This thread is for the purpose of providing answers to FAQ on this popular brake upgrade for the 240sx.
The “26mm Aluminum” calipers were used ONLY on 1990 non-turbos. They used a 280mm x 26mm rotor.
The “30mm Aluminum” calipers were used on 1990 Twin-turbos and ALL 1991-1992.5 300ZX’s (both turbo and non-turbo alike). They used a 280mm x 30mm rotor.
The “30mm Iron” calipers were used on ALL 1992.5-1996 300ZX’s (both turbo and non-turbo alike). They also used the 280mm x 30mm rotor.
Of course, the easiest way to tell aluminum from iron is to use a magnet, but I hope this helps some people trying to figure out what they’ve got/are getting if buying with just a picture for info.
These images are from Asad Aboobaker’s 300zx Caliper Comparison Page.
As Gonad posted in the other thread:
I think these were a few links posted about the swap:
Both are very useful and informative. Should be plenty enough, along
with the FSM for your car (in case you run into something).
to convert your S13 240sx brakes to 300X brakes is very easy.
all you need are:
calipers, pads, hardware (pad pins, clips etc.)
300z rotors
brake lines
spacers (maybe)
the maybe on the spacers depends on if you go with TT calipers which are 30mm or 26mm calipers which are from 1990 NA 300z’s. if you go with 30mm calipers you will need at least a 5mm spacer to clear your 91+ 7 spoke rims… 89-90 rims may be slightly different
there is no added benefit from 30mm over 26mm, they are virtaully the same. if anyone tells you 30mm are better they are lying.
all calipers from 1990 to 1994 are aluminum (correct me i am wrong)
1994+ are iron. it is said that this has somehting to do with warping rotors, who knows?
you simply take your wheels off, take your calipers and rotors off, take your brake lines off.
then you grind down the brake sheild to remove the lip that obstructs mounting the 300z caliper.
once this is done, just put all your shiny new Z brake gear on and drive away.
running spacers is acceptable, man y on SON who have this conversion use H&R spacers because they are hub centric
i personally run a 25mm H&R spacer up front, Iquabob runs a 5mm H&R.
25mm spacers come with stud extensions already on them. with all other spacers you must replace your stock studs with slightly longer ones to accomodate the spacer.
this conversion can be done for under $850 w/ spacers, and under $700 without spacers.
feel free to add or to correct me, i will edit as appropriate.
Boy this is good stuff.
Just a quick question. Im getting a set of JDM S13 4pots, from Nissan, which are basiclly ZX calipers to place up front. What is the max size rotor I can use?
I’v heard that 300’s use a 330mm rotor that comes stock on the car. Do not quote me on that. I plan on keeping my car 4 bolt for now and I don’t want stock ZX rotors. True I can get them redrilled but, I will be going with slotted rotor’s so there’s no point.
I appreciate any info you guys can give me.
Have a good one. Easy 8)