Just curious on feedback from the gurus on this board what they feel about upgrades to the stock brake setup on an 04 WRX. I wanted to upgrade my pads, rotors, brake lines- imho, they seem to be the weak link on my WRX.

1) Pads- what's a good set to go with? From experience Porterfields R4s have worked best as all around pads for auto-x, street & trackdays on all my previous cars; just exhibits more brake dust..

2) Rotors- x-drilled, slotted, both, stock? I've used all 3 before and seems like it depends on application but x-drilled seems to crack more easily over time. Which brands work well on our cars, our I should say, which should I stay away from?

3) SS brake lines- does this matter what brand? I was going with Stoptech since they have a pvc cover over the existing ss lines.

My car will be a daily driver, occasional track days (1-3 a year) and a few auto-x (1-3 a year also).

 

Have a good read here sir

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1326319


I currently run this setup:
- 06 4pots
- stock RS calipers rear
- Metal Master pads
- Goodridge stainless lines
- Valvoline synth. fluid
- brembo solid vented rotors

I wouldn't go with slotted or cross drilled rotors unless the slots or the cross drills are ACTUALLY casted into the rotor itself. If you take a blank rotor and slot it/cross drill it then it is more prone to cracking once it heats and cools down. For the most part it's kinda showy.

I believe goodridge may make a version of their brake lines that have a external rubber coating/cover to protect the line that's already sheileded. Definently don't buy cheapo lines since they can and more than likely will leak at the fitting connection over time. Goodridge is good and what most people choose and is only around $125ish.

As far as pads go I've had HPS pads and they've done well with not alot of brake fade at last minute stopping and is popular for auto-x folks. I like metal master pads at the moment and are great quality too. I'm sure you could look on the boards or other boards for specs.

Hope that helps

 

That sounds like a good path.

I liked the Ferodo pads on my STi and the Axxis Ultimates were good (but dusty) on my WRX.

I always recommend avoiding cross-drilled rotors. Slotted is good for track use, but will dust more and wear pads faster. Stoptech makes some great one piece and two piece upgrades. DBA is also a good choice.

For SS lines, Stoptech=Cobb. Your other choice is Goodridge. Buy whichever one suits your fancy, but try to get ones with the clear coating over the stainless steel. This will keep the SS from rubbing through any rubber parts it might come in contact with.

And don't forget good brake fluid. ATE Super Blue (no longer blue) or Motul are good choices. I like the ATE because it's cheaper and more readily available.

 

i've always liked the Hawk HPS.

Hawk HPS, Stoptech or DBA Slotted or just some blanks, whatever SS lines... and some good fluid... GOOD TO GO.

 

Thanks for pointing that out Egan. And yes, I do stick with ATE, been using it on all my cars for at least 5-6 years now. I notice they don't take as much time to warm up compared to the Motuls either.