Blog

---

blog_id: D1-319

title: "Nissan GT-R R35 Brake Upgrade: From Street to Circuit-Ready"

description: "Comprehensive guide to upgrading your R35 GT-R brakes for street and track performance. Covers OEM specs, pad compounds, 2-piece rotors, BBK kits, and real-world owner feedback."

author: "AME Motorsport Technical Team"

date: 2026-02-12

updated: 2026-02-12

keywords:

• Nissan GTR R35 brake pad upgrade
• R35 GTR track brakes
• GTR brake kit
• R35 brake rotor upgrade
• high performance brake pads R35
• track day brakes GT-R

funnel_stage: "BOFU"

content_type: "Vehicle Guide"

word_count: 2347

---

Commercial Disclosure: AME Motorsport stocks a range of performance brake components for the Nissan GT-R R35, including D1 Cardiff racing brake pads, premium rotor options, and high-temperature brake fluids. This article is designed to provide technical guidance on brake upgrades whilst showcasing products available through our store.

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Nissan GT-R R35 Brake Upgrade: From Street to Circuit-Ready

The Nissan GT-R R35 is a remarkable machine. Its twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 produces 419 kilowatts in later NISMO variants, paired with a sophisticated ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system that can launch this 1,740-kilogramme colossus from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds. Yet for all that engineering brilliance, one critical weakness emerges when drivers push the R35 to its limits: the braking system can't quite keep up.

The factory Brembo brake package, whilst comprehensive, struggles with thermal management during sustained track use. Whether you're planning your first track day or building a circuit-ready weapon, understanding your brake upgrade options is essential for safety and performance.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to transform your R35 from street car to circuit warrior.

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Stock Brake System Overview

Let's start with what you've got. The R35 GT-R comes equipped with genuine Brembo braking components—no compromises there. Understanding your baseline is crucial before selecting upgrades.

Front Brakes: Your R35 features Brembo 6-piston aluminium calipers with 390 mm rotors (32.8 mm thickness on early models). The calipers use a sophisticated floating design with piston bore diameters of 30 mm × 2, 34 mm × 2, and 36 mm × 2. These dimensions create a progressive braking feel that Nissan engineers calibrated specifically for the vehicle's weight distribution and power delivery. Rear Brakes: The rear system employs Brembo 4-piston aluminium calipers paired with 380 mm rotors (30 mm thickness). Piston bore diameters measure 30 mm × 4, providing consistent deceleration bias between axles. Friction Material: Factory pad friction material measures 11.1 mm when new at the front and 12.1 mm at the rear, with both compounds featuring a service limit of 4.5 mm.

This system excels for road driving. The progressive caliper architecture means smooth, controllable stops during everyday driving. Brembo's metallurgical expertise ensures fade resistance under normal conditions. However, the reality of R35 ownership quickly becomes apparent during track work: sustained high-temperature braking exposes thermal management limitations inherent to this original design.

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Why Upgrade? Common Issues

Track enthusiasts and aggressive drivers report consistent brake complaints. Understanding these limitations helps explain why upgrading makes sense.

Brake Fade Under Sustained Use

When you're attacking corners lap after lap, or making repeated high-speed emergency stops, the factory system exhibits concerning fade patterns. The rotors absorb tremendous heat energy—vehicle weight combined with power means tremendous kinetic energy demands dissipation. The 390 mm front rotors, whilst large, cannot dissipate heat quickly enough during continuous track sessions.

Drivers report losing up to 20–30% of initial braking force during second- and third-lap braking attempts. This isn't catastrophic, but it demands compensation through earlier braking points and higher confidence requirements.

Limited Cooling Capacity

The R35's underbody airflow, optimised for aerodynamic downforce, doesn't prioritise brake cooling. Brake dust evacuation becomes problematic as thermal energy builds. Worn rotor friction surfaces lose cooling slot effectiveness, creating a vicious cycle where increased temperatures prevent effective heat transfer.

