Is It Worth Upgrading To Rear Brake Discs On A 240Z Daily Driver

[jalexquijano]

I have seen many people upgrading their rear drum brakes to brake discs on their 240z. Is this really worth? I just use the cars during weekends but sometimes feel i do race it a lot and want more control during stops. Is it really worth for this application? If so which kit and Brand is the best?

[andyk_79]

The advice I had a long time ago is that the stock brakes were pretty good for their time, and are well up to street driving and the occasional spirited off-street drive. I presume you have looked at the sticky threads in this forum section around rear disk conversions ?

[jalexquijano]

Yes. Just advise which way to go.

[cracker]

In my professional opinion I would advise you to sell the car and ship it to me because brakes are too hard to deal with on the old zeds.

 

Send me a message to sort out the sale, thanks.

[AndBir]

Yes. Just advise which way to go.

 

Andyk_79 advised for a daily driver it is not worth upgrading.

 

However, contrary to the "daily driver" in your thread title, if you want to have more brakes when 'racing' and want a bolt on kit then maybe upgrade using a Wilwood kit?

[ilbert]

I have the old school front disk upgrade of hilux callipers and 300zx vented disks. Rear drums. I had the drums and new pads machined to match. Totally adequate for Street IMO.

[dat240z]

I did all fours (willwood disc upgarade) and cannot stress enough the difference in stopping - chalk and cheese. The stock brakes are ordinary at best.

[gav240z]

Upgrading the rear brakes won't do a whole lot, majority of your braking is done with the front's.

 

Things you can do to maximise your existing brakes.

 

1. Good tyres..no point upgrading brakes if you have average tyres.

2. Replace fluids and bleed brakes, consider replacing rubber brake hoses with stainless braided ones.

3. Good brake pads and brake pad material will greatly improve braking response.

4. Discs - how old? Are they within spec? If replacing pads might as well re-machine surface.

 

If you want more from standard brakes from there (worried about brake fade?) you can get a spacer made between calipers to allow fitment of a vented disc.

 

From there I'd look at:

 

1. 4 pot calipers (such as MK63 - bolt's on, fits under most wheels that stock brakes do). Or Toyota 4x4 Sumitomo calipers up front with vented discs.

 

If you still want more, there is a plethora of brake kits out there.

 

Personally I don't love the idea of R31 rear calipers on an S30Z, but make up your own mind?

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/7330-tutorial-r31-skyline-rear-disc-conversion-for-240260z-new-300mm-rotor-conversion-sep2016/

[jalexquijano]

Okay. If most of the braking is done upfront and there is no noticeable difference, then what should i upgrade to get a better stop besides the stainless braided hoses. Should i only purchase this kit to install on the front brakes?

 

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/classic21k

[Joshy7]

I’ve had both the Toyota r31 upgrade and now wilwoods

The wilwoods are amazing and with a prop valve you can tune them for perfect balance like previously said the stock brakes are not very good.

[gav240z]

Okay. If most of the braking is done upfront and there is no noticeable difference, then what should i upgrade to get a better stop besides the stainless braided hoses. Should i only purchase this kit to install on the front brakes?

 

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/classic21k

 

If you're willing to spend $400 USD on Toyota Hilux brakes before cost of discs etc.. and potential brake booster upgrades go for it.

 

However if you're going to spend that much may as well spend a bit more and go Wilwood's.

http://www.arizonazcar.com/brake.html

 

It all depends on your type of driving and what you're using your car for. Too many people get caught up in buying upgrades without considering if they really need it, or just want it. To just want it, is fine. But you may find that changes to the stock brakes give you all you need?

 

My stock brakes feel a bit wooden, however I need to bleed them, replace pads (better compound) and resurface or replace discs and use braided lines first before going that far with it.

 

As mentioned above, stick tyres count for a lot of braking performance.

 

Always sensible advice here.

 

 

[WA240Z]

Outside of race track applications, or high horsepower engines, I really cannot see the requirement for brake caliper upgrade on the front or conversion to disks on the rear. This is of course only my personnel opinion. Make sure the master cylinder, calipers and wheel cylinders are clean and in tip top condition. High quality hoses and replace brake fluid with quality on a regular basis, I replace every 6 months as my car sits around a lot. Keep an eye on your disks and use quality pads, do all this and unless you are really pushing it on the road, way beyond legal limits, you should have plenty of braking capacity. And as mentioned above use decent tires, I personally use Dunlop star spec Z1s. Also, dont forget that the suspension components and quality play a huge part in braking performance. Make sure your shocks and bushes are in tip top condition. Keep in mind as well, as soon as you step away from standard setup expect possible issues with other components. 

I find one of the driving joys of our cars is getting the best out of them with relatively stock, all be it in good condition, components.

All that said, I am on the look out for MK63 calipers, not so much for the performance but as a period OEM upgrade. More to do with my cars overall finish.

[Cozza]

^^^^^^^^

Spot on.

[gilltech]

Ditto exactly what WA240Z advises. The stock brakes are fine for normal street applications when fitted with good quality - not low budget - components and then properly maintained. As already stated, make sure all the mechanical components - not just the braking system - are in very good shape and you will have many years of enjoyable driving for far more reasonable outlay than otherwise probably superfluous upgrades - there are plenty of aftermarket suppliers out there who will happily take your hard-earned - which suck up far more $$$ for limited if any real return other than perhaps bragging rights!