Upgrading Your Braking Game Part II: A Guide to Factory Brembo Calipers for Your Upgrade

Introduction: Upgrading your braking system with factory Brembo calipers can be a thrilling venture, but with several options on the market, choosing the right one requires careful consideration. In this guide, we'll focus on direct mounting options and provide insights into Nissan R33 GTR Brembo and Nissan 350z/Infiniti G35 Brembo calipers for the front, as well as Subaru WRX STI 2004-2007 calipers for the rear. Keep in mind that these choices come with certain prerequisites and considerations.

Note - there are options on the marketplace that will not be discussed here as they will require additional aftermarket brackets, a quick google search will help you if you are trying to fit those! (CTS-V, Evo 8/9, STI, OEM Akebono, etc.)

Important Considerations: Before delving into the specific options, here are some general points to keep in mind, regardless of your choice:

Parking Brake Conversion:

You'll need to convert your parking brake assembly to either Z32 (300zx) or R32 (Skyline).

Wheel Size Commitment:

Larger wheels are a must; consider 18" with a concave design unless your offset is low.

5-Lug Requirement:

Assumes you're already 5-lug or intend to convert to 5-lug hubs.

Caliper Bleeding:

Ensure you have a method for bleeding the calipers, whether it's through assistance from someone or a vacuum bleeder.

Brake Master Cylinder Upgrade:

You'll need to upgrade your Brake Master Cylinder to Z32/R32/R33.

Nissan R33 GTR Brembo (non-VSpec) Calipers

• Caliper Size: 324mm x 32mm
• Mounting Bolts: M14x1.5 bolts, 40mm length, grade 12.9 (x4)
• Rotors & Pads: Purchase those designed for the R33 GTR.

Insights: The top-tier OEM R33 Brembo is a direct bolt-on for S-Chassis Knuckles, both front and rear. While this option is the most seamless, it comes with a higher price tag.

Nissan 350z/Infiniti G35 Brembo Calipers (Front Only)

• Caliper Size: 324mm x 32mm
• Rotors & Pads: Purchase front rotors and pads for the 350z/Infiniti G35 or R33 GTR.
• Mounting Bolts: M14x1.5 bolts, 40mm length, grade 12.9 (x4)

Insights: Focusing on the front, these calipers share dimensions with the R33 GTR but require drilling the mounting bolts on the knuckles by 2mm.

Subaru WRX STI 2004-2007 Calipers (Rear Only)

• Mounting Bolts: 10mm x 1.5 bolts, grade 8.8 or higher
• Rotors & Pads: Opt for Z32/300zx rotors & pads.

Insights: A hybrid option, these calipers are rear-only and fit various Subarus, making them versatile but potentially more expensive.

Conclusion: Choosing the right factory Brembo calipers involves weighing your preferences, budget, and technical considerations. Whether you opt for the OEM R33 Brembo, Nissan 350z/Infiniti G35 calipers for the front, or Subaru WRX STI 2004-2007 calipers for the rear, each choice brings its own set of advantages and challenges. Happy upgrading!