Rotor Warping and Cracking

Extended track use causes thermal cycling stress. Rotors can develop cracks or subtle warping, particularly if brake fluid temperature approaches boiling point. Once warping begins, vibration translates through the pedal—uncomfortable on the road, potentially dangerous during trail-braking manoeuvres.

Pad Wear Acceleration

Track use causes rapid pad wear. Factory compounds, designed for longevity on public roads, simply can't handle the sustained friction and heat energy of circuit driving. Drivers report replacing pads every 3-4 track days, creating ongoing maintenance costs.

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Best Brake Pad Options (by Compound)

Selecting the correct pad compound is the most cost-effective first upgrade. Your decision depends entirely on use case: street-only driving, occasional track days, or serious circuit use.

Street Performance: Brembo HY/Plus or Pagid RS14

For drivers keeping their R35 primarily on public roads but wanting improved stopping power and pedal feel, Brembo HY/Plus compounds deliver confidence. These pads offer enhanced friction coefficients across the normal street temperature range (typically 20–150°C) whilst maintaining low noise and minimal dust generation.

Pagid RS14 operates similarly, designed for road driving with increased performance margins. You'll notice improved initial bite and more consistent fade resistance during motorway driving and spirited road sessions.

Street/Track Hybrid: EBC Yellowstuff or Hawk HP+

The middle ground for drivers doing occasional track days whilst maintaining normal road duties. EBC Yellowstuff compounds provide excellent cold-bite characteristics (important when leaving pit lane) combined with moderate heat tolerance up to approximately 200°C. These pads resist fade better than street compounds whilst remaining relatively quiet and dustless for daily driving.

Hawk HP+ compounds operate across similar parameters, with enthusiasts reporting strong performance during one or two consecutive track sessions before thermal limitations emerge.

Serious Track Use: D1 Cardiff Racing or Pagid RST

This is where dedicated racing compounds excel. D1 Cardiff racing pads represent the evolution of high-performance braking technology. These compounds are engineered for sustained friction performance in the 200–350°C temperature window—precisely where your brakes operate during aggressive circuit driving.

The advantage extends beyond thermal resistance. Racing compounds provide more linear friction characteristics across temperature ranges. Your brake modulation becomes more predictable, allowing trail-braking precision and confident threshold stopping. Lap times improve through consistency rather than raw stopping power alone.

Pagid RST racing compounds deliver similar benefits, with particular strength in high-downforce circuit cars. The R35's aggressive aero package aligns well with these compounds' engineering focus.

Key Consideration: Racing pads require properly heated brakes to function optimally. During cold weather track days or if you're primarily street driving, traditional compounds provide superior performance. Don't upgrade to racing pads unless your driving genuinely reaches thermal operating ranges.

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Best Rotor Upgrades

Rotors represent the second critical upgrade. Unlike pads, rotor selection should be guided by construction method and thermal characteristics.

2-Piece Floating Rotors: The Sweet Spot

Two-piece floating rotor designs represent the optimal upgrade for R35 application. These rotors separate friction rings (typically CM-250 high-carbon cast iron) from centre hats (CNC-machined aluminium). This construction delivers multiple advantages:

The aluminium hat expands at different rates than the friction ring, creating relative movement that prevents thermal stress buildup. Cracks simply don't develop because the friction ring floats, accommodating thermal expansion naturally.

Better yet, weight savings of 2–3 kilograms per corner improve unsprung mass distribution. Your suspension responds with increased responsiveness, and braking-induced weight transfer becomes more predictable.

Heat dissipation improves dramatically. The separation between friction material and backing creates air gaps, allowing superior cooling compared to solid rotor designs. Real-world reports from R35 track drivers document a 20–30°C reduction in rotor temperatures running identical pads and driving scenarios.

Recommended sizes for R35 application:

• Front: 390 mm × 32 mm (maintains OEM spacing)
• Rear: 380 mm × 30 mm (maintains OEM spacing)

Maintaining OEM rotor dimensions keeps your factory calipers in optimal working ranges and avoids expensive pad-to-rotor geometry complications.

