Guest das280zx Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 Hi all, I never post here, but that is about to change. I swapped in an L28et to my 81 zx. This has only amplified the fact that I need better brakes on this zx. What kind of upgrades are available? I have discovered Modern-Motorsports, which makes a 13" brake kit. Not sure how much it will cost, but it looks great!! This is what I would like to get, but are there any other options. Thanks alot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudge Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 Keep in mind wheel setup too, what size wheel are you running? Expect at least a 17" wheel minimum for those brakes, but not all wheels are alike in clearance, so they should provide a template for you to check and see if they fit in your current setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest das280zx Posted March 13, 2003 Share Posted March 13, 2003 Yes, I expect to have to upgrade my wheels for almost any brake upgrade. I am running turbo 81 snowflake 15" wheels, and there is not much clearance. I am thinking of sticking with the 4 lugs, and using adaptors to fit 17" wheels. Man this is gonna cost some dough! Not sure if I am up to it, but I have time to look around for deals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Aaron Posted March 14, 2003 Share Posted March 14, 2003 I have contacted Ross before about his brake kit. Send him an email and he will promptly send you a quote for whatever you need. I was planning to run 16" Z32 wheels, and he told me that they would fit fine with his brake kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest das280zx Posted March 14, 2003 Share Posted March 14, 2003 Yeah, I can't decide what would be better. To go with the full five lug conversion, or to stick with 4 lug and use spacers to fit most wheels. Does anybody know if the 5 lug converion still needs spacers? I was thinking that running 350z or g35 or maxima wheels would be cool. Maxima wheels would probably be pretty cheap. Anyhow thanks for the suggestions, I need to send ross another email! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 280steveX Posted March 18, 2003 Share Posted March 18, 2003 i was looking into this myself, i need new rotors & brake lines...only thing i found were PowerSlot rotors for all 4 discs. is Goodridge & MSA the only Co.s who make SS lines? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest das280zx Posted March 18, 2003 Share Posted March 18, 2003 Well Ross at MM emailed me last night with some info on this brake kit. He says that the five lug conversion will still need slip on spacers for most wheels. This kit looks like it will also cost some major dinero!! The cost of the upgrade + new wheels has me thinking twice about this setup. I really want it though and my stock brakes need to be upgraded. I don't know about the ss brake lines. I think the msa ones are goodridge units. If you go with aftermarket calipers, then I think you will have to get different brake lines anyhow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 I,m despritely searching for a brake upgrade for the 280zx. Wheel size is not a factor, as I'm purchasing new wheels soon, and my decision will be based mainly on what will fit over the brakes... What's this about a five lug conversion? I asked some people on the forum for info on a five lug swap, and the only response I could get was that it's not worth the trouble. However, no one could/would tell me what the conversion consisted of, what parts are required, ect... I'd like to upgrade to at least twin piston calipers up front... Any info--PLEASE!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David K Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 The 280zx brakes are great! Before you go spending $$$ on upgrades, just do basic maintnance on your current system, rebuild or get rebuilt calipers and master cylinder, and then build it up from there. Add SS lines, get better brake fluid (dot 4-5), and get some better brake pads. That should haul you to a stop in no time. No brake fade here after i did all of that. I had a bruise on my shoulder down to my chest from the seat belt for 3 weeks because i had to slam on the brakes at an Open Track event to avoid a collision between a Golf and a Miata. They hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modern Motorsports Ltd Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 I,m despritely searching for a brake upgrade for the 280zx. Any info--PLEASE!! Can't be too desperate Several reference above to myself but I haven't heard from you and you don't post with an email for contact I can do it in 4lug or 5lug with same specs as my new front Xtreme setup on my webshop (link below, it's within 'Z Brakes' at present). Clear many 16" wheels. I've got some committments and will be off email for about one week but can reply to any inquiries after that. I typically deal with inquires via personal email as it's the easiest way to reach me and then details are unique to yourself and easy for me to track, as often others misinterpret some solutions unique and meant for others with needs they're not all aware of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modern Motorsports Ltd Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 The 280zx brakes are great! [/b] Great for OEM powertrain or spirited street. At higher power levels, speeds and consequently far greater braking requirements than OEM the fluid and typical pads will show signs they're not happy as the smaller OD rotors heat up:wink: I easily proved that out in my track efforts at SIR a few years back with my OEM brakes. Stepped to my 13" Brembo rotors and started outbraking many Maintenance and good pads (KVR or similar) go a long ways to improving them for very little cost, but no substitute for the control and modulation you'll gain with a more effective system if you've done serious mods or drive with some high braking requirements (not single stops from high speed, I'm intending repeated..). Then again ducts would be very effective on an OEM 280ZX setup to take it yet a step further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icice9 Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 so Ross how much is your big break kit going for.. i know you e mailed me a while back on that but i wasnt too sure how much you were selling them for both front and rear... by the way.. great spacers!