Hi. This is my first post. I've spent about 8 hours going through this site and some other Subaru forums trying to get the answer to my question, and although I learned a lot, nothing was specific to my situation, which is why I'm posting this. I've got an almost stock 02 WRX. Since I bought it new in the summer of 01, I didn't think it was worth modding until the warranty ran out and parts started to wear out or break. I've just replaced the parts that needed replacing. So far, I have replaced the tires with 225/50/16 Michelin Sport Exalto's (love the tires especially in rainy Vancouver BC) and the clutch and flywheel with an ACT heavy duty with the prolite flywheel (excellent mod by the way).

My front brake pads are starting to go (about 5% left according to mechanic). The rotors are fine and the complete rear setup is fine for a while yet. Hence, my next upgrade is the brakes!

I was going to just get Porterfield R4S or OMP pads, some goodridge SS lines, Motul 600 brake fluid, and call it a day, but all the reading has got me thinking about doing a brake kit. Here are my guidelines for choosing:

1. I want to use the stock 16" wheels. I want the wheels/tires to be as light as possible to reduce unsprung weight for handling, reduce rotational weight for acceleration/braking, and increase overall performance all round due to less weight. Using the smaller rotor and caliper (all else being equal) should also result in reduced unsprung weight. I read that the iOn Performance setup saved 13-14 lbs per corner! That is a lot!

2. The kit should be as light as possible (caliper and rotor). This probably means a 2 piece rotor with aluminum hat. The caliper should be 4 piston, but I'm open to suggestions on the pros and cons of going to 6 piston?

3. The car will be used for street and occasional track event.

If somebody could list all my available options using a 16" stock wheel, along with some comments comparing it to others, that would be super. I know that some have suggested the Subaru 4 piston front, 2 piston rear, and then aftermarket rotors, SS lines, and pads... but I don't think that saves much weight if any (I'm assuming there isn't a 2 piece rotor to go with stock calipers and that stock calipers weigh a lot more compared to some aftermarket offerings such as AP, stoptech, brembo, etc.).

So far from my research, I have discovered 2 brands:
1. TWR Racing
2. iOn Performance (but they don't list it on their site! Do they even make it any more?)

Please help! Thank you!

 

you can get bigger wheels that will be lighter than the factory setup, but they aren't cheap. that having been said, if you're looking to keep the stockers then a pad/fluid/ss line upgrade should give you a noticeable improvement.

edit: tire weight is also more important than wheel weight, becasue they're further away from the center of rotation.

 

You might want to check out this newer caliper and kit from Racing Brake, available through SubyDude.com. It's supposed to fit under factory WRX wheels.

I would ask them if the front-to-rear bias remains the same as the factory, or with just a slight more bias to the rears. Also, does it work with the off-the-shelf stainless braided lines from Goodridge and StopTech?

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

As has been already pointed out, if you limit yourself to 225/50/16 Michelin Sport Exalto by using the stock wheels, that is probably going to limit the brake performance.

If you get a set of Toyo RA-1 D.O.T. street legal competition tires, these should prove to be much stickier than the Michelins, but may not be as good in the rain as they wear. Tire selection is a compromise, at best.

Tire weight and wheel weight are important from the standpoint of reducing unsprung weight, as is the weight of other components such as calipers, rotors, control arms, etc.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

I have been enjoying my TWR's for about 2 years now. PM me about them if you like. I also posted an update on them recently so search for it using my screen name.

Front on oem 16's


Rear on oem 16's

 

i have had the rota mini 4 pot on my car for a while now i like it

stock rotors new calipers lines and pads

waaaaaaaaay better than stock

 

Woot for Daddy SCP's original design:

http://www.daddysscp.com/dcart4/prod...&cat=11&page=1

 

I dont know about weight, so tis may not work for you at all, but I just bought a Stage 2 Upgrade kit from Stoptech, and am absolutly amazed at the difference. kost about $630 shipped

 

what is it about the existing brakes that you're dissatisfied with? They're lightweight, have stock bias, and good pedal feel. If the original pads lasted for 3 years and you're not complaining about how they turn into sponges, they're probably great. Some aftermarket pads will have a profound effect if you really want to make some changes.

If you want shorter stopping distances, get better tires.