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View Full Version : 05 wrx front calipers an upgrade?


DOOK
03-20-2008, 07:40 PM
I have a local guy parting out a rearended (totaled) 05 wrx. I know i can use the caliper brackets to space my calipers out and run the 11.4 inch front rotors, but I need to know whether or not the calipers on the wrx are actually an upgrade or just about what i have stock. Thanks in advance. FYI, my 03 BH runs the larger rear rotors (11 inch) and smaller front rotors (10 inch) for whatever reason. I know the wrx rotors will be 11.4 which is what I'm going for.
Sarra
03-20-2008, 09:04 PM
If you want to run 05 brackets, you will need the calipers as well. They changed the caliper/pad design for 04, so your brakes won't fit in the 05 bracket.
DOOK
03-20-2008, 09:30 PM
but is it an upgrade or just change in design? Reason I am asking is because I can get brackets alone for cheaper than he wants for calipers and brackets and he won't part anyways, so if I get the brackets, I'll have to get the calipers too.
rougeben83
03-20-2008, 10:01 PM
you CANT use the bracket off an 05 alone. You need the caliper too; the 04-05 WRX's got a completely new caliper design with a different bracket, unlike the 02-03.
DOOK
03-20-2008, 10:11 PM
I realize that... my options are:

1. buy brackets from subarugenuineparts alone for 02-03 wrx or LGT
2. buy 05 setup from this guy

what is hinging my decision is whether or not the 05 calipers are a step up... by me saying i can get the bracket alone for cheaper I was meaning from another source, not the 05 bracket.
Sarra
03-20-2008, 11:41 PM
I don't think there's a difference in performance between 02/03 and later.
DOOK
03-20-2008, 11:50 PM
I've been trying to find differences... seems to have a lot more pad options for an 05 wrx than an 03 legacy... from everything I find the calipers are the same... wonder why the pad differences?
Sarra
03-21-2008, 01:04 AM
They changed the shape of the pads.

Are youf inding the same part numbers? The actual part number for the calipers should be different between 03 and 05.
DOOK
03-21-2008, 01:22 AM
i searched the OEM part database on subarugenuineparts.com but they don't have calipers listed... I know they changed the calipers on WRXs from 03 to 05. I also know Legacy and wrx run the same calipers, just don't know which version. I'm having a hard time finding any definitive information, just hearsay. local guy wants 300 for stock rotors, calipers/brackets and about shot OEM pads... I think he wants too much anyways.
Huffer
03-21-2008, 07:22 AM
www.subarupartsforyou.com (http://www.subarupartsforyou.com) might have better part# ability.

I don't think the brakes are an upgrade for you. The newer caliper design might be more efficient, but I doubt it.
rougeben83
03-21-2008, 12:24 PM
i searched the OEM part database on subarugenuineparts.com but they don't have calipers listed... I know they changed the calipers on WRXs from 03 to 05. I also know Legacy and wrx run the same calipers, just don't know which version. I'm having a hard time finding any definitive information, just hearsay. local guy wants 300 for stock rotors, calipers/brackets and about shot OEM pads... I think he wants too much anyways.

That's too much, just go to the part-out forum on NASIOC and see if any of the stock WRX's are there. I sold mine for $160 IIRC (rotors, pads, et all). Most go for around that much a nowadays.

If your 03 is like mine, it has the same pad shape as the 03 WRX.
DOOK
03-21-2008, 03:22 PM
yeah, I started PMing all the 02 and 03 wrx part outs on NASIOC... looks like 150ish is the going rate for the entire front brake setup. If someone will part with just the brackets for cheap I'll do that, if not I'll pick up the whole setup from one of them and have an extra set of calipers around in case I need them. Otherwise, brackets for cheap, nice rotors and pads and I'll be set.