Jump to content
HybridZ

13" wheel brake upgrade options for a 280z


Recommended Posts

I am building a 280z race car/ autocross car. My neighbor has loads of 13" slicks and i was wondering what brake upgrades will fit with the 13" wheel. most of the threads on the 13" wheel subjects i have managed to find explain how to fit a 13" wheel on the 280z with stock calipers but i haven't been able to find any threads that explain what brake upgrades can be used that will fit the 13" as most of them only fit 15 or 16 inch wheels or 13" brake kits. Any options or expertise would be greatly appreciated. I know the 13" wheels will fit on the 280zx brake calipers but i would like to go to a 4 piston caliper or something that's a little more of an upgrade

 

some of the threads i have looked into are:

http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/117082-13-wheels-on-a-240z/

 

http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/86738-old-school-jdm-wheels-13s-fit-on-a-z/

 

I am trying to stay away from bigger wheels, because i can get some really cheap 13" slicks that my neighbor doesn't use and the it would also help my gearing on the autocross courses.

 

I don't currently have the car as i still have to pick it up but when i do get it i will post some pictures.

 

For some reason i cant reply, but I don't think the 13" wheels will fit over the stock calipers, correct me if I'm wrong though. And I'm going to make it a full on race car to eventually race at places like the Portland international speedway, but to try and stop faster as well as to keep them turning to mush after a few corners. The car will also have a V8 in it when finished.

Edited by RatsunShadow
Link to comment
Share on other sites

You need to figure out how OLD the slicks are. If they are more than a couple of years old, you should just let him keep his junk and not become his junk man. I keep my slicks in garbage bags in airconditioner storage. If I keep them in my hot garage thru a couple of summers they harden and are slower and slicker than the tires on my wife's minivan. Rubber needs to be consumed and replaced regularly or it becomes worthless. There are used race tire dealers around the country that sell tires that are worth buying but you need to always ask for the date codes when you buy. They seem to have the largest stock of 15" tires (discards from Spec Miata) and 18" tires (discards from everybody else). 13 and 14, not so much....dont build obsolescence into your car.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm pretty sure the slick are no more than a year old and i just wanted to build it so i could use 13 at the autocross's and then i would have the option of using bigger wheels if I wanted to or had to later on. It would also allow me to use any wheels instead of just the bigger wheels like 16's so i can change my gear ratios without actually having to change them in the rear end. and correct me if I'm wrong but smaller wheels will help my braking?

 

http://www.rimtyme.com/wheels/custom/Home.html

Edited by RatsunShadow
Link to comment
Share on other sites

what size tire is that?

 

No reference to tire size. The barrel section of the wheel needs to be at least 12-1/2" inside. We use 14" cast wheels that fit so it seems like a 13" stamped steel wheel might work since the wall thickness is less than a cast wheel. You need to get a wheel as test fit it to the car. This is the only wy to know for sure.

 

You need to talk with a wheel manufacturer. They can help you with the measurement process and provide the required cleareance for their wheels.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Go to an autocross and see what the competition is running. We tend to try to stay in one gear so to concentrate on driving, rather than shifting. Go see what brand, model and size 13" tires he has. Post that answer. It is the total tire diameter that matters. My 16" tires are actually taller than my 16s. The 15" tires I use for drag racing are 4" larger diameter than both my 16s and 17s. Don't confuse wheel diameter with tire diameter. That's what determines gear ratio. Then you can get on a gearing calculator and really figure out what you want.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...