Need new front brakes couple of questions

[Js92Tru]

Hey all...

It appears that my front brakes are in need of replacement (pads and rotors) and am interested in the WRX upgrade that Dave and Josh have done. I however have a couple of questions...

1: With the turbo brakes currently on there in order to do the conversion all I need are the new rotors and some oem (turbo? or wrx?) pads correct?

2. Josh, I remember back at the yahoo forum you mentioned that you noticed a negative effect on your brake balance.. will that be noticable in a turbo or is it due to the fact that the rear brakes on the na are different (are they?)

2b. If it will be noticable how much? What can be done to combat this? Should I just forget the upgrade and go with the stock rotors?

3. And finally will I have fitment issues with the rotors and my rims? (16" Legacy GT)

And as usual any help is greatly appreciated.

Jay

[ciper]

I may be wrong about this but:
The turbo brakes rotors and caliper bracket are of smaller diameter than the WRX brakes, so you would need the rotors and bracket. I dont know if the turbo front calipers will bolt to the WRX brackets, but most often you would buy these as a set right? If you find someone who is upgrading to big brakes most often they sell all the necessary items including pads and even brake lines so you'll have many extra parts.

The brake balance will be off, not only because of the effective piston size but because of the greater mechanical advantage the front brakes now have. Personally I didnt mind since the stopping distance was reduced by a large amount. Now I have the parts for what is commonly referred to as the H6 upgrade, this will bring the brakes back into the correct front and rear ratio.

[Legacy777]

To do the swap you need pads, rotors, calipers, brackets from a WRX.

The effect of messing up the brake balance will probably be less of an issue with the turbo.

By adding the WRX brakes on the front you will effectively increase the amount of brake torque that can be generated in the front. You however have ABS, I do not. So you should be able to slam on the brakes and the ABS should keep the fronts from locking up, like mine do.

Also, you have the larger MC 1 1/16" bore. So you shouldn't really have issues with the pedal travel.

The 16" GT wheels should be fine in clearing the WRX brakes.

The swap will cost you some money........it's a lot cheaper if you can find the calipers & such used. i-club classifieds is probably your best place to look.

If you got the money and time......it's prob worth it. If not.....just get new stock rotors.

[Aaron's ej22t]

I would recommend subaru 4pots. they can be had for $700 as a complete kit at www.1stsubaru.com. that is what i am going to get when i get my 16inch rs wheels. only one problem, i don't think they will fit under the legacy gt wheels you have. the legacy gt are 16x6.5. the rs wheels are 16x7. you might need a wheel spacer.

how much for wrx brakes?

[Legacy777]

I think you need 17's to clear the 4-pots.

Also.....I've been told that subaru 4-pots need to be bled often.....I don't know why or if this is BS.....just an observation someone told me.

You can get all the parts used....depending on the buyer for about 200 bucks.....or around there.

Much cheaper then 4-pots....and the same braking performance........HOWEVER....the 4-pots will enhance braking feel......

My suggestion would be do the WRX front brake route & SS lines with ATE super blue fluid.

[Aaron's ej22t]

You do not need 17's to use 4pots. i don't know about the being bled often thing, and i have to kindly disagree with you on braking performance. 4pots are alot better, especially if you track race.

although, whatever way he goes, it will be an upgrade.

[Legacy777]

Well....you may not need 17" to clear the 4-pots, but you better make sure you have enough negative offset to clear the caliper.

When I said braking performance does not actually increase. I'm talking about mechanical braking advantage. The rotor is the same size, and the pad surface area is essentially the same.

The reason the 4-pots may perform better is because they provide a more evenly distributed braking force, less caliper flex, and essentually give you more confidence in braking.....especially at the hairy edge.

I weighed these things.....and personally I couldn't see spending $500 more for 4-pots, then what I already paid....and then not knowing if they would even clear my wheels.

4-pots have their place. For a street car only.....it's overkill. If you do a lot of track or rally stuff.....then maybe you want to consider it.

[Js92Tru]

Thanks for all the input guys... I went back and read Daves site on his upgrade and I must have missed the part about the caliper... Still not sure what I am going to do but I will definately let you all know when I finally make up my mind.

Jay