R34 25GT brake upgrades

[DieselTime]

Hey all, before I get started I oughta mention that I'm very new to all this so my knowledge is limited but I'm hoping to pick up some knowledge here so try not to take my stupidity too hard. I've tried searching around for some info on this but the ones I found were either regarding the turbo models or explained in a way that kinda went over my head so go easy on me. Anyway I've recently picked myself up an R34 25GT Series 1 these past few months and I'm hoping to get some work put into her, more as a fun little project for me and my old man than for any other reason. I've been doing a lot of reading on engine conversions and was considering dropping an SR20DET in at some point a few years down the track (not on my full licence yet) which means I've currently got a bit of time to work on suspension/brakes etc that the 25GT kinda lacks. So with that said I've heard the 25GT brakes are pretty trash so I'm looking into getting some aftermarket calipers + rotors as a bit of a starting point. Considering most brands cater more to the GTT side of things I was wondering, what kind of modification/fabrication/etc can I expect to be doing to make these fit, if any? I'm of the understanding that it's not a simple matter of swapping them over.  Any brands worth recommending? I've also heard I'll need to change my brake master cylinder to the GTT one if anyone could elaborate on that, maybe hit me up with a parts number? Explain it to me as if I was five, I'm only just getting to know about all this stuff.

Also inb4 "buy a GTT", as much as I appreciate the value this is more about getting to do some real work on a car with my old man and learn some valuable skills than building a ten second car at the strip. Considering I'd wanna end up doing the work anyway it seemed like a moot point.

Cheers boys and girls

[GTSBoy]

Well, despite you saying "don't suggest buying a GTT," it's still the only sensible starting base for a modified Skyline.

Beyond that, the answers to every single one of your questions, and many more you will yet ask, have already been posted on these forums.  I strongly suggest that you use google to search this forum directly (you can use google to search only one site, you know) and use all the interesting keywords you've used above.  There are thousands of words written on suspension upgrades and brake options and what the similarities and differences are between 34 NAs and turbos.  You will find many hours of nourishing reading.

cheers

[Trex]

Welcome to SAU mate. Hope you and your father enjoy your journey into modifying your car  

 

When searching google type your query then site:www.sau.com.au  - e.g. - gtt brakes onto gt site:www.sau.com.au

 

Get a jack and some stands, jack the car up and put it on the stands and make sure it's sturdy. Then have a look around at the bolts and what connects where. Everything will make more sense once you can see it.

 

Here's some info on brakes - If you do need spacers you can buy them online for around $10 for 4. It's a very simple mod to complete, it's literally just bolts.

 

 

 

Why do you want an sr20? Just get an rb30 block and stroke it to a 3.4.

[admS15]

Or ls1[emoji3]

[KiwiRS4T]

The brakes on your car are probably perfectly adequate for what it is. If you want to work on your car learn to service it properly and if you want more excitement build an RB30 bottom end and when you get your full licence sell your DE and get a GTT. Later you can put its head on your RB30 bottom end. You don't want a 2L engine in your car.

[DieselTime]

Hey cheers everyone, some really handy info here, appreciate it. I know this is kinda off topic from what I've originally asked but I've heard a lot about these RB30 bottom ends, somebody care to explain why that's such a popular mod? Obviously it's a bigger engine but beyond that, is it just more torque or am I missing something? I originally wanted to go the SR route cos I heard it was lighter and a little better than the standard RB25 in terms of power and would probably be more compatible with the stuff I've already got considering it's Nissan but I'm pretty new to all this so I'm open to alternatives. Was really keen on the LS1 to be honest but figured it'd be too much power for the car I've got. But hey if it's possible I've always been a fan of V8s so I'd love to hear more on that.

[admS15]

There is a few ls1 skylines and silvias getting about. Google is your friend for info on that. There is obviously quite a lot of modification to fit 1 in and get it running but engines are cheap, reliable, available and the end result is quite desirable. Bolt a turbo onto it as well and that  would be amazing. The RB30 conversion is popular due to the availability of cheap bottom ends and the increase in capacity  which enables quick spool of larger turbos and more torque down low. This conversion is done quite easily compared to ls1. The information is also on Sau and google will help you find it. Good luck with your decisions and happy learning and modding.

[DieselTime]

Is the LS1 a feasible conversion for a 25GT or am I gonna have parts flying off the second I start the engine? The reason I was more inclined towards the SR had a lot to do with it being slightly less aggressive, seeing as how the 25's not the strongest pony at the show.

More on topic, there's a guy local to me currently selling R33 GTST front 4 pot, rear 2 pot calipers on the cheap. I've heard the R33 series calipers are pretty optimal as far as upgrades to the 25 go but that they also have smaller bolt holes (12mm for the 33, 14mm on the 34). Any clues on how to remedy this, assuming they're worth getting at all?

[GTSBoy]

Time for more reading.  The SR20 is an agricultural tractor engine with much worse characteristics than the RB25.  Smooth 6 cylinder vs rough as guts 4 cylinder?  I know which I'd choose.  25% more capacity?  Yup, choose that too.  The only real inbuilt problem the RB25 has is with weak oil pump drives and that can be fixed.

[DieselTime]

So the SR's a waste of time then, good to know. Is the LS1 a realistic swap for a 25GT assuming I give it the right upgrades prior to the conversion?

[GTSBoy]

Realistic depends on where you are and how legal it needs to be.  It's certainly doable, as evidenced by having been done before!

Again, to be fairly brutal about it, unless you have shit tons of money that you are happy to waste, then ANY big engine conversion project is nothing more than a massive money pit.

[Trex]

The bolt hole spacer information was posted above by myself. It's also all in those links i posted.

[DieselTime]

Yeah cheers Trex, gave it a good look into and it seems that the GTST brakes should fit up alright. Was just a bit of conflicting info with regards to the bolt holes but think I've got it covered.

GTSBoy,just curious, what parts are even required in an engine swap? I understand there's obviously the engine and presumably gearbox, ECU, loom and mounts but beyond that what'd be necessary? I've seen whole LS1 kits (ECU, engine, trans, wiring) go for as little as $3500 so I'm assuming that can't be all I'm going to need. There's also fabrication and labour to factor in so I realise it's a lot of cash, at the moment it's more just a vague sort of pipe dream but I've got plenty of time to work up to it and put the cash aside if I can get the info I need. Just to be clear, the conversions you're talking about have all been done on GTTs, yeah? Meaning there'd be some noteworthy differences to applying the same to the 25GT?

Probably should've started a new thread at this point what with how off-topic I've gotten but I'm picking up some good stuff here, thanks fellas.

[GTSBoy]

There would be little to no significant difference in doing an LS swap into a GT or a GTT.  You should upgrade brakes regardless, have to do things like fab up gearbox crossmembers and engine mounts and coolant pipework and air con and power steering lines and spruce the fuel system and suspension regardless of what you started with.

The diff would be the biggest difference.  The GT's is open and is of no value.  So you'd have to be sourcing GTT or GTR rear end stuff.

[Dose Pipe Sutututu]

350Z Brembos 

I haz a guide on trak-life.com