Wilwood Big Brake Kit - Want Opinions On What I Have Put Together

[PM-R33]

Hey guys

While the economy has been working in our favour, I have been organising some group buys to get some good prices on gear that I think a lot of people would be interested in (as many of you would know in the group buy section).

I have been speaking with one on my suppliers in the US and we got talking about Wilwood brake kits. As many of you would know, Wilwood are a US based company that make a large amount of different brake setups for all different vehicles. These are very good quality brakes and are on par with many of the other well known brands.

I currently have stock calipers on my GTST with just some EBC Red Stuff pads, RDA slotted and dimpled rotors and Hel braided brake lines. While the setup is very good, I have always wanted to upgrade the calipers and rotors to something bigger but spending $10,000+ on a big brake setup is just way to unrealistic for me, especially on something that is mainly a street car.

So what is realistically available:

FACTORY GTR BREMBO KIT

Obviously a good bolt on option is to buy a R33/R34 GTR Brembo kit as many people do. However for what they are (old second hand kits that usually still need new rotors and pads and questionable calipers) they are quite expensive. Sure you can pick up a good set in great condition, but you still pay a lot of money for a second hand kit. Also given that the R33 GTR Brembo brake setup isn't that much better than the GTST one, it feels like a bit of a small upgrade for a lot of money so I have always been a bit hesitant. The R34 GTR kit is better, however than you get the nice premium price tag people charge for R34 GTR parts.

For example this front R33 GTR Brembo kit on Ebay at the moment for $1500:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BCNR33-Nissan-Skyline-GTR-BREMBO-Front-Brake-Calipers-/380300021899?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item588ba5d08b

D2/G4/K-SPORT KITS

The other cheap option was one of the K-Sport/D2/G4 etc kits. While I have read good things about them, I dunno, it just worries me a bit going towards a "cheap" brake kit. Either way their kits are around the $2000+ mark for their cheapest kits as seen on Ebay for $2200:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/D2-8-Piston-Brake-kit-Front-356MM-SKYLINE-R34-GTS-99-02-/150531587186?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item230c61bc72

Or Just Jap for $2000:

http://justjap.com/store/product.php?productid=18716&cat=&page=1

So anyway on to the Wilwood kit that we have put together.

WILWOOD KIT

I did a bit of research into what setup would be the best suited for most people while still keeping costs down to reasonable levels. I also had a discussion with Roy about it as I really valued his opinion on brake setups as in every brake thread I have ever read on here, his posts are always full of great information.

There were a few threads regarding the bottom of the range Wilwood kits that you could get for cheap over seas, but they are quite average kits to say the least. Every brand always has to have something at the bottom of their range to get into that price group so I understood why even a good brake manufacturer would have some poor kits.

We put together the following kit that would work well in harmony with everything and would suit our Skylines. Since Wilwood don't make kits for our cars, we had to work off the 240SX/300ZX and just upgrade the kit accordingly.

The kit consists of Wilwoods fantastic black Forged Billet Superlite 6 Piston Calipers. These calipers have a piston area very similar to that of a GTR/GTST so it wouldn't throw out the brake bias.

To go with the calipers is a set of 332mm x 32mm directional slotted 2 piece rotors with black light weight aluminium hats. (For comparison the R33 GTST is 296mm x 30mm and the GTR 324mm x 32mm.)

A set of street compound brake pads would accompany the kit and obviously all mounting harder to fit our Skyline models (they also would fit all other Nissan models that use the same mounting).

Here is basically what the kit looks like:

As you can see it is a gorgeous kit in the black. I also dare say the overall kit would be lighter than the GTST/GTR setup so would reduce unsprung mass.

I did not include braided brake lines in the kit as it would be cheaper for me to simply get the Hel lines for every one for cheap. The Hel GTST kit would be used for every one as it uses fittings going directly into the caliper, unlike the GTR ones that retain the factory hardline. I also dare say the Wilwood braided brake lines would not be ADR approved.

As you will also notice it is simply just the fronts. If there was good interest in it, we could organise something for the rear aswell.

Pricing wise for the group buy would come in at under $2000 Delivered Australia wide. The price would slightly vary depending on where you lived as to how much freight would be and the numbers we got for the group buy. It could even come to $1850 delivered or so.

As you can see, this price is fantastic! For such a good quality kit that is brand new I dare say you will not find better, or at least I can't. The added benefit is you can sell your existing kit for a decent amount of money and in turn the kit works out even cheaper (Think of it from a R33 GTR owners point of view, they can literally sell their old factory setup for a bit under what this new kit would cost them! Bastards!)

So basically I wanted to get some opinions, register interest etc. If there was some good interest I would try to do the group buy early next year.

Any questions feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer them.

