Finally got the stopping parts of this swap in yesterday, I had really wanted to go with the GS350/RC350 2-piece 14-inch brakes, but I didn't want to be forced to run 18-inch wheels in the winter (plus needing 2 new sets of wheels, 2 new sets of tires, a new spare wheel and tire, etc.), and so I stuck with the 4-piston aluminum monoblock caliper 13-inch brakes from the IS350/GS350 that will clear 17-inch wheels. They're more than enough for what I do with the car, if it ever becomes a track car that may change, who knows. I'm using the stock F-Sport/high-friction Textar T4146 brake pads, they dust a lot, but the initial bite they provide combined with the low noise is a fantastic combination.

Just need the shims to come in from California to get these installed.



Also got the new windshield installed as well so I can finally get the cowl and wiper linkage put back in place.



Jeff

 

Almost done Jeff.So are you waiting the ECU from Japan or didn't you send it yet?

 

So I can still be the first to do the OEM 14" 2-pc brake upgrade. LOL! Hmmm.

 

Gonna wait for it!

 

If you're looking for brake backing plates to use, I recommend the IS F ones. I suspect they should work well.

Jeff

 

So at 40% throttle, is it about the same performance as before the swap?

 

Haha, exactly. Though I've only driven it inside the shop so far, I still have my Potenza RE11a's on the car and it is very much winter outside. These are so not winter tires.

Jeff

 

Ha! I'm very familiar with that class of tires. I once did my ~4 mile commute in a freak snowstorm with ~4" of snow on the ground on a set of Falken Azenis RT215s. NOT recommended for someone who wants to live to see another day, keep it in the shop!

 

What about the ECU Jeff?

 

Have you ever think of AKIBONO break pads? I love it!!!

 

Indeed, haha. I've got a set of winter tires that I normally use, but the wheels won't clear the new brakes, so I've either got to get them on these wheels or get another set of tires. Not sure yet. We shall see. Either way, I don't really need to drive it until it's all running properly.

No news yet.

Akebono makes good pads, but are not what I'm looking for in this case. I am happy to deal with the higher dust that the Textar pads put out to get the additional brake feel and stopping performance they provide. They're not everyone's cup of tea however.

Jeff

 

Things keep progressing. Getting things figured out and the new brakes are now on the car. Hopefully can drive it properly soon!



Jeff

 

Look great Jeff.

 

Amazing build!

 

FYI, just to save you time down the road, you might want to go ahead and hit those coated caliper with a real coat of high-temp caliper paint. That black coating ("paint") wears off quickly; mine was stating to chip and fade at only 31k miles when I purchased my 2IS.