20/04/2009
The Nissan GT-R, affectionately known as Godzilla, is a performance icon. Its legendary acceleration demands equally formidable braking capabilities. While the factory Original Equipment (OE) discs offer a respectable initial performance, their drilled design, while aesthetically pleasing, harbours an inherent weakness. This vulnerability becomes particularly apparent under the stress of repeated, aggressive braking, making them prone to cracking. Upgrading your GT-R's braking system isn't just an enhancement; it's arguably one of the most crucial and rewarding modifications you can undertake to truly unlock the car's full potential and ensure your safety on the road or track.
Why OE Discs Fall Short
The drilled holes in standard GT-R discs, while intended to aid in heat dissipation and reduce unsprung weight, create stress risers. When subjected to the extreme temperatures generated during hard braking, these stress points become magnified. The rapid expansion and contraction of the metal, coupled with the intense forces applied, can lead to micro-fractures that eventually develop into visible cracks. This is a common issue for GT-R owners who frequently push their cars, whether on spirited road drives or track days. The consequence of such failures can range from a compromised pedal feel to a complete loss of braking effectiveness, a scenario no performance car driver wants to experience. Therefore, moving beyond the OE setup is not a matter of if, but when, for any serious GT-R enthusiast.
The Pillars of a Superior Brake Setup
A truly effective brake upgrade for a GT-R revolves around several key components, each playing a vital role in delivering superior stopping power, heat management, and longevity. These include:
- Brake Discs (Rotors): Moving away from drilled discs is often the first and most significant step. Options include high-quality plain-faced or grooved discs. Grooved discs help to sweep away brake pad dust and gas, maintaining consistent contact between the pad and disc, while plain discs offer a robust and durable solution for many applications. For ultimate performance, two-piece floating disc assemblies are highly recommended. These feature a lightweight aluminium hat that bolts to a high-carbon iron or steel friction ring, allowing for independent expansion and contraction, drastically reducing the risk of cracking and improving heat management.
- Brake Pads: The humble brake pad is where the magic of friction happens. OE pads are typically designed for everyday use and may not withstand the rigours of performance driving. Performance brake pads offer a higher coefficient of friction, meaning they generate more stopping power. They are also formulated to withstand higher operating temperatures, preventing fade. Different compounds are available, catering to various driving styles, from fast road use to dedicated track days. Materials range from semi-metallic to ceramic and even more aggressive race-specific compounds. It's crucial to select pads that match your intended use to avoid premature wear or undesirable characteristics like excessive noise or dust.
- Brake Fluid: Often overlooked, brake fluid is the hydraulic medium that transmits force from the pedal to the calipers. Standard DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluids have lower boiling points than performance-oriented fluids. Under heavy braking, the fluid can boil, creating air bubbles which are compressible, leading to a spongy pedal and a significant reduction in braking performance – a phenomenon known as 'brake fade'. Upgrading to a high-performance DOT 4 or even a DOT 5.1 fluid with a higher dry and wet boiling point is essential for maintaining pedal feel and consistent braking under extreme conditions.
- Brake Lines: The flexible rubber hoses used in OE systems can expand under pressure, especially when hot. This expansion contributes to a less direct pedal feel. Replacing these with braided stainless steel brake lines offers a significant improvement. The stainless steel braiding prevents expansion, ensuring that the hydraulic pressure is transmitted directly to the calipers, resulting in a firmer and more responsive pedal.
- Brake Calipers: While not always the first upgrade, multi-piston calipers offer superior clamping force and heat dissipation compared to standard two-piston setups. For serious performance applications, a big brake kit (BBK) featuring larger calipers and discs is the ultimate solution. These kits are designed to work in harmony, providing immense stopping power and exceptional heat management.
Upgrade Paths: Tailoring to Your Needs
The "best" brake setup for your GT-R is subjective and depends heavily on your driving habits and budget. Here are a few common upgrade paths:
1. Fast Road / Enthusiast Upgrade
This is for the owner who enjoys spirited driving on public roads and occasional track days. The focus is on improving feel, durability, and resistance to fade without compromising daily usability.