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slownrusty Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 Well I definately have to agree with David K. The stock ZX(T) brakes works really well. When I bought my ZXT a few years ago I particulary impressed with the stock set-up and so decided to buy: 1) Front and rear Brembo Cross Drilled Rotors 2) Front and rear Axxis PBR Metalmaster pads 3) Braided steel lines all throughout Expect to pay around $675-$700 for everything listed above Everything was bought from Chris Meyer at Cyber Auto Parts - very friendly and great prices. At the same time I flushed my old nasty fluid. With the new set-up the car really claws down rapidly, I am very impressed with it and the set-up is very resposnive, has good feel and very resistant to fade. Evetnually I will buy Ross' 13" monster set-up to have the ultimate braking capability and also a bit of bragging rights too . But for the time being I recommend this set-up. Here are some pics. Regards - Yasin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 So what options do I have as far as upgrading the calipers/rotors, excluding not upgrading and just sticking with what I have. Again, I'm looking for info here, not advise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody 82 ZXT Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 I agree that with the stock HP or not to much more the stock brakes that are working to thier full potential work great. I have managed to over heat them though on a few occasions and let me tell you it's not a good feeling when you think of the speeds involved and the "OH CRAP NO BRAKES" factor. I've since steped up to some higher HP #'s and the stock brakes are just not cutting it anymore. It's just to easy to get into the higher speeds that take maximun braking power when you not expecting it. The larger brakes help you to be able to repeatedly have maximum braking power not just one or two stops at a time. I'll be stepping up to the larger kit as soon as I a few other small things done and get the OK to spend some bigger bucks on the car. Until then I'll be avoiding the "OH CRAP NO BRAKES" factor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j260z Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 as far as 5 lug conversions go check out this thread. http://www.hybridz.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=21046 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modern Motorsports Ltd Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 So what options do I have as far as upgrading the calipers/rotors' date=' excluding not upgrading and just sticking with what I have. Again, I'm looking for info here, not advise.[/quote'] As noted above by slownrusty you can get drilled rotors etc. But I'm not a supporter of drilled rotors. Not enough showing they're an improvement IMO. You've reduced available braking force with reduced pad to rotor contact AND (key one for me) reduced your rotor mass and thus heat resistance. ie. for a single stop from 120mph to 0, your drilled rotor will be at a higher temperature at 0 mph than your solid rotor. Yes their's lots of promotion of these rotors, big $ for the option typically. Racing friends and cars I sponsor are not running drilled rotors, whether they're running spec RX7's or 13.5" 2 piece rotors with 6 piston Alcons. Porsche rotors cast with holes in them are engineered and being cast in that manner the metallurgy is stout and the casting sets up appropriately around the holes to greatly minimize stress risers let alone they're often 2 piece floating rotors (ie. a few hundred dollars+ each with hats). I'd stick with a good quality blank (ie. non-drilled) rotor with pads, the Axxis noted are quite good and I had and continue to have great experience with KVR. With my OEM setup I'd boil fluid but my pads would withstand a lot in a typical track session. Just a good pad front and rear (and have your rotors turned or replaced to have a good surface for your pads) can make a huge difference with only a fluid flushing etc. I wasn't saying the OEM stuff is poor, but I wouldn't confidently do a lapping session with a 200+rwhp ZX with OEM brakes on a track with a competitive braking attitude. You don't have to experience fade much to motivate you to improve upon your life insurance and that of others around you. I'm not a highly skilled track driver by any means, and my brakes honestly help me get out of trouble on the street and track evne though I consider myself careful, the hp gets me in trouble unannounced at times FWIW, not intending to scare anyone from track fun with stock setups, just take it easier and if you feel any signs of fade go lighter and let 'em cool for a bit......and don't test for fade on huge braking zones with walls at the corner! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
80LS1T Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 Ok Ross C., so you make your BIG BRAKE KIT with a 4 lug pattern too? I thought it was only in a 5 lug set up? I saw on your site that it says 4 lug scalloped? and 5 lug Z31? Will the 4 lug work on my car(1980 280ZX?) Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 yeah, I'm interested in this... how do I get a "Ross C" big brake kit for a 280zx? Are you holding a raffle or something? Also, I recall the Brembo upgrade for the "Project Silvia" in SCC Mag. They had to upgrade the rear brakes as well because the stock rear brakes had a smaller displacement than the four piston Brembos up front. The rear brakes, as a result, would lock up when the fronts were barely engauged. There was an issue of the master cylinder as well... Wouldn't some of these things be a factor when going to a four piston caliper/big rotor setup in front and leaving the rear stock? There are brake balance controllers that can combat such a problem, right? Oh, I see the brake kit as an upcoming product on the website... When will they be avalible for purchase? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David K Posted June 9, 2003 Share Posted June 9, 2003 Ross, i wasnt trying to steer him away from your product. I was replying to the fact that he said something about $$$. My reply was on my mind all night after i turned off the computer and i hope i didnt offend you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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