SC400 Front Brake upgrade using LS400 Calipers - some issues
10-06-12, 08:52 AM
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SC400 Front Brake upgrade using LS400 Calipers - some issues
I just tried an LS400 upgrade on my SC400 and it looks like I have to do the following:
1) Grind the calipers at the outside base a small amount to clear the rim
2) Shim the two bolts holding it on with a washer that is about 1/16 to 1/8" thick.
The more I shim the more I have to grind the outside to clear the rim. Before I go about possibly ruining these calipers I was wondering if any one on this forum had any advice. My calipers clank and this is why I want to do this conversion. My car is on jack and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
PS I am using the same rotors. Looks like the LS caliper covers most of the rotor but it does appear to ride a little high - any thoughts?
1) Grind the calipers at the outside base a small amount to clear the rim
2) Shim the two bolts holding it on with a washer that is about 1/16 to 1/8" thick.
The more I shim the more I have to grind the outside to clear the rim. Before I go about possibly ruining these calipers I was wondering if any one on this forum had any advice. My calipers clank and this is why I want to do this conversion. My car is on jack and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
PS I am using the same rotors. Looks like the LS caliper covers most of the rotor but it does appear to ride a little high - any thoughts?
10-06-12, 10:48 AM
#2
Clearly you didn't do enough research on this subject before doing it. First of, make sure what you have is from a '95-'00 LS400. second, people upgrade to this caliper because it is BIGGER, which means it has much more breaking power compared to the OEM. Then before upgrading to this you need to make sure it'll fit in your wheels. Third, since its bigger than the OEM that clearly tells you you need the right size rotors. And fourth, if you use the OEM bolts of the SC brake calipers you need to grind it shorter or use spacers so it wouldn't hit the rotor, OR you can use the bolts for the LS400 and it would clear it with no issues.
10-06-12, 02:42 PM
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I'm just gonna repeat wat KingPhilip said so check all of those issues. Plus u cant put a sc400 rotor on a ls400 caliper. Something can go really bad so go buy a ls400 rotor.
Last edited by xrsracer; 10-06-12 at 03:36 PM.
10-06-12, 06:54 PM
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The application is to upgrade the caliper on a SC400 with the caliper from a 1995-2000 LS400 - specifically 1998 LS400 calipers - the reason why? - To stop the clanking know to occur from the floating calipers used on SC400s - a clanking sound that happens to some of us as you will read on this forum. Also I did do some research - using this forum. I was found that the calipers are from a 1998 LS400 and they are direct bolt - but actually they are very hard to bolt on. The spacer has nothing to do with the length of the bolts. It has to do with how the caliper is pulled in. Without a spacer it is pulled in to the point where it is tight against the rotor which stops the rotor from turning. Therefor the spacer would go between the caliper mount and the caliper so the caliper is further away so when tight is does not press against the rotor. My research indicates that the LS400 caliper from 1995 to 2000 is a direct fit but I have discovered that it is not. Perhaps it is the type of Lexus caliper used - this assumes that Lexus varies the manufacturers they use and that tolerances vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Aside from press against the rotor, my rim need about 1/32" from rubbing as it turns. I should be able to grind the caliper on the inside (outer side) and remove 1/8 to 1/4" which should give me the clearances I need. I would really like to know how aside from the rim clearances how others on this forum were able to use the LS400 caliper when it clearly is not working for me without pressing against the rotor when tightened.
10-06-12, 08:14 PM
#7
Ok, I think I know now what you are referring to. It does vary, some people didn't have problem with it, and some did. I guess you do, so yes you're gonna need to grind a tiny bit out of it to make it fit. Wouldn't be so hard since its made out of aluminum. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/6699498-post117.html
You can find out more info here;
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...ls-brakes.html
You can find out more info here;
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...ls-brakes.html
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10-12-12, 02:14 AM
#8
Please don't shave the calipers. 
Those are holes that needed to be welded in the second picture. 
Those are holes that needed to be welded in the second picture. got the calipers and 10mm spacers.. and guess what.
i need 15mm spacers. fml. lol just ordered a new set of 15mm spacers. im goin to throw the 10mm spacers on the rear since i got my fenders rolled today
the 15mm spacer makes me flush though lol.. guess its not that bad of a thing, i just didnt expect to buy 3 sets of friggen spacers
pictures of the shaved caliper, i took off about 5-6mm off the caliper
i need 15mm spacers. fml. lol just ordered a new set of 15mm spacers. im goin to throw the 10mm spacers on the rear since i got my fenders rolled today
the 15mm spacer makes me flush though lol.. guess its not that bad of a thing, i just didnt expect to buy 3 sets of friggen spacers
pictures of the shaved caliper, i took off about 5-6mm off the caliper
10-12-12, 05:40 AM
#9
^, This!
Never should the calipers be ground down. I don't even think the caliper would function properly even if the holes are welded. The ridge on these calipers are a bridge to transfer fluid from one end of the caliper to other. Picture a set of Brembo calipers, they have their bridge on the outside with the use of a hard line with fittings
Never should the calipers be ground down. I don't even think the caliper would function properly even if the holes are welded. The ridge on these calipers are a bridge to transfer fluid from one end of the caliper to other. Picture a set of Brembo calipers, they have their bridge on the outside with the use of a hard line with fittings
07-09-13, 08:59 AM
#12
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For anyone looking to do this swap, figs has a group buy going on 2 piece ls400 rotors. Good for a weight reduction of about 4lbs per side
Link https://www.clublexus.com/forums/clu...-swap-bbk.html
Link https://www.clublexus.com/forums/clu...-swap-bbk.html
Last edited by MR_F1; 07-09-13 at 06:35 PM.