Cheers guys

Phil

[NYTSKY]

Interest registered

[dcv2.0]

definitely interested in these

[UWISSH!]

seems pretty good as i wana upgrade my brakes on my gtr

what time frame would you be looking at and also any chance of slightly bigger rotors?

[Deano 1]

yea seams pritty good to me, ill be in for a kit if they around the 2k mark, hows brake pad avaliablity? and are there all diffrent types of pads?

[PM-R33]

Awesome, I'm glad there is interest

That rotor size was actually the larger one that we choose to fit with the brackets/calipers and also so that replacement rotor availability wouldn't be a problem in Australia (through DBA or such).

They will definetely not be more than $2000 and like I said, depending on final freight costs might be around the $1850 mark or so.

I will find out a bit more info regarding what the exact specs of the brake pads are, I know they are classed as a street/track pad with medium friction and light to medium wear. I can see if some people that want to pay a bit extra or something can get different brake pads suitable for more track use. Brake pad availability shouldn't be a problem.

Here is the specs on the brake pads these calipers take if some one knows how to cross reference them to other brands or something:

Also I have had two people PM me regarding what I plan on doing for the rear kit. The rear is a bit trickier due to the handbrake setup. There is two options for the rear and I like the idea of one more than the other but I'm unsure on how much it will exactly cost. If the cost will be to great than we will have to go with the cheaper option.

Option 1: Matching some rotors that will work with the internal hand brake setup and than the same calipers but in a 4 piston setup.

Option 2: Ditching the internal hand brake and running the same 2 piece rotor as on the front with the 4 piston calipers and then converting the hand brake setup to a single piston caliper as pictured below:

I really like the idea of option 2, but if the costs will be to much it simply won't be worth it for most people.

We shall see what happens

[Lonewolf1983]

Beware that a lot of the wilwoods dont come with dust boots for the pistons, so should be checked more regularly for dirt etc that could compromise the piston seals.

I had a set of the cheaper Dynalite calipers on my old pulsar and they were fantastic (got away with the cheaper calipers due to lighter weight.

Also check out what rotor replacement availability and costs are like too.

[PSI Parts]

Registering my interest in this. Currently got R33 GTR brakes all round but with my engine build I might need more stopping power. I would keep GTR rear brakes unless this would upset the balance?

[PM-R33]

Rear Brembos should be fine without upsetting brake bias.

Looks like this will go ahead

I will put up the group buy thread up mid to late January.

[Scooby]

Beware that a lot of the wilwoods dont come with dust boots for the pistons, so should be checked more regularly for dirt etc that could compromise the piston seals.

Also check out what rotor replacement availability and costs are like too.

Def interested but would need to know a few things. I believe that calipers without dust boots aren't legal on a street car? Also when you say 'replacements from DBA' what parts can you use ie id there a DBA rotor that works with the Willwood hat.

Any chance of getting 355mm rotors?

Re the brake bias you also need to take into account the rotor diam and pad dimensions.

[Tangles]

I run the Wilwood superlite 4-piston calipers, with 324mm 350z track rotors, lines, brackets, fitting kit, pads - all up costs under $1100 delivered from the states

see here - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Big-Brake-Kit-300ZX-Nissan-13-4-piston-Wilwood-caliper-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem230bbd7c5aQQitemZ150520822874QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Used on my 1997 series-1 stagea, now setup on my 1993 r32 gtst sedan rb26 track car

Can only imagine the 332mm 6-piston kit would be awesome - under $2k is current market price tho Id suggest considering the 324mm/4-piston kit is only $1100

324mm brembo slotted rotors are easily and cheaply available from the states for under $300 a pair delivered

330mm/32mm rotors are around $600 delivered for a front pair. 332\32mm would be $700 a pair Id guess

and no the superlites do not come with dust-boots around the pistons of the brake caliper

[PM-R33]

Def interested but would need to know a few things. I believe that calipers without dust boots aren't legal on a street car? Also when you say 'replacements from DBA' what parts can you use ie id there a DBA rotor that works with the Willwood hat.

Any chance of getting 355mm rotors?

Re the brake bias you also need to take into account the rotor diam and pad dimensions.

The rotor size is the largest we can go with the caliper/bracket setup I have been told.

I will definetely ask regarding the dust boots.

I am not sure if the DBA rotor will fit the Wilwood hat, I just ment a DBA 2 piece rotor. However it is once again something I can look into. For most people, the rotors will last longer than what they will keep the car; Having said that though, I still think it would be cheaper to just get replacement Wilwood rotors from the US when the time comes.

