. Hawk HPS and Porterfield R4S are agressive pads but not so agressive that they don't stop before they are warm. They are a little weak when cold, but only for a stop or two.

There are many brake upgrade options for the Maxima, however be aware that ANY route you choose that has larger rotors and calipers will make it so your stock wheels will NOT fit over them.

 

Fast Brakes claims their 12.2" kit will require a minimum of 16" rims.

-Jordan

 

You just have to get the front ones machine down 3mm or so.

SuDZ

 

hope youre not overlooking your tires. the first step to improving your car's performance (handling, steering, braking) is your tires. y

 

You have to get the rotors machined down, you have to get 300ZX calipers, some different bolts, etc. Oh and don't forget you will have to run wheels larger than stock as well.

 

I second that. I got slotted rotors, metalmaster pads and ss brake lines from eatricezone (all separately only to realize later that there was a package deal ) and I'm VERY happy with the results. No more squishy brake pedal and stopping on the dime every time.

 

Amazing brake kit from everything I've read, but a little overkill unless you plan on racing & also limits wheel options a bit with caliper clearance issues.

(Just making sure everyone knows what they're getting into - thats all)

 

The 300 zx option sounds like a pain in the a$$.
The eatrice kit sounds like the way to go; I have 16" rims
so I should be cool.
Another question:
By replacing the brake lines with steel lines and replacing the pads with hawk or porterfield will I feel a noticeable difference in stopping distance? Replacing the rotors I wouldn't be increasing the rotor size unless I went with bigger rims so heat displacement not stopping power would be the benefit here, and since I not 'racing' this would not be as beneficial. Is this a right assumption?

 

By replacing the brake lines with steel lines and replacing the pads with hawk or porterfield will I feel a noticeable difference in stopping distance?
The brake pedal should feel stiffer and firmer. The lines will expand less, giving a firmer pedal. The aftermarket pad should bite the rotor better, also giving a firmer pedal. Stopping distances won't be HUGE improvements as you would see on big brake kits, but you will see some slight improvement. Most gains will be when the stock pad would fade, aftermarket pads will still bite.

Replacing the rotors I wouldn't be increasing the rotor size unless I went with bigger rims so heat displacement not stopping power would be the benefit here, and since I not 'racing' this would not be as beneficial. Is this a right assumption?
correct. Most go with aftermarket rotors for several reasons 1) looks 2)stock rotors are warped and they need to be replaced 3) slight increase in cooling/gas removal. For street use, you won't really ever take full advantage of the cooling/gas effect that slotted and drilled rotors can provide.

 

It might be alittle overkill, but for the price I think its definately worth out. I could get the kit for around $900 - if there are a little of people interested, even cheaper. That is not much more than upgrading the brakes one piece at a time.

-Jordan