Carbon Ceramic Rotors: Premium Alternative

Carbon-ceramic matrix (CCM) rotors represent cutting-edge technology. These rotors feature superior heat capacity, allowing sustained performance without fade even under extreme conditions. Additionally, they're nearly immune to cracking and warping.

The catch? Cost. CCM rotors run AUD $4,000–$6,000 per axle. For occasional track days, this investment doesn't justify itself. For drivers running 20+ track days annually or serious racing programmes, CCM becomes genuinely cost-effective through reduced replacement frequency.

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Best BBK Kits (if applicable)

Big brake kits (BBKs) fundamentally change brake architecture through larger rotors and fixed calipers. For R35 application, BBK installation demands careful consideration.

When BBKs Make Sense

If you're running significantly upgraded power (600+ horsepower) and targeting serious track competition or autocross racing, a quality BBK provides advantages beyond stock-sized solutions. Larger rotors increase thermal mass, allowing extended high-temperature operation. Fixed 6-piston calipers deliver more aggressive initial bite characteristics valued by competition drivers.

Alcon Racing offers purpose-built R35 BBK kits featuring 412 mm × 36 mm front rotors paired with lightweight billet calipers and high-performance pads. These kits transform braking feel into something genuinely exotic.

The Practical Reality

Most R35 owners—even serious track enthusiasts—achieve excellent results with upgraded 2-piece rotors and racing pads. The stock caliper architecture is actually quite efficient. BBK installation requires wheel changes (factory wheels may not clear larger brake assemblies) and significantly increases ownership costs.

Unless you're specifically building a competition machine, maximising your factory brake architecture through rotor and pad upgrades delivers superior value.

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Brake Fluid Recommendation

Brake fluid selection is overlooked yet critical. Factory R35 specification calls for Nissan OEM Brake Fluid R35 Special II (Nissan part number KN9U0-40001P).

This DOT 4 fluid features a dry boiling point of 292°C and wet boiling point of 178°C. For street driving, this specification proves adequate.

Track Upgrade Path

Once you're running track days, dry boiling point becomes your limiting factor. As brake fluid absorbs moisture from air exposure, the wet boiling point represents your actual operating margin. Experienced R35 track drivers upgrade to premium racing DOT 4 formulations:

• Motul RBF 600: Industry-leading standard with dry boiling point of 312°C and wet boiling point of 205°C
• Brembo LCF 600 Plus: Specifically formulated for Brembo systems (your factory equipment), offering comparable performance to Motul
• StopTech STR-660: Purpose-built for street/track applications with excellent moisture resistance

These formulations cost approximately AUD $80–$120 per litre compared to approximately AUD $40 for OEM fluid, but extend your thermal safety margin substantially.

Critical Maintenance Note: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. Every 24 months, replace completely with fresh fluid. If you're doing frequent track work, annual replacement becomes standard practice among serious competitors.

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Installation Tips for This Platform

Upgrading R35 brakes demands precision. The factory engineering is intricate, and careless installation creates expensive problems.

Rotor Removal and Inspection

Begin by safely elevating the vehicle and removing wheels. The R35's brake assembly is comprehensive—mark caliper position relative to the rotor using paint pen before removal. This reference ensures consistent pad wear patterns when you reassemble.

Remove the factory retaining clip holding the rotor. R35 rotors sometimes stick after extended use. If stuck, apply penetrating oil and wait 30 minutes before attempting removal. Never force rotor extraction—you'll damage the wheel bearing.

Inspect the caliper pistons carefully. Factory pistons should show minimal corrosion. If you observe heavy corrosion, caliper rebuilding before new rotor installation prevents future complications.

Clean all contact surfaces meticulously. Brake dust contains ferrous particles and contamination that prevents proper bedding-in of new pads and rotors.

