Nismo Z brakes

[NocturnalEmber]

Has anyone actually bolted the larger 15" brakes/calipers/etc onto a performance model? I know the parts will fit, my concern is will it fit with the performance wheels, but more importantly, is it known if the Nismo Z's have any differences when it comes to the brake master cylinder compared to the Performance models?

 

[juleeekenos124]

as far as i know the 15" brakes can be bolted onto the Performance model, but be careful with the wheels. Not all will fit, you need to check clearance near the calipers. About the brake master cylinder in Nismo Z, there aren’t significant differences compared to Performance. My mate checked this once on his car. Also, think about brake ventilation, larger calipers can heat up quicker. Depends on driving style.

 

[VR30Infection]

Z1 sells it. It adds 8lbs to each corner though. Not sure that the extra size is worth the extra weight. Vs. going with some 2 pc rotors and shaving off 10lbs per corner front, 5lbs rear, and then better pads and ss lines... I'm on the fence... Thoughts?

 

[NocturnalEmber]

I would assume Z1 would mention if the US spec performance wheels didn't fit, but I guess it might not be the best case to assume, should probably ask them about that.

As for the extra eight pounds on each corner, while that is a pretty decent detractor, the extra inch in surface area on the rotors I would think is a pretty sizeable upgrade all on its own. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to run into any proportioning issues if the Performance model master cylinder wasn't the same as the Nismo.

Edit:

I don't know how reliable this is, but looking at the parts catalogue online, it shows three part numbers for the brake master, one being Nismo; However, looking at the Nismo Z brake master, it shows it as fitting the base/performance/Nismo.

 

[VR30Infection]

Z1 appears to be pretty thorough. I would be willing to bet that they would offer the Nismo master as part of the kit if it were needed. As far as the 15” kit is concerned, they are selling it as an upgrade for the performance. Pretty sure it will fit under our factory 19’s. Of course a quick call to verify or an email to them would be a great idea before placing an order. I’m definitely considering, but currently leaning towards 2 piece rotors with good pads and braided lines.

 

[NocturnalEmber]

I was debating between the Nismo upgraded brake kit or the Nismo Z fronts; Honestly I think the extra 1" of surface area will probably do more for performance, but I have no real practical data to back that up with (though I'm sure one can compare published specs between the performance and Nismo, but that wouldn't help anyone who was considering any other aftermarket options between one another.)

 

[71zman]

So Some much Welcomed news for Nismo Aftermarket brake pads! I just got off the phone with a Rep at Carbotech. They are laser cutting Nismo Z front pads this week and will have Carbotech Nismo Z pads available within approximately 3 weeks. The indicated that Z1 will be the source to order from when available. Of course the rear will be available as well since they are the same size as the Performance Z. I will immediately be ordering these Carbotechs for my Nismo as I Can't take the DUST DUST DUST from the Factory spec Pads anymore. I had my wheels Cermic Coated and it helps with cleaning but it only takes about 15 miles of driving and they are covered again. UGH

 

[nixrz34]

I happen to own both a 370Z Nismo and a Nissan Z Nismo, so have been able to do actual physical comparisons and confirmations. I also have some feedback on the braking performance having tracked both cars. For context, my 370Z Nismo has SS brake lines, Motul RBF660, brake master cylinder brace, Z1 two-piece rotors, and Carbotech XP10's in both the rear/front. On the new Nismo Z, I have only installed a brake master cylyinder brace. Everything else, brake lines, rotors, brake pads, fluid, etc. are stock.

1) The Akebono 15" rotors and calipers from the Nismo Z WILL fit on the performance model or even a 370Z for example. However, you need the corresponding brackets that also that hold the brake lines, etc.

2) Looks like Carbotech finally released pads for the Nismo trim. Check out their product search page

3) I tracked my Nismo Z this past weekend and the stock brakes while not terrible, they were not confidence inspiring enough for me to do any threshold braking or late braking at all on the track. I will say the stock brake pads held up reasonably well, never experienced any brake fade and the rotors didn't glaze, but the braking performance I am used to was simply not there so I was not driving the brakes as hard as I would normally. I did end up installing the Z1 brake master cylinder brace so that helped a bit so I can't imagine how less confidence inspiring the brakes would have been without the brace. I will say I was surprised that the brake pedal still felt soft despite having installed the brace, so the stock brake lines still flex a lot even on the Nismo trim.

4) For comparison, I also have a Nissan 370Z Nismo with SS brake lines, Motul RBF660, brake master cylinder brace, Z1 two-piece rotors, and Carbotech XP10's in both the rear/front, and the brake feel on that is basically either on or off, and VERY confidence inspiring. I have no problems with threshold and very late braking on that vehicle, so hoping I can get the Nismo Z up to the same spec with the larger 15" rotors and akebono calipers, so brake fluid and carbotech's with the stock rotors will be a start.

5) I haven't seen anyone making SS brake lines for the bigger Akebono calipers yet, or aftermarket 2-piece 15" rotors yet either, so hoping someone will make those eventually, as otherwise I was considering downgrading the rotors/calipers to the performance akebono's like the ones on my 370Z, or upgrading them to the big brake kit which utilizes the GTR rotor and brake pad sizes.

All in all, the stock brakes on the Z Nismo are not terrible, but if you are going to be tracking the car and trying to improve or set new records on your lap times, it's not going to happen with the stock brakes pads or fluid without some sort of incident as a result of brake fading and boiling brake fluid. I will say on the street, the larger stock 15" rotors and akebono calipers feel great, and are very responsive when cold during daily driving and are more than sufficient during emergency situations on the street. However, on the track, the braking performance is simply not there, and at a minimum you need upgraded brake fluid and brake pads. I was pleasantly surprised that Carbotech finally makes some, so I will be getting those on my Nismo Z and will report back.

