Aftermarket Calipers and Stock Rotors

[Anorexic 86]

Ok, so here is the criteria:

1. Upgrade to aftermarket calipers front and rear
2. Maintain stock size rotors front and rear
3. Prefer it fits OEM wheel specs without spacers (not a deal breaker)

* Not really interested in the Subaru branded 4/2 pots or STI Brembo's.

I think I already found the front kit...

[wparsons]

Before you do it, why are you upgrading the calipers? With good pads the stock calipers have PLENTY of stopping power. If you're worried about thermal capacity, you'll need different rotors anyway.

IMO, the only reason for doing something like this would be for easier pad installation/removal.

[CSG Mike]

Why do you want to upgrade calipers but not rotors? Most of the benefit comes from being able to run upgraded rotors (increased surface area and mass for more cooling).

[JRitt]

Originally Posted by Anorexic 86

Ok, so here is the criteria:

1. Upgrade to aftermarket calipers front and rear
2. Maintain stock size rotors front and rear
3. Prefer it fits OEM wheel specs without spacers (not a deal breaker)

* Not really interested in the Subaru branded 4/2 pots or STI Brembo's.

I think I already found the front kit... anyone know where I can get the rear kit?

I agree with the other posts...before you start throwing money at the car, please make sure you have a goal in mind. I wrote this brake upgrade guide a while back, you may find it useful.

[switchlanez]

Bump for same question. What other brands offer front/rear calipers designed for stock rotors? Goal is more for show purpose than performance but arguably still way more functional than the alternative: $25 imitation-Brembo caliper covers.

[wparsons]

Upgrading calipers all around just for the look is a really expensive way to not make the car perform any better at all.

Have you considered cleaning up and painting the stock ones?

[WillBRZ]

I think it's a good question...I'm interested as well.

[Tye300]

Question along the same topic. I track my car often, and recently installed a vortech kit. I haven't gone to the track yet to test. But on the street, it seems the brakes won't cut it at high speeds. My question is, will upgrading to more aggressive pads front and rear be sufficient? I currently have dixcel ES pads on my car now, and wondering if experimenting with different brake pad compounds or just purchasing a bbk will be more cost effective? I'm sure pads will be more cheaper, but if I buy several and decide to get a bbk costs would be higher.

[andrewFT86]

Originally Posted by Tye300

Question along the same topic. I track my car often, and recently installed a vortech kit. I haven't gone to the track yet to test. But on the street, it seems the brakes won't cut it at high speeds. My question is, will upgrading to more aggressive pads front and rear be sufficient? I currently have dixcel ES pads on my car now, and wondering if experimenting with different brake pad compounds or just purchasing a bbk will be more cost effective? I'm sure pads will be more cheaper, but if I buy several and decide to get a bbk costs would be higher.

Have you installed ss brake lines? Master cylinder brace helps?
Relatively cheap to try before biting the BBK bullet.

[Tye300]

Originally Posted by andrewFT86

Have you installed ss brake lines? Master cylinder brace helps?
Relatively cheap to try before biting the BBK bullet.

Yes bro. I already installed a grimmspeed MCS and goodridge ss lines. They help
with feel, but bite still depends on pads.

[andrewFT86]

Originally Posted by Tye300

Yes bro. I already installed a grimmspeed MCS and goodridge ss lines. They help
with feel, but bite still depends on pads.

Same thing with a BBK, pads make a big difference. This can also be a subjective thing. I felt the stock brake system (with minor upgrades) was inadequate after adding FI. After a while and after upgrading pads still sticking with the the stock system. Very tempting to get a BBK. It does give so much more confidence specially for competition.
Good luck.

[switchlanez]

Originally Posted by wparsons

Upgrading calipers all around just for the look is a really expensive way to not make the car perform any better at all.

Have you considered cleaning up and painting the stock ones?

I think the goal is to have the look of BBK calipers instead of spending 5k+ on a full on BBK while still maintaining - but not necessarily improving - performance. The OP's question is very straighforward (he never asked about performance) yet it's getting questioned back w/ nobody giving a straight up answer to the original question.

[Tye300]

Originally Posted by andrewFT86

Same thing with a BBK, pads make a big difference. This can also be a subjective thing. I felt the stock brake system (with minor upgrades) was inadequate after adding FI. After a while and after upgrading pads still sticking with the the stock system. Very tempting to get a BBK. It does give so much more confidence specially for competition.
Good luck.

Thanks bro. What pads did you use? I'm just weary of buying different pads then decide to get a bbk after. After you went FI, did the pads cut it? I'm willingnto try a set of pads first, then decide after that. I just want to choose the right pad right away.

[TouchMyHonda]

I daily my car. I will track it maybe 1-3 times next summer. I have Carbotech xp8's all around and completely stock everything else.... the stopping power and modulation is insane. I am also on oem tires.