Swapping my 97 L Brakes to GT

[Okin DaVanh]

I have a 97 L 2.2L which I'm currently starting my next little project.I started getting parts and pieces awhile ago, and now my L brakes need to go.What I have: I got 4 new GT rotors and pads. What I'm getting: 2 used front GT calipers and brackets.


I started on the rears yesterday. They were bad and I had to replace them anyways. My camera was dying, so I only got to take a start and finished pic. As I do the front, I will try to take pics from start to finish.


All 4 wheels are off because I was cleaning the front brakes and sanding clean the hub on the rims. The mounting area on alloy wheels build up crud and aid in vibration. So for maintenance reasons, I did all 4.


http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/Okin_album/IMG_0868.jpg

And with new pads and rotors (in the rear so far)

http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/Okin_album/IMG_0869.jpg







They're the same as the GT's so I didn't have to swap out the caliper brackets etc...

I'm going this way, always having a full set of new GT/LSi rotors. Since the front didn't fit and no one bought them, I'm swapping them. Buying the calipers/brackets and pads were cheaper than buying another set. Don't get me wrong, I'm not getting rid of my L calipers just yet. In the future (if I still have it) I like to trailer my bike out of state and this would be R&D for me for now.

This is my first Subaru brake swap, so any help or opinion is appreciated.

[Grafton]

i have done the GT -> L swap, its easy remove the bolt that goes in the back of the l caliper for the brake line ( watch those copper washers ) remoce the 2 bolts that hold the bracket on and boom caliper & bracket come off, then remove the old rotor ( might need a rubber mallet to bang on it with) put the GT rotor on, bolt on the new bracket put your GT pads in attach the caliper then go for the brake line like so:
. ___
(|__ |) --|

( & ) = copper washer
.___
|__ | = brake line "O"

--| = bolt

bleed that side and then go do the other side the same way

and your good to go

[Okin DaVanh]

Thanks.

Any gains or disappointments?

Overall stopping distance?

[decke48]

every one i know love the gt upgrade.. the only disadvatage is the added unsprung weight.

[Okin DaVanh]

every one i know love the gt upgrade.. the only disadvantage is the added unsprung weight.

I know. If you was letting the rear sway go, I was gonna get that from you too. I'll try the local yard again.

My next step will definitely be the suspension. Given the rake on my car has changed, I've taken that into heavy consideration and have been lurking around and saving funds. My brakes were a must. I'm not hard while driving and the way my car is set up now. Drifting in the snow is as much action as it sees as well as daily driving/commuting and some highway daytrips. No more Safari's :wink:

[decke48]

ohh the kid want to sell the sway bars now to so if you want ill pm a price. he wanted to put them on his imp L but got wrx instead.