 

[NocturnalEmber]

I happen to own both a 370Z Nismo and a Nissan Z Nismo, so have been able to do actual physical comparisons and confirmations. I also have some feedback on the braking performance having tracked both cars. For context, my 370Z Nismo has SS brake lines, Motul RBF660, brake master cylinder brace, Z1 two-piece rotors, and Carbotech XP10's in both the rear/front. On the new Nismo Z, I have only installed a brake master cylyinder brace. Everything else, brake lines, rotors, brake pads, fluid, etc. are stock.

1) The Akebono 15" rotors and calipers from the Nismo Z WILL fit on the performance model or even a 370Z for example. However, you need the corresponding brackets that also that hold the brake lines, etc.

2) Looks like Carbotech finally released pads for the Nismo trim. Check out their product search page

3) I tracked my Nismo Z this past weekend and the stock brakes while not terrible, they were not confidence inspiring enough for me to do any threshold braking or late braking at all on the track. I will say the stock brake pads held up reasonably well, never experienced any brake fade and the rotors didn't glaze, but the braking performance I am used to was simply not there so I was not driving the brakes as hard as I would normally. I did end up installing the Z1 brake master cylinder brace so that helped a bit so I can't imagine how less confidence inspiring the brakes would have been without the brace. I will say I was surprised that the brake pedal still felt soft despite having installed the brace, so the stock brake lines still flex a lot even on the Nismo trim.

4) For comparison, I also have a Nissan 370Z Nismo with SS brake lines, Motul RBF660, brake master cylinder brace, Z1 two-piece rotors, and Carbotech XP10's in both the rear/front, and the brake feel on that is basically either on or off, and VERY confidence inspiring. I have no problems with threshold and very late braking on that vehicle, so hoping I can get the Nismo Z up to the same spec with the larger 15" rotors and akebono calipers, so brake fluid and carbotech's with the stock rotors will be a start.

5) I haven't seen anyone making SS brake lines for the bigger Akebono calipers yet, or aftermarket 2-piece 15" rotors yet either, so hoping someone will make those eventually, as otherwise I was considering downgrading the rotors/calipers to the performance akebono's like the ones on my 370Z, or upgrading them to the big brake kit which utilizes the GTR rotor and brake pad sizes.

All in all, the stock brakes on the Z Nismo are not terrible, but if you are going to be tracking the car and trying to improve or set new records on your lap times, it's not going to happen with the stock brakes pads or fluid without some sort of incident as a result of brake fading and boiling brake fluid. I will say on the street, the larger stock 15" rotors and akebono calipers feel great, and are very responsive when cold during daily driving and are more than sufficient during emergency situations on the street. However, on the track, the braking performance is simply not there, and at a minimum you need upgraded brake fluid and brake pads. I was pleasantly surprised that Carbotech finally makes some, so I will be getting those on my Nismo Z and will report back.

when you say 'big brake kit' are you referencing the Nismo US big brake kit they offer? I looked at those, but for the price (I think it was close to $5,000 USD) and still retaining 14" rotors I wasn't sure it justified the upgrade price; any citation on it using the GT-R rotor and pad sizes?

Unrelated (somewhat) what fluid did you end up going with?

 

[5thZ]

So Some much Welcomed news for Nismo Aftermarket brake pads! I just got off the phone with a Rep at Carbotech. They are laser cutting Nismo Z front pads this week and will have Carbotech Nismo Z pads available within approximately 3 weeks. The indicated that Z1 will be the source to order from when available. Of course the rear will be available as well since they are the same size as the Performance Z. I will immediately be ordering these Carbotechs for my Nismo as I Can't take the DUST DUST DUST from the Factory spec Pads anymore. I had my wheels Cermic Coated and it helps with cleaning but it only takes about 15 miles of driving and they are covered again. UGH

Be prepared for serious dust with the Carbotech pads. At least the XP10 (front) and XP 8's (rear), likely getting worse with more aggressive pads in their line.

 

[weissk93]

What brake pads would be an "upgrade" to the ones that come with the Performance trim? Assuming you keep everything else stock with the braking system.

 

[5thZ]

What brakes would be an "upgrade" to the ones that come with the Performance trim? Assuming you keep everything else stock with the braking system.

Brakes... Do you mean calipers?

Or pads?

 

[weissk93]

Brakes... Do you mean calipers?

Or pads?

Sorry should have been more specific. The pads themselves.

 

[5thZ]

Sorry should have been more specific. The pads themselves.

Street or track? Also very different. Not trying to be a jerk. The Akebono pads are pretty good for street. I haven't tried any others but I'm going to the Nissan value advantage brake pads for daily Akebono caliper use in the near future. I think. I might have bought the Akebono pads and not value advantage. Not helpful, I'll leave ?

 

[weissk93]

Street or track? Also very different. Not trying to be a jerk. The Akebono pads are pretty good for street. I haven't tried any others but I'm going to the Nissan value advantage brake pads for daily Akebono caliper use in the near future. I think. I might have bought the Akebono pads and not value advantage. Not helpful, I'll leave ?

You are fine! Appreciate any feedback.

Street. Who knows I may try out tracking one day.

I was not sure if there was any room for upgrade by just doing pads. I already have a master cylinder brace installed. Not sure if I want or need to do stainless steel lines.

I thought the OEM Performance Trim pads were already Akebono? I could be wrong. Do Nismo pads fit the performance model?