- Discs: High-quality two-piece floating discs with a plain or subtle groove pattern.
- Pads: Performance fast-road pads (e.g., EBC Yellowstuff, Ferodo DS2500, Hawk HPS).
- Fluid: High-performance DOT 4 fluid (e.g., Castrol React SRF, Motul RBF600).
- Lines: Braided stainless steel brake lines.
2. Track Day / Serious Performance Upgrade
This setup is for the dedicated track enthusiast who demands maximum performance and reliability under extreme heat and stress.
- Discs: Two-piece floating discs with aggressive grooving and potentially larger diameter for increased thermal mass.
- Pads: Track-focused pads (e.g., Ferodo DS3000, Carbotech XP10/XP12, Hawk DTC series). These often require a period of bedding-in.
- Fluid: High-performance DOT 5.1 or track-specific DOT 4 fluid with the highest possible boiling point.
- Lines: Braided stainless steel brake lines.
- Calipers (Optional): Consideration for a big brake kit with multi-piston calipers for ultimate power and heat handling.
Table: Brake Component Comparison
Here's a simplified comparison of different brake component types:
| Component | OE Standard | Fast Road Upgrade | Track Day Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discs | Drilled, prone to cracking under stress. | Two-piece floating, plain or grooved. Improved heat management. | Two-piece floating, aggressive grooving, larger diameter. Maximum heat dissipation. |
| Pads | Standard compound, good for daily use, fades under heat. | Higher friction, better heat resistance, moderate dust. | High friction, very high heat resistance, can be noisy and dusty, requires bedding-in. |
| Fluid | Standard DOT 4, lower boiling point. | High-performance DOT 4, higher boiling point, improved pedal feel. | Track-specific DOT 4/5.1, highest boiling point, resists fade. |
| Lines | Rubber, can expand under pressure. | Braided stainless steel, no expansion, firmer pedal. | Braided stainless steel, no expansion, firmer pedal. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I really need to replace my OE discs if they aren't cracked?
A: While not strictly necessary if they are in good condition, upgrading to two-piece floating discs is a proactive measure to prevent future cracking, especially if you intend to drive the car hard. It's a common failure point for the GT-R.
Q2: Will upgraded brake pads make my car stop faster in everyday driving?
A: Performance pads offer a higher coefficient of friction, meaning they can provide more stopping power. However, the biggest gains are seen under harder braking. Some aggressive compounds might feel slightly less responsive at very low speeds and can produce more dust.
Q3: Is a big brake kit (BBK) overkill for a road car?
A: For most road driving, a BBK might be considered an upgrade. However, if you frequently track your GT-R or drive in a very spirited manner, a BBK offers unparalleled performance, heat management, and durability. It's a significant investment but provides the ultimate braking solution.
Q4: How important is the bedding-in process for new brake pads and discs?
A: The bedding-in process is crucial for performance brakes. It allows the pad material to transfer evenly onto the disc surface, creating a uniform friction layer. Improper bedding can lead to reduced performance, uneven wear, and even glazed pads or discs.
Q5: Can I just upgrade the pads and fluid and see a big improvement?
A: Yes, upgrading pads and fluid will yield noticeable improvements in pedal feel and fade resistance. However, to truly address the inherent weakness of the OE discs and achieve the maximum performance, upgrading the discs is highly recommended.
Conclusion
Investing in your GT-R's braking system is investing in your safety and your driving pleasure. By understanding the limitations of the factory setup and choosing components that align with your driving needs, you can transform your GT-R's ability to stop, providing confidence-inspiring performance and peace of mind. Whether you opt for a subtle yet effective fast-road upgrade or a no-compromise track-focused system, the rewards are undeniable. A well-upgraded braking system is a hallmark of a truly capable performance machine, and for the mighty GT-R, it's an upgrade that truly deserves your attention.
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