The Subaru SVX World Network   SVX Network Forums
Live Chat!
SVX or Subaru Links
Old Lockers
Photo Post
How-To Documents
Message Archive
SVX Shop Search
IRC users:

Go Back   The Subaru SVX World Network > Regional SVX Forum & Clubs > Down Under

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-16-2011, 06:15 PM
RedKiwiSVX RedKiwiSVX is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 43
Upgraded Brakes

I am looking to affordably (i.e. <NZ$1,500) upgrade my brakes for improved performance & feel (no track work).

Obviously, I want to do this right first time so the real world proven experience of others (good & bad) would be useful in making the decision on what products to use.

I have been through the various threads, some of which are quite old & others recommend brake upgrade kits that are quite expensive e.g. Motiv. I have also reviewed postings suggesting basic checks of the current setup & can confirm that all brake lines have been purged & refilled. Bearings are all good & the brake cylinder/booster is all good (via recent service at Winger Subaru).

So, in the interest of ensuring I have the most up to date info., I am posting this thread. I have narrowed down the options to the following suppliers noted below for vented & slotted rotors. My preference is for a local supplier i.e. Downunder (Oz/NZ), but I am open to products from the USA. I was therefore curious if anyone has used these & how the brakes performed. If there are other options, I would like to know the details.

- DBA Rotors (Oz) via BNT
- SVX Motorsport Warehose (USA)
- Rotors & Pads.com (USA)
- Centric (USA)

When it comes to the pads, what should I use? One the of the suppliers (BNT) has suggested Bendix (CT). I have seen various mentions of Hawk, Akebono & Axxis. Your thoughts?

Finally, SS braided lines. Any thoughts on whether, after upgrading the rotors & pads, would SS braided lines contribute anything more?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Last edited by RedKiwiSVX; 08-16-2011 at 06:28 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-16-2011, 08:09 PM
svxfiles's Avatar
svxfiles svxfiles is offline
There's a storm coming.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Wiley Ford WV
Posts: 8,650
Significant Technical Input Registered SVX
Re: Upgraded Brakes

First and foremost get a set of stainless steel lines.
Good ones!
Like Goodrich!
I now buy mine from Dayle at Motor Sports Warehouse.
They are the same high quality lines that I used to sell!
__________________
www.svxfiles.com
The first SuperCharged SVX,
the first 4.44 gears,
the first equal length headers,
the first phenolic spacers,
the first Class Glass fiberglass hood,
the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway


Fiberglass Hood thread
My locker
4.44 Swap link
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-16-2011, 08:26 PM
RedKiwiSVX RedKiwiSVX is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 43
Re: Upgraded Brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by svxfiles View Post
First and foremost get a set of stainless steel lines.
Good ones!
Like Goodrich!
I now buy mine from Dayle at Motor Sports Warehouse.
They are the same high quality lines that I used to sell!
Thanks mate.

How much of a difference did they make?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-16-2011, 09:05 PM
svxfiles's Avatar
svxfiles svxfiles is offline
There's a storm coming.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Wiley Ford WV
Posts: 8,650
Significant Technical Input Registered SVX
Re: Upgraded Brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedKiwiSVX View Post
Thanks mate.

How much of a difference did they make?
It is hard for me to quantify, but with SS lines the hydrolic energy/pressure goes into the much more stable "hard parts" like the calipers.
GEL who likes almost no upgrades, says they improve "feel" and response by at least 25%!
No more spongey brakes.
Use at least a DOT3-4 like Valvoline full synthetic brake fluid to reduce brake boil. (I am sorry but I do not know what your country uses for a rating.)
I would not use a drilled rotor if it is a stock diameter.
Dimpled, slotted is fine, or high quality stock replacements.
More on this later.
__________________
www.svxfiles.com
The first SuperCharged SVX,
the first 4.44 gears,
the first equal length headers,
the first phenolic spacers,
the first Class Glass fiberglass hood,
the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway


Fiberglass Hood thread
My locker
4.44 Swap link

Last edited by svxfiles; 08-25-2011 at 09:49 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-16-2011, 09:24 PM
NikFu S.'s Avatar
NikFu S. NikFu S. is offline
Takin tools to task
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: A-town, Alaska
Posts: 7,280
Send a message via MSN to NikFu S.
Registered SVX
Re: Upgraded Brakes

My brakes don't feel spongy at all since the 5mt swap and I've had steel lines sitting on my garage for a couple years now. If I already have responsive pedal feel, would installing the steel lines make me pedal feel like a brick?
__________________
"That which can be asserted without evidence
can be dismissed without evidence."


