I’ve upgraded my 3rd Gen Altima SE-R with 4th Gen Altima aluminum control arms, and the results are impressive! Here’s a detailed look at the transformation, including before-and-after photos showcasing the ride height change. I swapped out the stock springs for 1-inch shorter TEIN coilovers, giving the car a more aggressive stance and improved handling.
Craig Fogel also noted that 350Z rear coilovers are compatible with the rear suspension of our cars. He mentions using BC Racing coilovers designed for a 350Z paired with Altima-specific lower mounts on his vehicle. Additionally, he has installed 350Z Z1 Motorsports toe and camber arms for enhanced suspension tuning
Modify the Dust Shield: Trim the dust shield behind the rotors to allow for caliper clearance, then bend it back slightly to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the new setup.
Avoid 350Z Rotors: Although 13.5” 350Z rotors will technically fit, they leave about a half-inch of pad overhang, which results in incomplete pad contact. Use 370Z Sport Rotors: Opt for the 14” 370Z Sport Rotors to achieve full pad contact and perfect fitment in the calipers. (Photo will be posted to show the fit.)
For 18” Wheels: You may need to shave down the corners of the calipers to prevent rubbing on the wheel barrel. For 19” Wheels: No modifications should be needed, as they offer enough clearance. Note: I kept my 350Z wheels and chose to shave down the calipers to ensure clearance. Now there’s just enough space to fit a credit card between the caliper and barrel.
Attach OEM Brake Line: The OEM brake line will connect to the 370Z calipers without any additional modifications.
Choose Compatible Brake Pads: I used the OEM 370Z pads that came with the calipers, but you can use any 370Z Sport pad compatible with Akebono calipers.
Although this setup may have been done before, I wanted to provide a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to upgrade their 4th-gen Maxima brakes with Akebono calipers, as most previous write-ups only cover Brembo installs.
For anyone curious, the Akebono Nissan 370z front calipers can be directly attached to the 370z rotor. However, you will need a substantial wheel spacer as the caliper contacts the SR turbo wheels.
A minor modification to the dust shield is necessary. I think the brake line is compatible, but I didn’t proceed to that point because when I checked the wheel clearance, I realized a large spacer was required to fit the stock wheels.
Been looking to do the 350Z 4 piston front brake upgrade for some time now, and finally pulled the trigger!
Just wanted to share some links, because most of these aftermarket calipers come without abutment plates or hardware, which tacks on another $50-$75 bucks.
TRQ calipers includes these parts, and can be had on embay for cheap. I got the unpainted calipers, which were on sale for $155 a pair with hardware and abutment plates. That price has since gone up to $175, but the red powder coated calipers are still down at the $160 range for both.
Either way, stoked to get these painted and thrown on! I already have 6th gen rotors, plus I picked up some wholesale closeout ceramic pads on Rock Auto for around $20, so all in all I’m into 4 piston front brakes for around $175.
Installation Info:
After several small hiccups, I finally managed to fit and bleed the 350z Brembos. The pedals feel a bit soft, so I might need to bleed them again, but overall, I’m satisfied.
For those using TRQ calipers, be aware that I had to grind the inner surface closest to the rotor and order shorter Brembo banjo bolts from CZP, as my factory bolts were too long even with the factory brake lines. Other brands don’t seem to have these issues, so consider the cost of your time and new banjo bolts versus the cost of abutment plates (which TRQs include).
While I was at it, I thoroughly cleaned the inner fenders. It might not be the cleanest 5th gen, but it’s close.
For those curious about this modification, it’s been well-documented. These are knock-off/reproduction 350z front Brembos with 04 Maxima rotors. No adapter brackets are needed—they bolt right up to 02-03 models. However, I believe 00-01 cars need the knuckles drilled out for larger bolts.
These strut bars were available during the 2007-2009 era. They were among the most affordable options, selling for about $30-40, including shipping. Once they became rare, they started selling used for around $70-$80 since they are no longer made. They fit both 1995-1999 4th generation models and 2000-2001 5th generation models, although they were originally made for the 5th generation.
To unravel the puzzle that stumped everyone, it turns out that D2s are shorter than BCs. It’s possible to order super lows from BC if you want to achieve an ultra-low stance without interfering with the axles. I hope this information proves useful to someone.
