Presented by Centric Parts and its StopTech performance and racing division

January 25, 2011

Is the Nissan 350Z an Instant Classic?

We spotted this segment on YouTube featuring a 2003 350Z with StopTech brakes...


The host asks if the 350Z is an "instant classic" or not. It's a good question. The Z line from Nissan is the world's most popular sports car of all time.

That doesn't make it a classic. N*Sync was at the top of the charts once too, though we doubt they will ever qualify as a classic, let alone be considered an instant one. So what is it about the Nissan 350Z that has sparked the "instant classic" debate?

For one, the 350Z is groundbreaking on the performance-for-your-dollar front. Though the car came in several flavors (i.e. enthusiast, touring, track, roadster), all options each year has the same engine. Coming in on the bottom rung got you the same nail-biting cornering ability, zippy acceleration and commendable top speed. That bottom rung was under $30k.

Tuners instantly fell in love with it. For a fair price they got a blank canvas to work with under which beat the heart of a very track capable car. Drifters (as in drivers, not wandering homeless people) also adopted the Nissan 350Z as their car of choice.

Like, arguably, all prior iterations of the Nissan Z, the 350Z does have a look that seems likely to turn heads and inspire emotions beyond its years. Think about it. When a well maintained 300ZX drives by, it still fits into the modern aesthetic of performance sports cars, yet that car is pushing 20 years.

These points make a strong case for giving the Nissan 350Z instant classic status.

StopTech is particularly fond of the 350Z, even if only for business reasons. "We sold, and still do, a lot of brakes for the early Nissan 350Zs," notes Pat McCleish, Centric Parts primary mechanic. "People burned through those OE brakes pretty quickly and wanted more stopping power."

The company offers many options for the 350Z across its divisions. Centric Parts branded components make great OE replacements. Power Slot offers rotors that provide an immediate upgrade on a fair budget. StopTech also weighs in with a wide range of ultra-performance options including full-blown racing Big Brake Kits.

One of this blog's authors has a Z. It's a yellow 2005 Nissan 350Z Roadster with the Touring package. Amazingly, it only has 16k miles on it. However it already was up for new brakes. He kept the OE calipers for now but dropped in Power Slot Enhanced Brake Rotors with StopTech Street Performance brake pads and is reporting a huge improvement in stopping power.

Another friend of StopTech, Cheston, also tools around with a 350Z. StopTech featured the story of that Nissan in this installment of their Brake Decisions video series...

January 18, 2011

Funny Brake Videos

If you are not dialed into the StopTech Twitter or Facebook pages then you have not been catching the occasional funny car or brake related videos that have landed there.  Don't sweat it.  We got you covered with some of the latest...


"This wasn't a drive thru until you got here"


Summer is Grid Girl tipping season in Germany


"Honey, did you check the lugs after you changes the tire?"


This never happened before self-serivce gas stations were invented


Just because it's in the truck does not mean you shouldn't use a parking brake

Brake Decisions: The Complete Series

The last installment of the Brake Decisions video series has been completed and posted on the Centric Parts / StopTech YouTube channel.  This one explores what type of brakes that go best with daily drivers and luxury vehicles.  Here is a look at all of the Brake Decisions videos starting with the most popular of the series, which explored the perennial question of  drilled vs. slotted rotors...


Drilled or Slotted rotors?  What's the real difference?



Best type of brakes for a luxury or daily drive passenger vehicle?



What type of brakes are good for a truck or any towing?



Should I break in my brakes when I get them? 




Street performance vehicles perform best with what type of brakes?



What type of brakes will get the most out of a performance vehicle on the track?

Centric Parts is already planning out a new series of videos so stay tuned for more info!

January 4, 2011

GoGoGear Gears up StopTech Hyundai Genesis for 2011

Did you happen to catch the GoGoGear Hyundai Genesis Coupe at SEMA 2010 featuring StopTech brakes? It was quite the head turner after its unveiling in the Genesis booth.  Here is a very short video of the exterior and interior...


The car caught the attention of many magazines and websites such as Road and Track, Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Yahoo, and Forbes. This high performance racing competitor is powered by the standard 3.8 liter V6 engine that has been upgraded to output 330 hp and 280 lb. ft. of torque. to get the extra power.


So what's the plan for 2011? Ali Arsham, owner of GoGoGear racing has big plans. " Now that the SEMA show has ended, it does not mean that it is time to relax," he notes. The Gogogear Hyundai Genesis Coupe featuring StopTech brakes will next go to the San Jose International Auto Show on January 6-9, 2011. After that, the team will start to prepare for the season opener of the Nitto Tires United States Touring Car Championship.


You can bet we'll keep an eye on this car when the 2011 season starts.