'92 Dark Teal SVX LS-L, >146,000m
3 pedals, 5 speeds., restoration underway.
2012 Honda Insight, slow but cute.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-16-2011, 09:31 PM
RedKiwiSVX RedKiwiSVX is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 43
Re: Upgraded Brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by NikFu S. View Post
My brakes don't feel spongy at all since the 5mt swap and I've had steel lines sitting on my garage for a couple years now. If I already have responsive pedal feel, would installing the steel lines make me pedal feel like a brick?
Excuse my ignorance, but what is 5mt?

I will let others (svxfiles) answer the pedal feel question, which I am just as curious about.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-16-2011, 09:33 PM
svxfiles's Avatar
svxfiles svxfiles is offline
There's a storm coming.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Wiley Ford WV
Posts: 8,650
Significant Technical Input Registered SVX
Re: Upgraded Brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by NikFu S. View Post
My brakes don't feel spongy at all since the 5mt swap and I've had steel lines sitting on my garage for a couple years now. If I already have responsive pedal feel, would installing the steel lines make me pedal feel like a brick?
Yes!7,8,9
__________________
www.svxfiles.com
The first SuperCharged SVX,
the first 4.44 gears,
the first equal length headers,
the first phenolic spacers,
the first Class Glass fiberglass hood,
the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway


Fiberglass Hood thread
My locker
4.44 Swap link
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-16-2011, 09:37 PM
svxfiles's Avatar
svxfiles svxfiles is offline
There's a storm coming.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Wiley Ford WV
Posts: 8,650
Significant Technical Input Registered SVX
Re: Upgraded Brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedKiwiSVX View Post
Excuse my ignorance, but what is 5mt?
5 speed manual transmission.
It weighs about 100 pounds (45.45kg) less than an automatic transmission.
Anything that you do to lighten your car will help both the braking, and the accelleretion.
__________________
www.svxfiles.com
The first SuperCharged SVX,
the first 4.44 gears,
the first equal length headers,
the first phenolic spacers,
the first Class Glass fiberglass hood,
the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway


Fiberglass Hood thread
My locker
4.44 Swap link
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 08-16-2011, 09:43 PM
RedKiwiSVX RedKiwiSVX is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 43
Re: Upgraded Brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by svxfiles View Post
It is hard for me to quantify, but with SS lines the hydrolic energy/pressure goes into the much more stable "hard parts" like the calipers.
GEL who likes almost no upgrades, says they improve "feel" and response by at least 25%!
No more spongey brakes.
Use at least a DOT3-4 like Valvoline full synthetic brake fluid to reduce brake boil. (I am sorry but I do not know what your country uses for a rating.)
I would not use a drilles rotor if it is a stock diameter.
Dimpled, slotted is fine, or high quality stock replacements.
More on this later.
Thanks for subjectively quantifying the improvement that SS braided lines make + the advice on the DOT 3/4 brake fluid, the latter being consistent with advice from after-market brake suppliers.

Your advice on using slotted & not drilled rotors is also consistent with advice from manufacturers & distributors, esp. as I want to maintain the current wheels/brake diameter.

Thus far, my research seems to support purchasing:
- Rotors from dba in OZ (part# 651 - solid rears, part # 652 - vented & slotted fronts
- Bendix pads (General CT)
- SS braided lines from Dayle at Motor Sports Warehouse

Last edited by RedKiwiSVX; 08-16-2011 at 10:03 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 08-16-2011, 09:46 PM
RedKiwiSVX RedKiwiSVX is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 43
Re: Upgraded Brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by svxfiles View Post
5 speed manual transmission.
It weighs about 100 pounds (45.45kg) less than an automatic transmission.
Anything that you do to lighten your car will help both the braking, and the acceleration.
Thanks for that clarification.

I agree on the weight saving measures & a good manual transmission, however for me, I do 60% city driving & 40% open road driving, so the auto suits my needs well. Besides, there are other manual transmission cars coming to join the family soon, so they will be used for more spirited work.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 08-16-2011, 10:05 PM
RedKiwiSVX RedKiwiSVX is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 43
Re: Upgraded Brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedKiwiSVX View Post
Thanks for subjectively quantifying the improvement that SS braided lines make + the advice on the DOT 3/4 brake fluid, the latter being consistent with advice from after-market brake suppliers.

