Lexus LS430 Caliper swap - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Murco · 08-04-2005, 11:15 PM

Now that I'm in the brake repair business I've seen alot of different brakes systems up close and seen how they wear, last, and perform. The best factory brake system I've seen is on the Lexus LS430's. Lexus uses Brembo for their brake systems, they are HUGE, aluminum monoblock design, and feature a fixed 4-piston set-up. They offer tremendous swept area, and will straddle a 13.5x1.25" wide rotor (LS1, C5's) and the only concern I have is wheel clearance (they are REALLY HUGE). I'm ordering a set next week to "experiment" with!!!!!

89 Iroc Z · 08-04-2005, 11:25 PM

Why not the Cadillac CTS-V brembo 4 piston caliper? The rotors are 14 inch but will not work because they are drilled for the CTS-V 6-lug wheel. But finding another rotor to use with the caliper is not a problem. I bet the CTS-V caliper is similar to the LS caliper.

Murco · 08-04-2005, 11:29 PM

Here are some pics! I did measure one from the rotor - outward, these big dogs need 2.75" of clearance in a factory application. I'll do some research to figure out what rotor/caliper combo will clear factory wheels.

Murco · 08-04-2005, 11:29 PM

another...

Murco · 08-04-2005, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 89 Iroc Z
Why not the Cadillac CTS-V brembo 4 piston caliper? The rotors are 14 inch but will not work because they are drilled for the CTS-V 6-lug wheel. But finding another rotor to use with the caliper is not a problem. I bet the CTS-V caliper is similar to the LS caliper.

COST!!
They are probably comparable but I cannot imagine CTS-V calipers being easily found or cheaply purchased. The Lexus parts look to be far more affordable and accessible.

MurcoRS · 08-04-2005, 11:43 PM

I couldn't understand why my name showed "junior member" and 10 posts, then realized why... I was on a different computer and logged-in with my original screen-name from before my mail and websites got hacked! Please - Do not use the e-mail or website links on the "Murco" posts!
Sorry...

89 Iroc Z · 08-05-2005, 12:04 AM

Well how much are these calipers from lexus I can't see them being cheaper then the CTS-V ones.

KagA152 · 08-05-2005, 02:43 AM

if you want good, big rotors, get c4 hd. 13x1.1 $43.79 for raybestos solid, $67.79 for the brutestop (drilled and slotted) at rockauto.com. plus, theyre 5x4.75

paul_huryk · 08-05-2005, 11:17 AM

Those calipers look way too wide to clear any third-gen compatable wheels. But you need to try first to make sure.

I'm not a big fan of Brembos - not like they are bad, just that they aren't cheap and there are other alternatives out there.

ebmiller88 · 08-05-2005, 04:37 PM

With a caliper that thick, you'll probably have to run a spacer to get it to clear your wheels.

Ed

MurcoRS · 08-05-2005, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ebmiller88
With a caliper that thick, you'll probably have to run a spacer to get it to clear your wheels.

Ed

It's not a huge rotor but a 1LE piece will have enough clearance between the wheels and rotors to clear these. Then we run into the clearance problem for the back of the caliper! I'll do some more research and clearance checking...

dahaus · 08-06-2005, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KagA152
if you want good, big rotors, get c4 hd. 13x1.1 $43.79 for raybestos solid, $67.79 for the brutestop (drilled and slotted) at rockauto.com. plus, theyre 5x4.75

These rotors sound great, but how are you going to get them to work on a 3rd gen.

dahaus · 08-06-2005, 12:17 PM

Never mind. I figured it out. I never new you could turn down 3rd gen rotors to make hubs. It makes sense, I just never thought about it. Sorry for messing up the thread.

MurcoRS · 08-07-2005, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ebmiller88
With a caliper that thick, you'll probably have to run a spacer to get it to clear your wheels.

Ed

I measured 2.75" from rotor face to outmost point on the caliper. With a 13" rotor mounting these further from the hub it might work! How tall are your Wilwwod calipers from the rotor face? (Sweet set-up Ed!)

ebmiller88 · 08-07-2005, 06:34 AM

My Wilwoods measure 1 inch from rotor hub face to the outside of the caliper:

SDIF · 08-13-2005, 12:09 AM

what size pads does the lexus caliber take?

Looks like it would not cool very well.

BMmonteSS · 08-14-2005, 04:19 PM

Using a 13" rotor like Ed used means 17's if I remember correctly. If your trying to sneak these into a 16" wheel you want to look towards the LS1 rotors. They are 12" and 1.25" thick. They also are spaced furthur back from the wheel so that may give you the added space you need.

Can you get a price on these calipers?

MurcoRS · 08-14-2005, 09:12 PM

I dno't know the retail prices but I can get these loaded (pads, brackets, and hardware) from Carquest for $93.00 each here.

BMmonteSS · 08-15-2005, 07:33 AM

no s#*(*% ! .....wuda thunk it.

Thats a crazy cheap price for a mono bloc 4 piston caliper that is made for the street. Is that price with or without the core charge? I was going to go with a wilwood setup, but I'm a little hesitant because of the lack of dust seals and the type of roads I run on around here.

ebmiller88 · 08-15-2005, 07:33 AM

What's the core charge? Thst seems too cheap to me.

Ed

MurcoRS · 08-15-2005, 08:28 PM

Core charge was $90.00.
The price is right inline with most other auto parts stores
Advance Auto Parts - $91.00
Auto Zone - $89.93
I prefer Carquest as I have never had a caliper come from them with corroded pistons or scored bores. Can't say that about the other guys.
So, $180.00 each for a 4-piston aluminum monoblock caliper with proper dust boots for street use sounding better??!

BMmonteSS · 08-16-2005, 07:34 AM

That does sound good, can you give me a part number? I can't seem to locate it with advanced, or autozone's online store.

ebmiller88 · 08-16-2005, 09:38 AM

So how does this thing mount anyway? I see the two bolts on the top side of the caliper but other than that it's not obvious. Got any other pics, the back side in particular.

Thanks!

Ed

355SS · 08-17-2005, 10:58 AM

My brembos are radial mount and I would assume that these are the same. I have also tried to order brembo calipers through a discount parts store and either they were not able to get the parts even though they are listed in their computer or you need to send back your calipers for a rebuild because there are no cores available.

JPrevost · 08-18-2005, 07:05 PM

That's a really good price! I paid $130 for a piece for my wilwoods a while back.
Just FYI, a buddy has wilwoods on his daily driven Maxima. 2 years and a LOT of street miles with a couple road racing course days and they're still working without a hitch. They really don't 'need' those dust boots but it does help. The other option is lithium grease. Racers use them and I put them on all of my brake calipers to keep the pistons and seals protected.

If those monoblock fixed calipers are radial mount it will add to the complexity of the adaptor plate. One reason to avoid them but maybe not?!?!