AD18VB vs. AD18VE

Myetball · Aug 3rd, 2003, 01:38 AM

I was gonna post this on Webfoot's JY today forum since the discussion turned to brakes but thought I'd start a new thread since this is pretty specific info.

The AD18VB calipers came stock on the '88-'90 Pulsar SE w/CA18DE. The AD18VE calipers are stock for B13 Sentra's including SE-R's. So what's the difference? Well, not much. Basically the calipers are the same except for a different slide pin setup. The pads are a little different too. The VB pads are longer and skinnier and have an approximate contact are of 34.78 sq. cm. The VE pads have a contact area of approximately 35.28 sq. cm.

So what will they fit? Provided you run the rotors from an '88-'90 Pulsar SE w/CA18DE or a B13 w/AD18VE system and 14" wheels (minimum), they will fit all B12, KN13, and B13 applications. BTW, the Pulsar rotors are the same part number as the B13 rotors. The '87 Pulsar SE w/CA16DE used the same calipers but the rotors were 10mm smaller in diameter and the torque member was smaller to accomodate the smaller rotor.

EDIT: If you want to take full advantage of the AD18 upgrade you should swap out your brake booster for a larger one. The booster from an SE Pulsar would work nicely. The Pulsar crowd uses the boosters from Stanzas as an upgrade. The booster off a B13 SE-R would also work well.

Here are some pics. The VB caliper is on the left.

Here's a couple of the pads, both are Repco/Axxis metal masters. The VB pads are on the left and top.

I don't know if there is any real advantage to running the VB or VE system. Looks like they will both do a real good job of stopping a B12 or KN13.

Now for some thoughts on the AD22VF system. IMHO the AD18 system is more than enough to bring a B12 to a screaching hault. Too many people get wrapped up about having the biggest badest brakes out there when it really isn't necessary. However, there are a few folks who should be running big brakes on their B12's....ehem...boost_boy. No matter how good the AD18's are they weren't designed for 300-500hp applications.

Red_Coupe · Aug 3rd, 2003, 02:39 AM

Okey, now what about the rear? I know that 80%of the stopping power is in the front .But does it really matter if you have rear discs?And my goal is 250-300 HP , will the ad18's hold up? I'm not going to road race the holy shit out of my b12. but I 'm going to have a street sleeper on my hands..

Also I heared that drilled ,and sloted roters are not needed for street use. Simple ,because of the fact is your not drifting,or
on a road course. so the brakes are not going to get hot.(hence the slotted,and drilled part.) right?
So the lots of money you tie up in your cars brakes like most street people is not needed? true or not??well let me know if I'm on the right path..thx RED

Myetball · Aug 3rd, 2003, 02:57 AM

It doesn't sound like you're going to be massive amounts of high-speed braking. The AD18 brakes should work fine.

Most people that put slotted/drilled rotors on also paint their calipers. I've got nothing against this and think it looks good but that's really all it's for is looks. They aren't doing the kind of driving that would require slotted/drilled rotors with AD22VF brakes.

Let's face it...we're ricers.

Of course the CL18B system is adequate for daily driving and with some upgrades can really do well. However, it's still a solid rotor and some pretty small pads. I'm going with the AD18VE calipers on my B11. I'll put up some pics of the rotors later on.

If you don't want to mess with a rear disk conversion just go out and get some quality shoes. I put Wagner Thermo-Quiet riveted shoes on my Grand Am and they work great. Also make sure you overhaul your rear brakes. New cylinders and hardware. I also put Thermo-Quiet pads and Wagner rotors on the front. Thing locks up my seatbelt when I hit the brakes.

Red_Coupe · Aug 3rd, 2003, 03:06 AM

Now on the AD18's,and the AD22's they made ABS, and non right? how do i know if i have ABS or not?

