Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

I just got my SVX back after 3 years of storage and then approx. $2,500 of work ... new valve covers & other stuff around there, new MAF, new TCU from ECUtune along with Stage1AV1 ECU module, installation of a transmission cooler, new spark plugs, tranny fluid flush and other sundry work.

Damn .. it runs very very nicely indeed !

And .. it's been garage kept since I acquired it in 1996 with 48,000 kms on the odometer (now 177K = 110K miles). Seats in great condition, sun visors perky, even managed to clean up quite nicely the driver's side arm rest where the Escaine always gets greased up from dirt and human effluent.

The SVX has lived in Vancouver since new, so there's nary a hint of rust anywhere on the body and the underside of the car is completely clean ... clean !

I've had the car and gone this far .. lots of patience required to believe in this car's potential to say yes to the time and $$'s I've spent so far. And since it's now (FINALLY!) driving like a solid and hot-ass little coupe with new shift maps, etc., I think its worth it to address the braking.

So .. if I want to take the braking on this car up a notch or two ... :D

Any suggestions ?

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

OT's big brake kit? That's the most inexpensive one I can think of. Either that or going all the way for some Brembo's or Movit brakes. Then again, they are expensive as hell.

How about the big brake kit, dimple slotted rotors, rebuilt or new calipers (powdercoated), ceramic brakes, and some stainless steel brake lines?

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

Link to additional information ... if you have it, please ?

Would (in your opinion) just putting on good slotted rotors (or Bradi blanks) and new better ceramic pads be sufficient if I am not a hard-driving hound ?

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

You could PM OT (Svxfiles), or go here to order: http://www.svxfiles.com/brakes.html I don't know if they're still available based on the message on the top of that URL.

The full upgrade kit is what I've been running for several years now. Very pleased with performance. Can be a little squeaky when wet/cold, but that's because I got the dimpled and slotted rotors. They work great for Auto-X (If only my sloppy stock suspension could keep up!)

With regards to it being enough, it's been discussed on here before, the stock brakes are sufficient enough to get ABS to engage, which means a big brake kit is not necessary for better braking (tires would be the first step). The only real benefit the big brake kits offer is more surface area / airflow, to dissipate the heat, which means less brake fade on track days. From the way you describe your driving, I think OT's kit will be more than enough for you, and its a great price to boot.

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

Thanks for that info .. called him to clarify message, and unfortunately he does not offer the Upgrade Package any longer.

So, I guess I will have to source my own slotted rotors and pads.

Based on what I've read, think I will go with Akebono ProACT ceramic pads ..

So .. any one have any recommendations as to best sources for rotors ?

ebay ?? .. I think given the way I drive I can probably go with Bradi blanks (again, based on what I have read in forums) but recommendations about sources for well-performing slotted rotorrs will be appreciated.

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

I'm a big fan of Akebono's ceramics.

If you go slotted, this should settle your directional concerns: <linky>.

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

I fitted EBC Redstuff brakepads, DBA slotted discs and braided lines on the front. EBC redstuff brakepads and EBC brakediscs rear...

FANTASTIC UPGRADE.....and looks much nicer.
Now I just received some WRC 18 inch Subaru wheels made to order for my SVX.....so this will look awsome as well

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

I would also get SS braided brake lines. Older stock lines tend to flex a bit on braking. I have bought a couple sets from these Canadians. They will accept a little lower offer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-97...Q5fAccessories

Lee

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

I bought these from napa.
https://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...RecType%3aA%29
Been good and work well, and have a lifetime warranty. Don't know what they sell to the public as but they were about a hundred bucks for me, and knowing I can warranty them instead of turning them is nice as well.

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

Most of your braking is in the front. You just need decent brakes in the rear for normal driving. Here are good rear brakes that are nice and cheap:

http://www.partsgeek.com/pdproducts/...k+PriceGrabber

That lets you go for better brakes in the front:

http://www.autoanything.com/brakes/6...0A2597011.aspx

I have cryo rotors on my Tribeca and I like them. These are also slotted which is the best option (versus drilled) for avoiding warping according to what I have read.

About pads, I put the Akebono ceramics on the front of my Tribeca and, again, I am happy with them. However, metal impregnated carbon is supposedly better for reducing warping.

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...6&autoModClar=

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

i wouldn't buy brake parts from autoanything. i tried to get the disc brakes Australia rotors and they sent me 3 sets of wrong rotors, it took me 3 months to get my money back, and their customer service was terrible.

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

I got my brake rotors from here: http://www.r1concepts.com/subaru-svx-1994-4wd.htm

They are very good, I like them a lot, and they're very good for the price. Get the "premium" ones of course. (I used the premium up front and the regular ones in the back). The DBA (disc brakes of australia) I have heard very good things about here on the forums, but it seemed like a hassle trying to find out where to get them from.

I also used EBC redstuff brakepads, and I really like them as well.

Also superblue brake fluid: http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/acces...tail.jsp?ID=21
Or the yellow stuff that's the same: http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/acces...tail.jsp?ID=22

What many people do is just alternate the yellow and blue each time they change it that way you can tell really easily when the old fluid is done coming out.

Also SS brake lines are great, I got some of the Ebay ones for like $60 and they feel great.

And adjust the brake pedal so that there is less free play, just because it'll feel better.

Grippier tires = more useful stopping power. Once the ABS kicks in, the biggest brakes in the world aren't going to stop you any faster. They will, however, handle the heat better, but the rotors and pads I linked should handle the heat very well. I think two-piece rotors would be even less likely to warp from heat, but I don't know if there are any that fit the SVX or how expensive they are.

I haven't gotten it to the track yet, but my setup handles my spirited driving really well, and has handled my brother's borderline reckless driving just fine too.

I also do not like autoanything. Ordered the EBC pads from there and they were out of stock, but didn't tell me for a couple weeks and I had to cancel and re-order elsewhere.

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

+1
have slotted rotors and ceramic pads from R1 and the difference was huge. Stops WAY better and price was very reasonable.

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

I bought all four drilled & slotted Rotors on ebay for $148.99 with Free shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Stainless brake lines for $54.95 on ebay Free shipping as well

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT

Akebono ProAct 333 (fronts) $54.79 & 471 $53.81(Rears) from Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...t333&x=19&y=17

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...t471&x=11&y=24

Re: Seeking recommendations re: upgrading brakes ?
 

OK, how about this:

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/part...ont_Cryo/10930