In order to upgrade my braking system in prep for occasional track use, I decided to pursue a brake cooling solution in addition to better brake pads, stainless steal brake lines and some better brake fluid.
I chose HAWK’s HP+ brake pads due to my satisfaction with them on my previous Evo and their ability to function as a DD pad as well. I selected the Z1 premium SS lines and Motul RBF 600 fluid to round out the previously mentioned upgrades.
To solve the all important brake cooling issue on the NISMO, I always knew I would go with the Stillen brake cooling kit due to the backing plate’s position WRT to brake rotor, but I would need to somehow fabricate the inlets. I considered a variety of solutions keeping in mind that I am a novice mechanic at best and I suck at fabrication.
1. NISMO Inlets + 4” to 2” Reducer + Stillen Kit – Looks and functions great, but the inlets cost a lot of money!!! $600 each…
2. NACA Inlets on Bumper + 4” to 2” Reducer + Stillen Kit – Price is right, looks OK and functions great, but I’m concerned about cutting a complex shape into my NISMO bumper.
3. NACA Inlets on Undertray + 4” to 2” Reducer + Stillen Kit – Again price is right and looks aren’t a factor with this option, but I’m not too sure how much air flow would make it through the hose to the rotor. In other words, I believe getting air from the bumper is more effective.
4. Revotec Circular Inlets + 4” to 2” Reducer + Stillen Kit – Price is right, looks are OK (based on yellow 370z example), collects air from the bumper, and a circular shape is easy enough to drill.
I chose option 4. Below is my parts list;
Revotec 102mm (~4”) Inlets Anodized Black ($50)
Revotec Automotive Cooling Specialists
Stillen Brake Cooling Kit for the Stillen Front Fascia (Less Expensive) ($235)
http://www.stillen.com/product/brake...8960-7502.html
Woodstock D4250 4-Inch to 2-Inch Reducer ($20)
Woodstock D4250 4-Inch to 2-Inch Reducer - Amazon.com
5” Arbor Hole Saw (Got one at Lowes) ($45)
Shop LENOX 5-in Bi-Metal Non-Arbored Hole Saw at Lowes.com
The Install
The install went well. Cutting the holes in the bumper with the arbor hole saw was super easy after lining them up for placement and symmetry. I followed the Stillen instructions for the brake cooling kit, but I had Corner3 Garage (
Corner3 Garage) install the brake cooling backing plate and clean up the routes on the hoses. Corner3 also installed the pads, SS lines, machined the rotors and screwed the inlets to the bumper since the Revotec-provided double-sided tape isn’t meant for this type of application
I have a few pictures that will uploaded when I find some time.
The Results
All of this work was in prep for a track event the very next day at Willow Spring’s Streets of Willow (SoW). I immediately noticed a significant improvement in braking just driving around town and to the track. In fact, I really needed a period of adjustment because the brakes were super touchy. Once on track, it became very apparent that these upgrades in conjunction with my fresh new RE-11’s were a huge improvement over stock!! This made me much more confident at corner entry, which resulted in significantly lower lap times.
