Brake upgrade questions

[mycargoesvroom]

So I need new front brakes and since I'm doing it I'd rather do a cheap OEM upgrade. I read the brake sticky, but I'm still confused as to what my best bet would be for a bolt on upgrade. I assumed WRX brakes would be the winner, but according to the sticky they use the same calipers as my LGT but the rotor diameter is much larger (LGT Rotor is 10 7/8 where WRX rotor is 11 9/16). I also read in the sticky that 04 LGT brakes are "the best bang for buck" upgrade but the rotor is the same diameter as the 97 LGT and the caliper appears to be the same 2 pot style.

I'm assuming since they use the same caliper I should be able to just buy the bigger rotor right? Can someone shed some light on this for me please?

[Huffer]

You read a little incorrectly. :)

97 GT brakes are 10.4" in front - 2 piston caliper
04 GT brakes are 11.4" in front - 2 piston caliper - w/ heat dissipation vents on the caliper (this is the same as the WRX brake caliper essentially, not sure about pad design).

On your GT the rear brakes are also 10.3", with a single piston caliper. This is basically the same as the WRX.
The only other cars that got the bigger rear "H6" type brake is the Outback, and the 04+ LGT. The WRX didn't get bigger rear rotors until IIRC 2005. That's why the H6 upgrade was so popular for awhile.

Here's the deal. If you're looking just to get "bigger" - all you need is the front and rear CALIPER BRACKETS from a 2004+ Subaru Impreza or Legacy/Outback. The BRACKET moves the caliper out an inch and allows you to run bigger rotors. You'll have no issues with clearance on 16x6.5 or 16x7 OEM wheels (ET 53-55).

The problem is that finding the caliper brackets alone is tough. Most auto parts stores won't stock them and they're special order. Same with Subaru parts departments. I gave up searching and just bought semi-loaded 2004 Legacy GT calipers from Rockauto.com. They came with the caliper, caliper brackets and all the necessary hardware. I bought my own flavor of pads (Stoptech fronts, Hawk HPS rears).

[mycargoesvroom]

Thank your Huffer. The rotor sizes I posted were from a comparison of the different models on advanceauto's site. I was fairly sure the calipers were the same, aside from the heat dissipation which I wasn't aware of. I planned on buying new calipers anyway so I could get the brackets as well since my search for brackets alone didn't yield many results.

So look s like I'll be going with the 04 semi loaded LGT calipers, hawk hps pads, stainless lines (which I already have),ATE super blue fluid, and maybe a slotted rotor for looks.

[Huffer]

I always use cars101.com when looking up brake rotor sizes for Subaru's.

[mycargoesvroom]

Ok after thinking it over a bit, I think I'll stick with my stock size rotor. I don't track this thing at all and there's really no use to buy new calipers if I don't have to.

So now I'm looking at Stoptech Street pads, Cheapo blank rotors, stainless lines, and ATE super blue.

Anyone have a site I can find better then Advance Auto blanks for cheap? I looked at the Brembo blanks but idk if it's worth it with the light driving I do.

[StatGSR]

check out importrp.com i have ordered brake stuff from them multiple times they have the ATE as well, heck even amazon might sell some for cheap with free shipping, i would just always cross check part numbers if you order from amazon.

[mycargoesvroom]

Thanks for the link. Whats the difference between the Superblue and Type200 fluid?

[httrdd]

Nice info again Huffer!

[Huffer]

For light driving don't even bother with Super Blue. It's an expense you don't need. Fresh OEM grade fluid is fine.

[mycargoesvroom]

I do a bit more then light driving, but not much. It's like $14 for a liter so it's not much more then OEM fluid would be right?

I realize that my car isn't the fastest, or most agile around but on the occasion I do some spirited driving I think I would feel better knowing my brakes are on point.

So I'm about to place my order on importrp.com. I have OEM Brembo blanks, and Stoptech Street Performance pads.

[httrdd]

What brand should I go with?

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Edit: Link puts you back to begining of catalogue.

[mycargoesvroom]

Well after a friend mentioned a web site with some awesome online coupons I cheaped out and bought pads/rotors at Advance Auto. Can't beat $65 for pads and rotors! I guess I'll be taking it easy on the ol girl for a while lol.