AVERAGE · Aug 3rd, 2003, 03:16 AM

the ad setup didnt seem to be much of a difference from stock from my experience. i didnt do the recommended booster swap so maybe thats why i didnt notice it. i have been driving my girls gst all weekend and to me her all wheel disc set up sucks . what did u think of ur sons set up , myet? by the way she has the 97

Myetball · Aug 3rd, 2003, 09:40 AM

Yeah, I forgot to mention that you should upgrade the brake booster. Seems the one off a Stanza is popular. Otherwise you are getting the same hydraulic pressure only with larger pads.

Well, I've never driven the Talon. It's been up on jackstands more than it's on the road.

I did drive his GS and wasn't impressed with the brakes. I can tell you my Grand Am out breaks anything I've driven.

gteknikal · Aug 3rd, 2003, 11:52 AM

Excuse my ignorance and stupidity, but I was left a little confused... Which kit is the better one to get? I wanna do the brake upgrade on my girl's B12 and was thinking the 22's, but did figure that that was WAY too much brakes for her little 70 HP car.

And as far as these upgrades, would I just be able to ask for calipers and rotors for a 88-90 Pulsar at the local auto parts and bolt this stuff right on?

Thanks,
Gino

Myetball · Aug 3rd, 2003, 12:38 PM

If you want the AD18 upgrade you will need the following:

- Rotors from 88-90 pulsar or B13 w/AD18VE. They are the same rotors.
- Loaded calipers from the same application. You need loaded because you need to torque member which does not come with unloaded calipers.
- Backing plate from the same application. The backing plate on the CL18B may not work with the AD18 system. I haven't sized it up yet so I'm not sure.
- If you want increased breaking power you need a bigger booster. Get one from the SE Pulsar or a Stanza. The Sentra master cylinder will bolt right up.

That should do it.

Red_Coupe · Aug 3rd, 2003, 01:25 PM

Okey now myet, what about my brakes , will the SE-R be fin , or will I have to get the stanza one ?and the you didn't answer my ABS question....

Myetball · Aug 3rd, 2003, 07:31 PM

Don't mess with the ABS system. Just get the rotors, backing plates, and calipers from the system you want. It doesn't matter if it has ABS or not. If I were you I'd get a stanza booster or even a booster from an NX2000, don't run the Sentra booster.

Mervic · Aug 3rd, 2003, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Myetball
It doesn't sound like you're going to be massive amounts of high-speed braking. The AD18 brakes should work fine.

I agree. Any of the AD18 brake systems should suffice especially if you have sticky tires. It is a good brake upgrade compare to our smallish non vented brakes. Unless you go to the track and/or have ungodly amount of HP I dont see of any use of massive brake system. But if I can get a good pice on an AD22VF system, I jumped on the opportunity if I have the money.

Mervic · Aug 3rd, 2003, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Myetball
If I were you I'd get a stanza booster or even a booster from an NX2000, don't run the Sentra booster.

Would it matter what Stanza model/trim to get the booster? Or would it be easier if you swap the master cylinder and booster from a Stanza to your car?

Myetball · Aug 3rd, 2003, 11:16 PM

I don't think it matters what year. The one I got with my engine is just like the '88 Stanza and will work nicely.

Swapping the master cylinder is NOT recommended. Most of the Stanza master cylinders are internally proprotioned. To get it to work you would have to bypass your proportioning valve and run extra brake lines to the master cylinder. The internal proportioning of the stanza cylinder may not match what the sentra needs.

Of course I'll be running a Stanza master cylinder but I'm gonna have rear disk brakes also. We'll see how it works out.

blownb310 · Aug 4th, 2003, 09:27 PM

I've been away and haven't been here in a few weeks. Myetball this is a great thread. Thanks for posting the pics and sharing the good info!

Red_Coupe · Aug 4th, 2003, 11:55 PM

hey maybe it could have greatness for a sticky???

and hey myet.. i think i'll go with the rear conversion on my car .. so to beat a deadhorse.recape:
-I need the whole brake system inclueding lines
-now the SER master,and a stanza booster? right.
it doesn't matter what year? Okey thx. RED