R34 GT-R Big Brake Kits - Race-Proven Stopping Power

The factory Brembo brakes on the R34 GT-R (324mm front, 300mm rear vented discs with 4-piston/2-piston calipers) were excellent for 1999, but modern track demands and power upgrades require more heat capacity and fade resistance. This comprehensive brake kit catalog covers everything from entry-level pad/rotor upgrades to full race-spec big brake systems.

Why Upgrade Your R34 GT-R Brakes?

Factory Limitations

• Heat Fade: Stock calipers and rotors fade quickly during repeated hard stops
• Pedal Feel: Stock brake master cylinder can feel soft under track abuse
• Pad Selection: OEM replacement pads are expensive and limited to street compounds
• Rotor Warping: Stock 2-piece rotors can warp after aggressive track sessions

Benefits of Big Brake Kits

• Increased Heat Capacity: Larger rotors dissipate heat more effectively (380mm+ vs 324mm stock)
• Better Modulation: Multi-piston calipers provide linear pedal feel and controlled stopping
• Reduced Fade: High-performance pads designed for track temperatures (800°F+ operating range)
• Wheel Compatibility: Most kits designed to fit under 18" wheels (some require 19"+)

Brake Kit Selection Guide

Street/Occasional Track ($800-$3,000)

Best for daily drivers with occasional spirited driving or HPDE beginners:

• Pad/Rotor Combo: Upgraded friction material + slotted/drilled rotors
• Benefits: 30-40% better stopping vs OEM, minimal installation complexity
• Limitations: Still uses stock caliper design (fade resistance limited)

Track Focused ($4,000-$6,000)

For dedicated track cars or advanced HPDE participants:

• 4-6 Piston Kits: Larger rotors (355-380mm) with upgraded calipers
• Benefits: 50-60% better stopping, fade resistance at track temperatures
• Limitations: May require 18"+ wheels, professional installation recommended

Race Spec ($8,000-$10,000+)

For competitive racing or extreme track use:

• 6-8 Piston Kits: Maximum rotor size (380-400mm) with race-spec calipers
• Benefits: Unlimited fade resistance, track-proven in GT3/Time Attack
• Limitations: Requires specific wheels, expensive pad replacements, complex setup

Installation Considerations

Difficulty Ratings

• Pad/Rotor Swap (2/5): 2-3 hours, basic tools, DIY-friendly
• Caliper Bracket Kit (3/5): 4-6 hours, torque wrench required, bleeding brakes
• Full Big Brake Kit (4-5/5): 6-10 hours, professional installation recommended, wheel fitment critical

Required Tools

• Socket set (10mm-19mm)
• Torque wrench (0-150 ft-lbs)
• Brake bleeder kit
• Jack stands (4 total)
• Wheel chocks

Professional Installation Costs

• Pad/rotor replacement: $200-$400 labor
• Big brake kit install: $800-$1,500 labor
• Corner balancing + alignment: $300-$500 (recommended after BBK)

Brake Fluid & Lines

All big brake kits require high-performance brake fluid (DOT 4 or DOT 5.1) with higher dry boiling points (>600°F). We recommend:

• Motul RBF 600 (DOT 4, 593°F dry boiling point)
• Castrol SRF (DOT 4, 590°F dry boiling point)
• ATE Type 200 (DOT 4, 536°F dry boiling point)

Stainless steel braided brake lines eliminate expansion under pressure and improve pedal feel (recommended upgrade for all track-driven GT-Rs).

Maintenance & Operating Costs

Pad Replacement

• Street pads: Every 30,000-50,000 miles ($150-$300)
• Track pads: Every 5-10 track days ($300-$600)
• Race pads: Every 2-4 race weekends ($500-$1,000)

Rotor Replacement

• Street rotors: Every 60,000-100,000 miles ($400-$800)
• Track rotors: Every 20-30 track days ($800-$1,500)
• Race rotors: Every 10-15 race weekends ($1,500-$3,000)

Brake Fluid Service

• Street: Annually ($100-$150 flush)
• Track: Every 3-5 track days ($100-$150 flush)
• Race: Before every race weekend ($100-$150 flush)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a big brake kit fit my wheels?

Most R34 GT-R big brake kits are designed for 18" wheels minimum. Some race-spec kits (380mm+ rotors) require 19" wheels. Always verify fitment with the manufacturer before purchase.

Do I need to upgrade all four corners?

For street use, upgrading front brakes only is acceptable (70% of braking force is front). For track use, we recommend upgrading all four corners to maintain brake balance and prevent rear fade.

Can I use race pads on the street?

Race pads (carbon-metallic compounds) require high temperatures (400°F+) to work effectively. Using them on the street results in poor cold bite, increased rotor wear, and excessive dust. Use separate pad sets for street vs track.

How much stopping distance improvement?

Big brake kits reduce stopping distances by 10-20% from 60-0 mph. More importantly, they resist fade during repeated stops (critical for track use where stock brakes fade after 2-3 laps).

Do I need a brake bias controller?

For street/occasional track use, brake bias adjusters are optional. For dedicated track cars, adjustable bias allows fine-tuning front/rear balance for different pad compounds and track conditions.

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