Your advice on using slotted & not drilled rotors is also consistent with advice from manufacturers & distributors, esp. as I want to maintain the current wheels/brake diameter.

Thus far, my research seems to support purchasing:
- Rotors from dba in OZ (part# 651 - solid rears, part # 652 - vented & slotted fronts
- Bendix pads (General CT)
- SS braided lines from Dayle at Motor Sports Warehouse

Having said all that, from what I can tell, all the rotor replacement options are for the same size rotors which just happen to be slotted to minimise fade (I want to retain the same size wheels).

Therefore, excluding the points around slotted rotors, brake fluid, pads & SS braided lines, if the rotors are the same size & also ventilated, then what is the benefit of changing to say dba rotors (excluding the brake fade point)?

Last edited by RedKiwiSVX; 08-16-2011 at 10:21 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 08-24-2011, 01:36 AM
RedKiwiSVX RedKiwiSVX is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 43
Re: Upgraded Brakes

In looking at upgrading my brakes I was informed today that I should check to see if any aftermarket SS Braided lines are approved/certified by the NZ (NZT?). If not, they will not get through a WOF.

Has anyone come across this & if so, what approved/certified SS braided lines have you used?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 08-24-2011, 05:36 AM
michael's Avatar
michael michael is offline
What Potholes ???
Subaru Bronze Contributor
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Scranton, PA
Posts: 2,425
Registered SVX
Re: Upgraded Brakes

My .02 cents. If this is for street use avoid EBC Green Stuff pads. I hear great things about Akebono and Hawk pads on here. Also, ATE makes a nice blue brake fluid I have had in mine for a while. Super Blue
__________________
"The things you own end up owning you. It's only after you lose everything that you're free to do anything."

92 Pearl White Ls-l (138k) Euro Headlights & Blinkers, 97 Grill, Euro Tail Lights, SS Brake Lines, Stebro Exhaust, Slotted Rotors, Classic Registration
96 Legacy Outback (206k) 5-speed 2.2 Lightweight Crank Pulley, Group N Trans & Motor Mounts SOLD
Wanted: Steering Wheel
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 08-24-2011, 05:53 AM
Dessertrunner's Avatar
Dessertrunner Dessertrunner is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Griffith NSW
Posts: 2,156
Re: Upgraded Brakes

Haven't read throught the whole thread so its been mentioned sorry.
The most import thing you can do to up grade your brakes is to remove the dust shield form the front brakes.
One of the biggest problems our brakes have is heat build up and that is because of poor airflow. Removing the dust shield helps with that problem. I also run sloted & drill rotors. Before every one jumps in I drive on dirt mud sand and every thing you can think of and I have never got rocks in the pads.


Thats my 2 bobs worth.
Tony
__________________
1995 - SVX 700,000 K Mine, DMS Struts to lift car 2in. Tyres Wrangler Silent Armor 235/70R16, PBR Radiator. 6 speed with DCCD and R180 rer diff, Heavy duty top strut mounts front and rear. Speedo correction box fitted. New stero (gave up on the old one). Back seat removed and 2 spare tyres fitted for desert driving. ECUTune SC sitting in the box for the next SVX.
1992 - SVX 255 K Wife (Want to stay Married so not allowed to fit SC)
1992 - SVX Pearl with black roof race car roll cauge etc ready to race. Ex Tasman Targa car.
1995 - SVX Green low k mint condiation.
1995 - SVX Rally car, ex Matts car. Now to be used on track.
1992 - SVX red & Black being converted to Mid Engine.
1995 - SVX Red 143,000 bit rough.
Owned 5 others Subaru back to a 1974 1400 GSR.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 08-24-2011, 05:35 PM
RedKiwiSVX RedKiwiSVX is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 43
Re: Upgraded Brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by michael View Post
My .02 cents. If this is for street use avoid EBC Green Stuff pads. I hear great things about Akebono and Hawk pads on here. Also, ATE makes a nice blue brake fluid I have had in mine for a while. Super Blue
Thanks for the tips on the brake pads & brake fluid.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:28 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2001-2015 SVX World Network
(208)-906-1122