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WRX brake upgrade for a reasonable price?

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17K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  Clutch  
C
#1 ·
03 WRX Brakes are ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!!!!

With that said what is the best bang for your buck? I simply do not have the extra pocket change to blow $3,000 on 2 rotors and 2 calipers from baer, willwood, or Brembro. Plus some steal brake lines.

I was thinking of buying used STI calipers, the question then is will they bolt up? Are there any companies that make brackets to accommodate the larger rotor/caliper with stock spindle? or are there really good calipers that I can bolt to stock spindle/rotors? I do have 17' rims but really like the fact that I can put my stock 16' on in the winter. For better braking I guess I could make that sacrifice.


PS: I did a few different searches and came up with nothing like these questions. I really do apologize if this has been discussed elsewhere and appreciate any help you guys can give me.
 
#3 ·
Upgrading the system as a whole is a waste unless you are going to actually track the car (and not the drag strip either).Buy a good set of pads like Hawk HPS,Goodridge lines and flush and replace the fluid with a nice synthetic DOT 4 fluid.
 
#5 ·
I've got a set of Goodridge stainless steel brake lines and some ATE Super Blue DOT 4 brake fluid sitting in my garage waiting to be installed... I dream of getting a nice set of black Brembos, but you know, little things keep me happy for now :)
 
#6 ·
Stainless steel lines and/or a master cylinder brace will help reduce the "mush" sensation and improve brake feel. Pads and synthetic fluid will be your best option as people have said.
 
C
#7 ·
Yea i really think i need new calipers they are all dis colored from being heated up, they are so bad that i can stomp on the pedal and they wont even lock up. I have blead the lines more than once. I do have a set of cheapy cross drilled/slotted rotors on all 4 they made very LITTLE improvement. Im starting to think the rubber hoses are expanding under pressure too. I'm sure steal braided lines would help.

i would still like to find out if i could install STI calipers on my spindles or if there is a bracket kit for it.
 
C
#11 ·
It's not a track car but am pretty aggressive wit it and Im quicker than stock STI's with CRAP brakes, its not a good combo! Trying to stop from 100 + is not easy with the stock brakes and after driving my buddies STI I was drooling over how well it stopped (in comparison to mine anyway). Witch is why I would really like a set of STI calipers on my WRX. That is really my main question can I buy used STI calipers and slap them on my WRX? Weather brackets are required or not.
 
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