Brake Fade Issues

[Brendan]

Hey everyone! This is my first post, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice to help reduce brake fade. My friends Z is a 2003 Touring, with the stock brakes. After some spirited moutain driving, there is a fair bit of fade.
Are there any low cost items to help with this problem? My friend doesnt have the money for a BBK (although we can dream), but are there pad options or cooling duct options available for the Z? I ran a search on this board and on google and came up short, so I figured I would ask the expericanced owners.
Thanks for the time guys!
:toast:

[2003z]

try hawk hps pads. They have a higher heat range and better performance, plus the added bonus of less dust.

[Redline350Z]

Hawk HPS or Carbotech Bobcats would help, as 2003Z said. You could also remove the splash shields from the back side of the rotors to allow more air flow (gotta love free mods, right?)...

There is a brake duct kit for the 350Z, but the orders are stacked up for it right now and production is running behind. I know a couple of our members here have it installed or are about to install it, so maybe one of them could comment about it. The duct kit can be found at N-Tech Engineering (http://www.ntechengineering.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_parts&part_number=NT00186)

Oh, and welcome to the Frenzy! :D

[Brendan]

Thanks for the welcome and the great info!
Maybe tomorrow my bud and I will take off the splash guards and see where we come out on the fade issue. It seems like the car had great stopping power, but with the stock brakes it just isnt repeatable. I'll let you know where we come out, and thanks again for the input!
BTW 2003z, how's the flying going? Both my friend and I are currently working on our instrument ratings, and should be out in the industry in a little over a year. Any tips?
:toast:

[Redline350Z]

One thing to know before you try to remove the splash shields on your buddy's Z... the fronts can be removed completely if you take the rotors off and find all of the bolts to remove. The rears aren't going anywhere unless you cut them off or disassemble a lot of the rear end. (Even the instructions that ship with big brake kits say to cut the rear shields off rather than try to remove them entirely). Just thought I'd save you a few hours of pain. :)

Good luck!

[Brendan]

Thanks for the heads up. I dont think we have to much of a problem with the rear brakes; it's the fronts we hear and smell. We'll see how it works with the fronts off, and leave the rears alone for now. It's not too bad up front, bit it's just enough to gather some concern so it seems like these DIY fixes will help us. Thanks for all the insight guys!
:toast:

[350Z pilot]

Hello all, another first time poster here. It was my Z (not exactly mine but I'll just say that for simplicity :tongue: ) Brendan was referring to. Just wanted to say thanks for all the suggestions. I'll try them out and write back with some results.

[2003z]

Originally posted by Brendan

BTW 2003z, how's the flying going? Both my friend and I are currently working on our instrument ratings, and should be out in the industry in a little over a year. Any tips?
:toast:
well, I think it will never be the career it was before 9/11, but its still a great way of life. Just build your time and work your way up.. I went military, and that truly is the best way, imho, because you dont have to work for slave wages. the downside is, now you are committed for 10 years after flight school (might be a plus, since the industry may be recoverd by then)