DIY: Z31/2003 Altima Rear Rotor Upgrade for S14 Calipers

[codyace]

Hey guys:

I've really not been on forums much over the past few months due to school, and life...such a bum I am!


The link (to a best of 240sx link for the Q45/Z31 rear rotor upgrade on FA) is a great guide, but the fact remand that a bunch of washers were not something I wanted to have on my car. While I did not think the washers were unsafe, I just felt as if I'd rather no waste time with all of those little washers during pad change, considering that I go through a set a year with my track days haha.


Anywho, in the last few links of the tread, there was mention that 2003 Altima rear rotors may work with the setup...so being that I was going to change calipers anyway, I decided to give it a shot.

I procured a set of Z31 rear brackets from a local junk yard, and was on my way. I used a set of 2003 Altima Rear rotors (makes no difference of se versus sl model type) as well, being that the 'hat' was deeper. I was hoping that the deeper hat would eliminate the need to use all the washers to space the caliper.

So here is the install. I have included pictures with a washer between the hub and the bracket...this washer IS NOT NEEDED.Once I got everything installed, I realized that the rotor was no longer centered in the bracket, and that it would fit perfect without the washer.

So alas, here are the pics.

• Car: 1997 240sx SE
• Rotors: 2003 Altima (Model type of altima makes no difference) Size: 11.5" (S14 and s13 are both 10")
• Calipers: 1997 240sx Calipers
• Caliper Brackets: Z31 300zx
• Pads: S13/S14 rear pads

Washer is not needed! Z31 bracket on S14 hub




Same image, from front



Again, washer IS NOT NEEDED



From front




Front again



Upclose




Close again



With pad...fits perfectly on the rotor



from the side



Upclose



All together



Complete








Thoughts: Certainly there will be those who argue that 'Z32 rears are better' just because that's what has been regurgitated 100 times on forums, but I would love to see any quantified research showing me so. This setup allows a larger rotor with the stock calipers, stock e brake, etc etc...a perfect solution for a minimalist like me. I didn't feel like dickering around with the e brake cables, and getting the hubs, and all of this nonsense....plus it's expensive for minimal(at best) gains.

This setup worked great in many ways. One, if you're replacing the stuff like I was, it's essentially a free upgrade, sans the cost of the Z31 bracket. Secondly, I use Carbotech Xp12 pads (all around)...I can lock up street tires, so how much more 'stopping power' am I realistically going to have on the street? None, this side of a R compound or a slick, which even then is a waste of time on street.

On track I did notice a bit more neutral feeling when braking, and can honestly say that all 4 grab as the exact same time, as it should. I love the way the car reacts, and it's a general good feeling.

From a rice (appearance mod) standpoint I guess it's cool as it helps fill up rear wheels, but that would have been the last reason I ever upgraded brakes (to look cool).



Part numbers:

2003 Altima Rotor:
RAYBESTOS Part # 980070R

Z31 Bracket: To Be Added

Caliper: You can use S14 or S13 OE Rear Caliper for this, along with stock pads.

If buying new/remanned:
RAYBESTOS Part # FRC10584 (Right Rear)
RAYBESTOS Part # FRC10583 (Left Rear)