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Getting the most from the WRX 4 pots

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Old 27 January 2016, 10:35 AM
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Noobaru
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Default Getting the most from the WRX 4 pots

Hey guys,

I've got a trip to the Nurburgring planned this July. It will be the second time the wagon has been to the ring.

Last time I went, the car suffered from really bad brake fade. The current setup is bone stock with standard WRX callipers and mintex discs and pads all round. The callipers were rebuilt about 12 months ago. The car is a Bugeye WRX wagon running stock power.

I'm just wondering how I can improve braking performance without upgrading to STI brembos or aftermarket callipers?

So far the plan is to install braided brake lines, change the fluid to DOT 4 and upgrade the pads and rotors.

Any advice on pad/rotor choice, or am I wasting my time with the stock brakes?

Thanks
Old 27 January 2016, 10:43 AM
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dark_angel
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You could try this if you have the money
http://www.godspeedbrakes.co.uk/impr...onversion.html
355mm disks and decent pads - all designed to fit under the stock 17 inch wheels - good value.

Hop this helps.
Andrew
Old 27 January 2016, 10:44 AM
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ditchmyster
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There is nothing you can do that's going to stop them fading at the Ring, you may be able to put it off a little bit for another few corners, but the sad fact is they're just not up to the job, 17km is a long way to be using those 4 pots in anger.

Racing fluid with a higher boiling point and maybe Performance friction Z rated pads is going to give you the best chance, but you'll not be setting any records.

I wouldn't waste the money tbh better off changing your set up to AP 4 pots that will fit behind your existing wheels, as brembo's will mean you need at least a set of STI wheels to clear them.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AP-RACING-...0AAOSwSHZWenY9

There you go, took me 2 mins.

Last edited by ditchmyster; 27 January 2016 at 10:50 AM.
Old 27 January 2016, 10:47 AM
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I've been down this route with my WRX and had every possible upgrade, grooved discs all round, uprated pads all round, race fluid, braided lines, brake stopper thingy and they were still only slightly better than standard and still gave fade when used hard.

I ended up biting the bullet and upgrading to brembos. I found a 2nd hand set complete with reasonable discs, put new pads in and managed to sell my old setup to someone with a classic as an upgrade to their car for £200. All in all it didn't cost a lot but was BY FAR the best upgrade yet.

Brembo's all the way!

So long as you have aftermarket wheels or larger wheels they will fit behind!
Old 27 January 2016, 10:49 AM
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ScottyPPP
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Hawk HP+ Pads are worth a try, they're pretty damn fade resistant.

Make sure you have very good quality discs though and good fluid as they create enormous amounts of heat.
Old 27 January 2016, 10:51 AM
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Noobaru
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Solid info, thanks for the reply's! Could have wasted a lot of money faffing with the stock 4 pots.

I was hoping to keep the stock wheels for a bit longer at least so I might give the AP's a look.

The only thing putting me off the brembo's is having to change my wheels at the same time!
Old 27 January 2016, 10:53 AM
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ScottyPPP
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You can use spacers and keep your own wheels. Newage STI wheels are pretty cheap.
Old 27 January 2016, 10:56 AM
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ditchmyster
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Originally Posted by Noobaru
Solid info, thanks for the reply's! Could have wasted a lot of money faffing with the stock 4 pots.

I was hoping to keep the stock wheels for a bit longer at least so I might give the AP's a look.

The only thing putting me off the brembo's is having to change my wheels at the same time!
Yeah exactly, which can mean new rubber as well, so your looking at anywhere between £3/700 which is money better spent on what you actually NEED ie better brakes.
Old 27 January 2016, 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by ScottyPPP
You can use spacers and keep your own wheels. Newage STI wheels are pretty cheap.
I wouldn't want to be using spacers if I was planning on hammering it around a track.
Old 27 January 2016, 11:10 AM
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The link above for the AP's on ebay are only calipers pads and brackets , so you would need discs as well , they are our brackets in that link so no problem supplying you them.

If you are thinking of going down the route of AP's , a very good kit for the money is this one we do

http://www.godspeedbrakes.co.uk/impr...and-bells.html

All brand new parts and will fit under your standard wheels , even better when you factor in selling your front brakes fitted now

Cheers Ian

Cheers Ian
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