I run the Wilwood superlite 4-piston calipers, with 324mm 350z track rotors, lines, brackets, fitting kit, pads - all up costs under $1100 delivered from the states

see here - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Big-Brake-Kit-300ZX-Nissan-13-4-piston-Wilwood-caliper-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem230bbd7c5aQQitemZ150520822874QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Used on my 1997 series-1 stagea, now setup on my 1993 r32 gtst sedan rb26 track car

Can only imagine the 332mm 6-piston kit would be awesome - under $2k is current market price tho Id suggest considering the 324mm/4-piston kit is only $1100

324mm brembo slotted rotors are easily and cheaply available from the states for under $300 a pair delivered

330mm/32mm rotors are around $600 delivered for a front pair. 332\32mm would be $700 a pair Id guess

and no the superlites do not come with dust-boots around the pistons of the brake caliper

Yeah I looked at that kit, but for the extra $700 or so, I would prefer the larger 6 piston calipers and larger two piece rotors. That kit is something that I wanted to look at for the rear.

[Tangles]

Yeah I looked at that kit, but for the extra $700 or so, I would prefer the larger 6 piston calipers and larger two piece rotors. That kit is something that I wanted to look at for the rear.

For the rear with 322mm brembo track-edition 350z rear slotted discs would fit the caliper bracket assembly with NO issues whatsoever

excellent $1100 rear brake upgrade to 4piston Superlites & 322mm rear discs

all bolt on stuff

Keep in mind tho with this size kit 18-19" wheels are required. 17"s wont clear.

I went with Ox Wheels #607-black 18x8.5" +35 for under $200 per rim

http://www.oxwheel.com.au/main/product_show.php?id=77&cataid=33

[PM-R33]

Righteo so I have been researching this whole dust boot thing and why nearly all Wilwood calipers don't have dust boots.

Here is some good info I found from this site:

http://www.350zbrakes.com/

Many people are curious about the 'street-ability' of Wilwood calipers since they don't have dust boots. Do they have to be 're-built' after driving through the winter or when changing pads? The simple answer is "no".

Wilwood calipers are built to such high tolerances these days that road grime will not get in between the piston and caliper housing. With some simple care provided when changing pads, Wilwood calipers can run indefinitely without needing rebuilding. All that is necessary when changing pads is to spray the exposed pistons with brake cleaner and wipe off with a clean rag before pushing the pistons back into the caliper. This simple step is actually why many big brake kit manufacturers have dust boots on their calipers; they believe their customers are too lazy to do this simple task.

Some people are also curious as to why Wilwood does not provide dust boots on most of their calipers. The reason is pretty simple. Wilwood calipers are designed with ultimate performance in mind, i.e.: they expect their calipers to be used hard, which means high temperatures. Dust boots turn to a gooey mess or turn hard and brittle when exposed to the temperatures of driving events/track events and in either case, loose any of their effectiveness to keep road grime off the pistons. When you stop and think about it, this could actually cause a dangerous situation. If you run dust boot equipped calipers very hard (to the point of corrupting the dust boots ability to keep grime off the pistons) and then push the pistons back into the caliper without cleaning them, you could unknowingly compromise the piston/caliper seal and possibly cause a brake fluid leak or total failure.

As a final point about dust seals, we have been providing our big brake kits to 300ZX, 350Z and G35 enthusiasts for over 8 years now with customers all over the world and have yet to have a customer need to rebuild a caliper.

Now legally in QLD I believe a big brake upgrade requires an engineer to check over it (pity I can't sign of on it myself ) so I will go see a friend and have a chat to him about this whole dust boots thing and see if he will sign off on it.

So what are peoples thoughts on it? Personally it doesn't bother me to much.

[Scooby]

From a reliability perspective there's no issue, although Willwood's comments re potential failure do seem a little OTT as AP and Brembo both make calipers with seals. It's really just a matter of legality and insurance etc, the absence of dust boots shouldn't deter anyone if these issues can be covered.

[Boof R33]

i would be keen if i could get them in my 17 inch wheels 17x9.5 +22 fairly flat spoke design?

[PM-R33]

Well from what I have read the minimum size is a 17" rim since they are only 8mm larger in diameter than GTR Brembo rotors.

[UWISSH!]

so have you had any more talks about price with them, like if we get so many we will get more of a discount?

[Lonewolf1983]

didnt intend to put people off with the lack of dust boots, I ran a set on my pulsar without issues for more than a year, inc track work.

Just people need to be aware of the fact, and ensure things are well maintained and checked regularly.

[Tangles]

i would be keen if i could get them in my 17 inch wheels 17x9.5 +22 fairly flat spoke design?

my 324mm 4piston set didnt fit - same size rims as your 17's

sold and upgraded to 18's

no chance the 332mm 6piston set will fit the 17's - check for yourself with the wilwood fitment template (cant seem to find atm)