big brake kit?

[Admiral Ballsy]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

We have 2010+ LGT rears. LGT fronts are a semi-popular upgrade on the WRX as well; them sumbitches are HEAVY though.

They add six pounds per side; five in the disc and one in the caliper/bracket.

Originally Posted by SuperGTBRZ

It's an affordable brake upgrade. Just an idea if someone is looking for a cheap brake upgrade.

It can be done for less than $200 if you shop around.

[SkAsphalt]

Originally Posted by Admiral Ballsy

They add six pounds per side; five in the disc and one in the caliper/bracket.



It can be done for less than $200 if you shop around.

But many have argued that bigger disk isnt actually providing you better stopping power. A few have actually done some testing/power and basically said the stock set up is as good or better than this "upgrade" route

[mav1178]

Bigger disk isn't going to provide you outright increased stopping power, it will help with fade resistance.

You're better off with upgrading pads and fluids/lines for an immediate improvement.

-alex

[Admiral Ballsy]

Originally Posted by SkAsphalt

A few have actually done some testing/power and basically said the stock set up is as good or better than this "upgrade" route

Who?

I've seen nobody here claim to have done Legacy/Forester XT front brakes. If I've missed it in my searching, please direct me!

These brakes have a little more clamping power, both from the larger pistons and the larger 'lever arm'...neither probably noticeable.

All else equal, it's undeniable that there is a potential thermal management improvement from the extra mass and surface area.

[Admiral Ballsy]

Originally Posted by mav1178

Bigger disk isn't going to provide you outright increased stopping power, it will help with fade resistance.

You're better off with upgrading pads and fluids/lines for an immediate improvement.

I agree, disc size has little to do with stopping power; are you seriously claiming that lines do?

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Admiral Ballsy

I agree, disc size has little to do with stopping power; are you seriously claiming that lines do?

For stopping power, lines won't matter.

Yes, stainless lines help with pedal feel and modulation. But one needs to consider the context... no point in running a superior pad (higher temp range) than stock, only to have it limited by stock fluid and/or lines. Pads + fluid/lines are easy mods that improve the braking performance. You can go without line upgrades but if one isn't going BBK, it's a definite worthwhile upgrade to have when changing out to better brake fluid.

For the average driver, lines and pads make the biggest difference in terms of feel. And if one were to swap out lines, you'll need to replace fluid anyhow.

-alex

[mid_life_crisis]

According to the basic rules of leverage, if you change nothing except the disc size and move the calipers outward to fit, you should improve stopping power. Maybe not enough to notice the difference, but it should make a difference. Are you guys saying reality does not match up with theory in this case?

Is there any consensus on what pads are best for hard street use?

[Admiral Ballsy]

I'm saying in this particular example it's not noticeable. You're moving the caliper out bit less than a half-inch; the pistons are larger but I suspect once you factor in the fluid displacement-per-unit-distance-of-pedal-stroke, that change is negligible as well.

Pad composition is going to make a much bigger difference than anything else. And it seems like increasing friction characteristics works in direct oppostion to cleanliness!

[Dezoris]

Originally Posted by ft86me

Found my answers . going wilwood with 6 front and 4 rear. Thanks everyone.

Why did you chose Wilwood? Cost?

[CSG David]

Brake bias will change when you swap brake setups. Some BBK companies have done their calculations, R&D, and testing to ensure it retains similar brake bias or what they believe to be a more optimal brake bias with their system. More than likely, you will need to experiment with different brake compounds to find the best match if you intend to change the front brake setup that's different from stock.

To give you an idea of how proper brake balance should look:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

If you let us know what your car setup is, your driving resume, and intended application is, we can help better assess your braking needs.