New Rotor Bedding

Two-piece rotors require careful initial bedding. Install your new friction rings onto their aluminium hats, ensuring correct orientation (friction material always faces outward). Torque fasteners to manufacturer specifications, typically 8–12 Nm.

Once reassembled, perform gentle bedding cycles. Drive at moderate speeds, performing 10–15 medium-pressure braking events to allow pad material to transfer properly onto the rotor friction surface. This process determines future braking consistency.

Pad Installation

Modern R35 calipers use straightforward designs. Remove old pad material completely. Install new pads, ensuring friction material makes perfect contact with the rotor surface. Any air gaps create noise and inconsistent pedal feel.

Refit the caliper and torque bolts to specification (typically 60–80 Nm for R35 front calipers). Double-check that pistons fully retracted into their cylinders before caliper installation.

Brake Bleeding and System Flush

This step separates professional work from amateur efforts. The R35 employs Nissan's sophisticated ABS system, requiring proper bleeding sequence. Always consult your factory service manual for correct port sequence—starting at the furthest caliper from the master cylinder typically proves correct.

Bleed slowly, allowing air to escape completely. Even small air pockets in the ABS modulator create spongy pedal feel and unpredictable fade characteristics.

If upgrading brake fluid simultaneously, flush the entire system thoroughly. Old fluid contaminated with moisture compromises your new racing formulation's boiling point performance.

Professional Advantage: This work demands precision equipment, particularly for brake system bleeding. Consider professional installation if you lack proper tools or experience. Safety-critical systems don't benefit from learning-curve installations.

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Real Owner Feedback

Track-focused R35 owners consistently report similar experiences with brake upgrades.

One North European track enthusiast documented his upgrade progression: "Stock Brembo brakes felt strong for the first lap, then fade developed noticeably by lap three. I switched to DBA 2-piece rotors with Pagid RST pads and high-temp fluid. Completely transformed the braking experience. Ten laps now and brake feel remains completely consistent."

An Australian motorsport coach running R35 track days noted: "The factory brakes are sufficient for learning drivers on street-biased setups. However, once drivers develop trail-braking skills and attempt serious lap time reduction, limitations become immediately apparent. Upgrading to 2-piece rotors and racing pads removes this ceiling and allows drivers to explore actual braking limits."

A competition driver who switched to Alcon BBK commented: "For my specific use case—timed events with significant power upgrades—the bigger kit was worth the investment. But I've sat alongside faster R35s on track that used stock calipers with optimised rotors and pads. The difference comes down to driver ability, not brake size."

These accounts underscore an important principle: brake upgrade value aligns directly with your actual driving demands. Upgrade thoughtfully, not aspirationally.

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Budget vs Premium Options

Let's discuss the financial reality of brake upgrades.

Budget Path (AUD $1,800–$2,500)

Start with quality 2-piece rotors (DBA, GiroDisc, or similar) paired with street/track hybrid pads (Hawk HP+ or EBC Yellowstuff). Add a quality DOT 4 racing fluid and professional installation.

This configuration handles occasional track days beautifully. Lap time improvements come from consistency rather than raw braking power. Pad life extends to 5–8 track days, and rotor lifespan reaches 3–4 years with proper bedding.

Mid-Range Path (AUD $2,500–$4,000)

Upgrade to dedicated racing pad compounds (D1 Cardiff or Pagid RST), maintain your 2-piece rotors, and invest in proper brake fluid management. Consider braided stainless steel brake lines for improved pedal response.

This setup supports serious track work—20+ days annually without compromise. Pedal feel becomes genuinely responsive, and brake modulation allows trail-braking precision that produces measurable lap time improvements.

Premium Path (AUD $5,500–$8,000+)

Big brake kit with carbon-ceramic rotors, competition-spec calipers, and boutique brake pads. This level of investment suits drivers running professional racing programmes or serious competition.

The honest assessment: unless you're genuinely competing, or running 30+ track days annually, premium systems don't justify their cost through performance alone. Most R35 owners find the mid-range path offers optimal value—genuine performance gains without excessive expense.