[Huffer]

I feel like i wasted a day on you. Lol

[mycargoesvroom]

You didn't at all. Everything I read I soak in and pass on to others. The only reason I cheaped out is because I'm on a budget and I have a bunch of things I need to take care of. I would LOVE to drop a ton of money on brakes but after thinking about how little I beat on my car I realized it's not practical right now. Thank you very much though for passing on the great info and I'll be sure to pass it on to anyone and everyone who might need it.

[Huffer]

Im kidding man! Im just busting on you. :)

[rougeben83]

Go back to the advance auto, get some Valvoline Synpower brake fluid. It's about 20F less on dry boiling point vs. the ATE and Motul, but it costs 1/3rd the price...if AA puts them on sale along with the rest of their valvoline stock, its even cheaper (I've bought a quart for less than $5.50 sometimes). Plenty of guys who track their car on a budget use that fluid.

[Huffer]

Great tip Ben! I have to buy fluid tomorrow so this is timely.

[Grafton]

huffer any of the rear brakes from the 3rd gen 00-04 are 11.3" even on the L's and I believe that the 11.3" rears will fit under the 15" steel wheel *cars101 says so, and what i've seen points to this as well*

[Huffer]

^^ not sure what you're telling me?
that there's a 15" OEM wheel that fits over the 11.3" rear brake?

Sure, because that's true, and cars101.com does have that info:
http://www.cars101.com/legacy2000.html


Brakes: all are 4 channel anti-lock
Brighton: 10.1" front disk with single caliper piston. Rear 9.0" drum
L models:, 10.7" vented front disc with dual caliper piston, 11.3" rear disc.

Tires and Wheels:
Brighton: 195/60R 15 steel wheel with hubcap
L sedan and wagon 205/60R 15 steel wheel with hubcap

I don't think I've ever said that the 11.3" rear disc won't fit under a 15 steel wheel - I've only ever said that people with 16" wheels will NOT have issues with clearing the brake caliper.

[httrdd]

I just found 02 Wrx calipers and brackets for 40 bucks with 70,000 miles good deal? I want them to last a while.

[mycargoesvroom]

Yeah that's definitely a good deal. Even if you don't use the calipers $40 for the brackets is a steal.

[Huffer]

I just found 02 Wrx calipers and brackets for 40 bucks with 70,000 miles good deal? I want them to last a while.

For $40 that's a great deal. Just make sure all the seals are properly cared for and that the pistons still work right. Hook them up to an air compressor and make sure they can hold 20psi(ish). Don't go nuts or the piston will shoot out of the caliper.

[httrdd]

Anyone else want them? PM me and i will give you info. I have another connection locally for all 4 for 80. Also have hoses.

[mycargoesvroom]

I would if I hadn't just bought everything I need. :(

[httrdd]

Ok what the hell did I buy? The brakes that I have are pretty much stock to my LGT. I have to measure the rotors to see if they are even different. I may just get everything together and my LGT brakes and buy some 4 pots from 06-07s. I though that Wrxs had the same brakes? Should of just read the sicky thread. Lol. Oh well a lesson learned!

[StatGSR]

^ i thought WRX's had the same caliper but different brackets...

[httrdd]

Yea, but I wanted an upgraded caliper. I think I am just going to run them since the rotors are bigger. Plus mine are shot. Lol.

[StatGSR]

a bigger caliper isn't the point of the upgrade to wrx brakes, its the larger rotor (larger heat capacity) and extended torque arm from the larger rotor that make it worth doing....

[httrdd]

Got ya. I know nothing about brakes as you can see. Hows your H6 coming along?

[StatGSR]

Haven't really touched it in over a year, i really need to get on that, i was hoping to get some where with it this summer, but haven't had the chance. did get an inline thermostat though to move the thermostat to the top of the engine, not sure how I'm going to fit it in right now but i'll sort that out.

[httrdd]

s/c it like I am going to! Lol. Ok back on topic sorry.

[lord flashheart]

im just going to say this, i just upgraded my brakes on my 1995 legacy with 06 legacy GT front brakes and tribeca/ouback H6 rear brakes, and it all bolted on, no modification and the stopping power was much much greater.

[httrdd]

How much did you pay for the fronts all together?

[lord flashheart]

I traded parts to mike-tracy. But I can't imagine they are very expensive. If I had to guess a value I would say $75 or so. But that's a total shot in the dark.