Those big brakes I was talking about...

[DLC]

Got around to putting on the 05 LGT front brakes I'd mentioned a few weeks ago. The previous upgrade, to WRX rotors, pads and brackets, was easy because my car has the same front caliper as the WRX. Not so the new LGT, so replacing the caliper and bleeding the brakes was necessary. That second part is why it's taken so long...

Before shot (11.4" WRX brakes, 17" Rota Formel wheels):




WRX rotor on the left, LGT on the right:



WRX rotor on top, LGT on the bottom:




The LGT rotor is much thicker:



LGT caliper is also beefier:



Installed, the difference is noticeable:




From afar:



I bled 24-30oz of fluid through, over a full, large bottle. The feel isn't much different than the WRX, probably because the pad size is similar and the caliper isn't much larger. I'm hoping that the feel will improve with a bit more use and conditioning, but I'm satisfied that it's as good as the old setup.

I am pleased at how much better the new rotors fill the wheels and that I have a much larger heat capacity in the rotors, which this heavy car needs.

[Legacy777]

Looks good Dave!

When you mention feel, are you talking about brake feel, or pedal feel? How did you bleed the brakes?

[DLC]

Brake feel is pretty much the same. Pad feel is also very similar to how it was.

We bled the fronts extensively, but so much that we forgot to fill up the master cylinder once, and because of that, did the rears as well. I tried crossing over, front to back, using plenty of fluid but not making a day of it. So far I'm comfortable, but might bleed again to make sure in the next month.

[Legacy777]

Well I'll tell you from past experience with my own car, and recent experience with a buddy that had a full STi swap on his 98 RS. Not all brake bleeding is the same.

He complained about his pedal feel when he got the swap back. The shop said they bled the system good. Well, turns out they swapped one of the brake lines when they installed the STi ABS unit. I swapped brake lines, didn't bleed the system, and the pedal felt the same.

We bled the entire system again, but with the car running to utilize the large pressure gains due to the vacuum assisted booster. After we bled the system that way, pedal feel was exponentially better, and felt like it did before he had the swap done.

So if you're in any doubt, I'd recommend bleeding all four corners with the car running. Bleed according to the factory manual:
RF, LR, LF, RR.

Use this procedure: With the car running, pump the brake pedal slowly but firmly about 20 times, on the last pump, hold the pedal to the floor, and have the guy at the bleeder open the bleeder. Repeat this process about 2-3 times per wheel, and repeat the entire process for each well another 2-3 times, depending on what is coming out of the calipers.

[evolutionmovement]

Sounds like the procedure for a Maserati with the Citroen hydraulic system...

Those Legacy brakes are pretty impresive.

[free5ty1e]

....Beefy!!!!

I like 'em. Tight work Dave.

I haven't bled any of my brake systems yet with the car running, that's a damn good idea.

Will those brakes bolt up to 1st gen essesses? I need more stop to go with my anticipated go levels.

[DLC]

Yeah, they should pop right in no sweat.

We considered doing it with the engine running, but the process was going well otherwise. Vacuum would be the best, but I don't know if that's affordable.

The only thing you must have is either 17" wheels or very capacious 16" wheels. You can see how close the caliper gets on my Rotas for proof of that.

[free5ty1e]

Word. A useful reason to get some larger rims someday.

[AWD_addict]

Good info. Thanks for the comparison pics.