Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

Well I got around to installing the Supra TT brakes from the GS4 to the SC430 today. Fairly straight forward installation. I was going to swap the brake back shield from the GS to the SC until the found the backplate is larger on the SC so I trimmed it instead as the Supra calipers are larger. The brakes easily cleared the new wheels. I opted to stay with red vs silver which would be too much silver and black would have looked stock. Could not have that. I also lowered the car another 1/2" which is the max for the Bilstein PSS's up front (now Tom's).

I also installed Rotora stainless steel lines as well. All went well and initial tests indicated the same dramatic improvement I experienced when I intalled these on the GS. Pads are Hawk HPS which are now my favorite after trying many other brands.

For those interested in price-I paid around $200 for the calipers and $100.00 for rotors plus $70.00 for pads. The pads came from TireRack.com.
Sorry for the bad pics, they were taken at dusk and brightened up with PhotoImpact.

My next step on the brakes is to install TT brakes on the rear so I will have to fabricate a bracket. No problem as I have done a few brake brackets in the past. Not sure about the brake bias though and may have to get an adjustable proportioning valve.
Lee




Old pic when they were painted

rominl

iTrader: (4)

lee, can you keep me posted about putting supra tt setup in the back as well? the rear brackets are the same between the gs and the sc. if you have a bracket, you can get it for both already

and i really consider that for both cars

StunnaSC

I got a simular question, Will the 95 LS400 calipers work on the SC430, Im sure it will I did it to my supra, anyone have LS400 calipers on there sc?

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

The front suspension on the SC is different than the Supra so the LS400 caliper will hit on the SC430. A spacer is used by some to lower/raise the knuckle so that the LS400 caliper fits. As the Supra TT rotor is larger I would recommend that route. The LS400 calipers are ligher (all aluminum vs. half on the TT).
Lee

Stefwilli

Nice write up Lee, this car should come with the supra TT/ LS400 (4pot) brakes, the stopping power is so much greater. I've driven both a GS400 and a 2000 LS400 under hard braking and the LS reacts much quicker with less brake fade.

rsa supra

Nice write up, I'm just waiting for the tires to wear out so I can step up with new wheels with clearance for the TT calipers.

StunnaSC

Did you use spacer? I mean if the TT calipers fit on the SC and the LS400 calipers fit on my supra, then it should be an easy swap right?

Seize

Good write-up and illsutrations, thanks for sharing

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys, just an FYI, this post is over a year old.

StunnaSC,

No, no spacer is needed for the TT calipers, only the LS400 calipers. Spacer required for the LS400 calipers only on the SC
I will add that I was going to swap the fronts out for 6 pistons ,I changed my mind as these brake so well already. So instead I am going to install the Rotora rears to balance the car out.
Lee

rsa supra

Lol! I thought I'd remembered seeing the post before, but glanced and the 11-06 and thought it was new.

BoostAddct

So would it be possible to pull the front calipers,caliper mounts, and rotors off of a 03 LS430 and put them on my 02 SC430? I know of an LS at a local salvage yard that I can pull the parts from. Do I need anything else to complete the conversion?

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

Sorry, but no. The LS430 calipers mounting holes are rotated 45 degrees. No way to get them to fit and it would be tough even with custom brackets($$) . Options would be limited to the aftermarket items or Supra TT, and LS400.
Lee

BoostAddct

Ok, Thanks. So what year LS Brakes will work? I'd prefer the LS brakes as they do not have the Supra raised lettering. Just to re-clarify, I just need the calipers, rotors, and pads? Or do I also need the caliper mounting brackets and new lines? Thanks for your help Pearlpower, you are in innovator in the SC430 community, not to mention Lexus community as a whole.

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

Thanks. I believe 95-00 LS400 calipers are the 4 piston type.
All you need is : Rotors,calipers(incl any hardware/clips),pads. Plus the spacer to fit the SC/GS. The spacer being the challenge.
One can always sand away the decal for the lettering on the TT calipers as I did . These are direct bolt on with no spacer.
Either will require cutting away a bit of the dust shield to accomodate the larger caliper

LS400 4 piston calipers=spacer needed
Supra TT 4 piston calipers-direct bolt on
Lee

Added:

Here is a link to another thread with a pic of the spacer needed to fit GS/SC430 cars.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ls400+calipers

Here is a very good thread on making the LS400 calipers fit the GS400/430-same as SC430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=ls400+caliper

tonydt1g3r

when you bought rotors, did you need to buy TT rotors for the front and SC430 rotors for the rear. or are the TT and sc430 rotors the same? Also for the brake lines are the TT and SC430 ones the same? I was on ebay and saw some auctions selling SC300, SC400, SC430 rotors/brake lines in the same auction ect.

Also you selling yours anytime soon lee