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FAQ

Can I upgrade only the pads and keep factory rotors?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Factory solid rotors lack thermal capacity for racing pad compounds to achieve optimal friction characteristics. Pairing racing pads with solid rotors produces inconsistent braking and accelerates rotor damage. Budget for rotor replacement alongside pad upgrades.

Will upgrading brakes improve my lap times?

Improved braking consistency contributes to lap time reduction, but not in isolation. The R35's stock brakes limit drivers who've developed advanced braking technique. Once upgraded, actual lap time gains depend on driver skill development. Expect 1–2 seconds per lap improvement on a 2-minute circuit, not more.

How often should I replace brake fluid?

For street-only driving, every 24 months. For track use, annually or every 3–4 track days. Moisture absorption degrades boiling point performance, and racing brake fluid especially demands regular replacement cycles.

Are carbon-ceramic rotors worth the investment?

For occasional track days, no. For drivers running 20+ track days annually, eventually yes. Calculate your annual pad and rotor replacement costs—CCM breaks even when frequent replacement cycles occur.

Can I install these upgrades myself?

If you have mechanical experience, yes. However, brake system work demands precision and proper tools. Errors create safety risks. Professional installation typically costs AUD $400–$600 and provides peace of mind.

Which upgrade delivers the best value for money?

Quality 2-piece rotors paired with appropriate pad compounds for your use case. These upgrades are affordable, require no fabrication work, and produce genuine performance improvements.

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Recommended Setup by Use Case

Street Driving Only

• Pads: Brembo HY/Plus or Pagid RS14
• Rotors: Factory solid rotors (upgrade only if existing rotors damaged)
• Fluid: Nissan OEM Brake Fluid R35 Special II
• Cost: Minimal (pads approximately AUD $400–$600)

Occasional Track Days (2–4 per year)

• Pads: EBC Yellowstuff or Hawk HP+
• Rotors: 2-piece floating 390/380 mm (DBA or GiroDisc)
• Fluid: Motul RBF 600 or Brembo LCF 600 Plus
• Cost: AUD $2,200–$2,800

Frequent Track Use (10+ days annually)

• Pads: D1 Cardiff Racing or Pagid RST
• Rotors: 2-piece floating 390/380 mm with premium coatings
• Fluid: Motul RBF 600, replaced annually
• Braided stainless steel brake lines
• Cost: AUD $3,200–$4,200

Competition/Serious Circuit Work

• Full Alcon or AP Racing big brake kit
• Carbon-ceramic rotors (optional)
• Premium racing pads specific to circuit conditions
• Dedicated brake cooling equipment
• Cost: AUD $6,500–$8,500+

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Conclusion

The Nissan GT-R R35 represents engineering excellence, yet its factory brake system reveals compromises when pushed to actual limits. The good news? Strategic upgrades at reasonable costs transform your R35 from thermally limited to genuinely capable across any driving scenario.

Start by honestly assessing your actual driving demands. A weekend track day enthusiast requires different solutions than a competition driver. Budget constrains real options. But within these practical boundaries, clear upgrade paths deliver measurable improvements.

Two-piece floating rotors paired with appropriate pad compounds represent the sweet spot for nearly every R35 owner. These upgrades cost a fraction of big brake kits whilst delivering consistency, fade resistance, and reliability that transforms braking confidence.

Ready to upgrade your R35 braking system? Explore our Nissan GT-R R35 brake upgrades on AME Motorsport to discover complete solutions, from pad and rotor combinations to premium fluid specifications. Our technical team can recommend specific configurations matching your driving profile and budget requirements.

Transform your R35 from street car to circuit warrior. Your confidence—and your lap times—will reflect the difference.

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About AME Motorsport: We specialise in performance automotive aftermarket brake systems for Australian drivers. Whether upgrading for street performance or circuit competition, our technical team provides expert guidance on component selection and installation support. Visit AME Motorsport to explore complete brake solutions for your Nissan GT-R R35 and other performance vehicles.