Upgrading the original Sport Brakes
I am curious to see our comparisons of the two brake pads to see if we notice much difference. If neither one of us likes the pads we have it would be an easy swap.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 19,849
Likes: 5,144
From: Rochester, NY
And now that I think about it... you've had far more seat time in test drives of different cars over the last few years, and a track perspective for braking, so I would be far more curious of what you think of the ACT pads than what I think of the ASP pads. Just saying. You first.
Cool beans.
Truth be told, I'm feeling predisposed to be very content with the new setup. Particularly when compared to 100% original brake components from a 9 year old sport sedan with 44K Northeast miles on it.
And now that I think about it... you've had far more seat time in test drives of different cars over the last few years, and a track perspective for braking, so I would be far more curious of what you think of the ACT pads than what I think of the ASP pads. Just saying. You first.
Truth be told, I'm feeling predisposed to be very content with the new setup. Particularly when compared to 100% original brake components from a 9 year old sport sedan with 44K Northeast miles on it.
And now that I think about it... you've had far more seat time in test drives of different cars over the last few years, and a track perspective for braking, so I would be far more curious of what you think of the ACT pads than what I think of the ASP pads. Just saying. You first.
So I'm still trying to figure out the differences between these two:
OEM from Z1 Motorsports
https://www.z1motorsports.com/front-...et-p-3811.html
Akebono Sport from Tirerack
https://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brak...oModClar=Sport
I chatted with Tirerack, and they tell me their Akebono ASP1346 and ASP1347 Sport pads qualify as OEM replacements, but are *not* the OEM pads. I suspect ACT1346 and ACT1347 are rebranded as OEM Nissan pads for the big brakes, whereas their ASP1346 and ASP1347 are their aftermarket performance pads. Anyway, I'm liking the ratings and the description on the ASP models: virtually zero noise, very low dust ceramics, good stopping power, pre-cooked with no bed-in procedure.
Fronts and rears are $133 at Tirerack, or $122 through Amazon.
OEM from Z1 Motorsports
https://www.z1motorsports.com/front-...et-p-3811.html
Akebono Sport from Tirerack
https://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brak...oModClar=Sport
I chatted with Tirerack, and they tell me their Akebono ASP1346 and ASP1347 Sport pads qualify as OEM replacements, but are *not* the OEM pads. I suspect ACT1346 and ACT1347 are rebranded as OEM Nissan pads for the big brakes, whereas their ASP1346 and ASP1347 are their aftermarket performance pads. Anyway, I'm liking the ratings and the description on the ASP models: virtually zero noise, very low dust ceramics, good stopping power, pre-cooked with no bed-in procedure.
Fronts and rears are $133 at Tirerack, or $122 through Amazon.
I have a set of these sitting on my workbench waiting for my Z1 rotors.
You'll probably have decided before I have time to test them.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 19,849
Likes: 5,144
From: Rochester, NY
^^^
Sitting here with my iPad, the girls all looking at me funny because I'm quietly laughing.
Too funny.
Yep, I'm settled on getting the Akebono ASP pads sometime in February, installed with the Z1 rotors in either April or May, depending on how long winter hangs on. I'd like to swap the Vossens back in before the install.
Brake fluid flush & fill. Putting SS braided lines back on the list for a future mod.
Sitting here with my iPad, the girls all looking at me funny because I'm quietly laughing.
Too funny.Yep, I'm settled on getting the Akebono ASP pads sometime in February, installed with the Z1 rotors in either April or May, depending on how long winter hangs on. I'd like to swap the Vossens back in before the install.
Brake fluid flush & fill. Putting SS braided lines back on the list for a future mod.
HAHAhaha.
Yeah, I decided since I already was spending all that money on the rotors, an extra $120 for lines was nbd. And I was removing my calipers for painting so now is the time to swap the lines and flush the fluid when I put it all back together.
Happy New Year buddy.
Yeah, I decided since I already was spending all that money on the rotors, an extra $120 for lines was nbd. And I was removing my calipers for painting so now is the time to swap the lines and flush the fluid when I put it all back together.
Happy New Year buddy.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 19,849
Likes: 5,144
From: Rochester, NY
I always do some kind of springtime mod where I collect parts over the winter. Gives me something to look forward to.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 19,849
Likes: 5,144
From: Rochester, NY
Any more feedback or advice? As February comes around, it's looking to me like I'll be ordering a set of Akebono pads, ASP1346 and ASP1347.
Install post-winter, somewhere between late March and anytime in April.
Install post-winter, somewhere between late March and anytime in April.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 19,849
Likes: 5,144
From: Rochester, NY
Placed one of the rear rotors on the floor, on a stack of books. Then I put the rear wheel over the rotor, and dropped in the lugnuts for good measure.
I suppose this is what the rear will look like, (if the calipers were invisible.)
And then one of the front wheel & rotor, just because they were there.
I suppose this is what the rear will look like, (if the calipers were invisible.)
And then one of the front wheel & rotor, just because they were there.
Last edited by Rochester; Feb 10, 2020 at 04:13 PM.
Looks nice Rochester! Should be a good improvement in appearance and performance. It does look a lot cleaner without the brake calipers- you should try it that way first. 
Are your rotors labeled for which side to install them? My slotted rotors look like they are on backwards because the cooling vanes go in the opposite direction. Strange design.
Are your rotors labeled for which side to install them? My slotted rotors look like they are on backwards because the cooling vanes go in the opposite direction. Strange design.
