03-->05GT brake upgrade

[BE-Fresh]

What is all needed to swap the front brakes to the larger 12.3in(IIRC) GT brakes? I'm assuming rotors, calipers, carriers, and that the mounting points would be the same.

[rougeben83]

you'd be right. See DLC.

[Huffer]

I have a feeling all you need is the caliper brackets and rotors. I'm betting the caliper itself is still a 2 piston one on the 05.

Why the change? the 11" rotors are plenty big...

[BE-Fresh]

Not sure, I'm thinking long-term right now. I guess you could call me a "spirited driver". I replaced all rotors with Brembo blanks and installed Hawk HPS pads about a year ago...and my brakes are already squeaking. So probably next year when I have some money (hopefully), I'll be able to upgrade. I'm thinking it's different, yet cheaper than going STi Brembo

[Huffer]

OT... what tires are you running? I have found that with good tires I don't need to get bigger brakes. Remember, when you add a bigger rotor, you attach more unsprung mass to the car - which results in more momentum and lost acceleration...you'll have to brake earlier, and have a harder time reclaiming that momentum.

A better move IMHO is to get good tires, some aggressive rear pads and stiffen the suspension. At least that way you're not adding to the overall weight of the car.

[BE-Fresh]

I'm running Potenza G009s 225/45/17. Rated 2nd best performance all season in like 06 or somethin. I'd like to get some coilovers but that won't be anytime until next year or so. I'm just getting my resources together now so it's easier in the end.

[Huffer]

There's your problem. You're running all seasons.

[BE-Fresh]

Haha, don't have the money for a winter/summer set

[rougeben83]

Not sure, I'm thinking long-term right now. I guess you could call me a "spirited driver". I replaced all rotors with Brembo blanks and installed Hawk HPS pads about a year ago...and my brakes are already squeaking. So probably next year when I have some money (hopefully), I'll be able to upgrade. I'm thinking it's different, yet cheaper than going STi Brembo

Sqeaking does not mean you need bigger brakes, dude. HPS pads tend to do that. My brakes do that too once theyre up to temp.

[BE-Fresh]

Nah I'm not saying I need bigger brakes. I'm not sure if I need them machined or what, but if I happen to need new rotors in the next year or so, (I doubt it), then I was just gonna get larger ones.

The sqeaking has just started recently. I don't know if it's because I'm not washing my whole car once a week like I normally did, or if it's because I've been in alot of stop-and-go traffic recently.

[Okin DaVanh]

Try taking the wheels off and using some sort of brake cleaner? Up here Autozone/Advanced Autoparts sell a green and white can called "Brake Kleen". Good stuff. Does the job sometimes, of removing dust build up in nooks and cracks, and usually gets rid of noises. Just be sure to place something under the rotor (pan or catch basin) to get the excess falling. Any brake cleaner can cause a serious mess.

[rougeben83]

Nah I'm not saying I need bigger brakes. I'm not sure if I need them machined or what, but if I happen to need new rotors in the next year or so, (I doubt it), then I was just gonna get larger ones.

The sqeaking has just started recently. I don't know if it's because I'm not washing my whole car once a week like I normally did, or if it's because I've been in alot of stop-and-go traffic recently.

A lot of aggressive semi-metallic pads will squeak. It's just a nature of these kinds of pads.

If you don't want the noise, get some ceramics pads.

[SilentRacer]

For the record, the stock brakes on an 05+ lgt suck.

[DLC]

I downgraded from the 05GT brakes back to 02WRX size for a few reasons, but mostly because they're too much weight, not enough better in stock v stock, and my car is slow, so I don't need more brakes.

On the other hand, I do have a complete set of 05LGT brakes for sale :)

Honestly, I did notice a difference when I downgraded, but nothing that I have missed.

[rougeben83]

the only upgrade the 05LGT brakes has over the smaller rotors is heat capacity; something youd only really need if you're tracking the car IMO.

[Mr. Sociable]

And if the car sees ANY serious track time I would at least consider this upgrade. I know at my track day my brakes got sofftttttt.

[BE-Fresh]

On the other hand, I do have a complete set of 05LGT brakes for sale :)

Haha, slick one


For the record, the stock brakes on an 05+ lgt suck.

Thats cause the owners are cocky and like to race people all the damn time. :roll:

Ok well I guess from what I read I'll just keep these. I haven't really planned to track it anytime soon, lack of finances, and I won't be doing any type of swap for a LONG time.