Scooby1975

iTrader: (2)

I recently got myself a 2006 WRX.

I find that the brakes are pretty poor, not what I expected. The car has new pads on the front. The rear discs have some wear on them but I have seen way worse.

From the experience on here is it worth upgrading the discs and pads to grooved discs and decent pads or is that not going to make a lot of difference and should I just go for a bigger brake set up.

If I go for the latter can I fit bigger discs using the existing calipers or again is that not worth it?

Any help appreciated.

Only had the car a couple of weeks and already spending on it!

pinkypurkhardt

iTrader: (9)

pads and disc are a good option mate if you have oem ones fitted ebc bluestuff are suppose to be a very good pad seen theese on ebay earlier pritty cheap starting price http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Impreza-EBC-bl...item3a61f89c1f
or you can go the route of ian godneys 4 pot conversion set makes the callipers wider and enables to fit bigger two peice disc aswel i believe.
or alot of us with wrx's go the sti brembo route bolt streight on the front and only need bigger shoes on the rear but speak to ian godney he is the resident brake guru on here
https://www.scoobynet.com/member.php?u=4201 and his service is top notch mate

EmzWRX

iTrader: (2)

It won't stop there trust me!!

Speak to Ian Godney at Godspeed, grooved discs, EBC blue stuff, the way forward!!!

I'm running them on my WRX running 350 bhp!! They are pretty good!!! But I will be upgrading to k sports in next few weeks!!

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

The brakes aren't overly servo'd on Imprezas, so aren't like an on off switch.

With the right pads they can be made to work well. These pads are fantastic and outselling all the others at the moment: http://www.superhids.co.uk/-ebc-blue...ront-set-.html

Bigger discs are v costly and not worth the cost imho compared with the cost of true big brake kits.

I would go with a full set of Bluestuff NDX Pads and braided lines. That will make a big different to your braking.

Scooby1975

iTrader: (2)

Ok, maybe I just need to get used to the brakes a bit. I came from a VW which I know some people say are over-servo'd.

I have braided hoses on there and the brake fluid was changed when the car was serviced before I got it 2 weeks ago.

The car has a very good pedal, not spongy at all and rock solid under braking so I have no issues there.

Maybe get some decent pads and see how I get on with that.

Thanks for all the help.

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

You're most welcome.

See how you get on with them, no point wasting money when it's not needed.

Godspeed Brakes

iTrader: (259)

HI
Fitting better pads will make a world of difference if you have standard pads in now , depending on what make pad they put in , the brakes can be awful.
There are plenty of good pads around that will transform the braking ability of your car.

We can supply you various pad makes , but the EBC bluestuff NDX are about the best all-round pad available at the moment , they work very well from cold , and will take just about any abuse you can throw at them , we have plenty in stock for a next day delivery and available to buy online

http://www.godspeedbrakes.co.uk/~god...d_category=139


A larger brake kit will make a massive difference over the stock brakes , anyone who says otherwise is just saying that as they dont sell them , we make a 335mm kit with oversize pads , and have sold loads of them over the last 12 years or so since designing them , these are the largest brakes you can fit under 17" wheels , and will work on par with the 330mm kit with AP calipers as long as your Subaru 4 pot calipers are working properly. We currently sell this kit for £550.

The subaru calipers have a tendancy to seize as the pistons rust in them , your year of car should be ok for this at the moment but it might be worth checking all the pistons are free to move so at least you know its all as it should be.
If it is a problem we make our own stainless steel pistons , so can supply any parts , or even fully reconditioned calipers on an exchange basis.

Hope this helps
Cheers Ian
01656 723060

Scooby1975

iTrader: (2)

Thanks Ian.

I came from a Gold R32 which I had upgraded the brakes on, due to the fact the I had fitted a supercharger so needed better brakes. I put Rs4 brakes on the Golf and these were fantastic.

Now obviously it is not fair to compare the subaru brakes to these but for me driving is all about confidence and just now I do not have confidence in the brakes on the subaru. I do not feel that they would stop me in a hurry should I need to and as a result I cannot really enjoy driving the car as I should do.

I always modify my cars and usually do the brakes first. In regard to the 335mm kit you suggest, what brackets etc does this come with and is it an easy fit? In regard to the weheel size I have been told that I may well be best to stick to 17 inch wheels on the Subaru. I usually put OZ wheels on my car so will be getting some but it would be nice to know that the brakes would fit under 17s if I choose that route, so may well be the best option.

Appreciate your time and help.

Michael.

IainIainWRX

Hi,

I made the switch from a VW Golf Tdi PD130 over a year ago to my current standard Hawkeye WRX. At first I too thought that the brakes were rubbish - absolutely no bite in comparison to the Golf and I nearly ended up in the back of the cars in front a couple of times.

After a few months though, and a decent brake service/strip/clean, and some vigorous driving, I am much happier with the progressive braking style in the Impreza. The Impreza is much better balanced than the Golf under braking partly 'cos of the diesel lump. When I switch into my std Legacy 2.5 the brakes are much sharper - so it's not a Subaru thing - more how the Imprezas are setup.

I am sure changing away from the std brakes would improve things but give it a month and you probably will feel much more confident in the Impreza.

Cheers, Iain.