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Old 01-23-2001, 11:32 AM   #1
Skidd
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Post Which is the better brake setup?

Does anyone have an opinion of what is better for a good brake setup. I don't do any auto-x driving, so I'm really just looking for a super schweet street setup that will fit inside my stock 16" rims. I'd like to do both the front and rear.

1. Subaru STI cast 4-pot front with 11.7" rotor and I'll likely get an upgraded cross-drilled rotor.

2. Baer Sport Brake system, aluminum 2-pot with 12" rotor.

3. Brembo 4-pot with 12" rotor.

With any of these setups, will I need to change my master cylinder to match the new caliper?

Since I would like to upgrade both front and rear brakes, would I be better off just getting the STI system, since it has an option to come with both? I haven't found anything from Baer or Brembo that is a simple upgrade for the existing stock rear brake system. Could I get the Brembo front kit, and match it with the STI rear kit?

Oh yeah, and naturally, price is a bit of an issue too. I guess I'm looking for a good BANG without spening too many bucks.

Thanx for any help.

[This message has been edited by Skidd (edited January 23, 2001).]
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Old 01-23-2001, 11:50 AM   #2
mav1c
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Well....if price is the biggest issue, the STI 4-pots are the way to go. If not, I'd get the Prodrive/Alcon setup or the Brembos. As for the rear, I just went with the WRX vented rotors, had them slotted and treated, and install the wider single pot caliper. Works great for me.
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Old 01-23-2001, 02:55 PM   #3
Patrick Olsen
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Post

Has Baer added our vehicles to their application list? I hadn't heard that, although I haven't checked their website recently.

I have 13" front/12" rear Baers on my Mustang with the dual piston PBR caliper up front (the same caliper as used on the '94-98 Mustang Cobra and '95 Cobra R). Quite a formidable setup, I can assure you. However, I've heard in the Mustang world that the Brembo calipers (used on the '99+ Cobra and Cobra R) are a stronger, stiffer caliper, and therefore are better for really hard use. From pictures I've seen, the Impreza Brembo caliper appears to be very similar to the Mustang Brembo caliper (which itself is a Viper caliper with a different inner half to account for the different mount on each car).

The only prices I've seen for the Brembo setup have been purty darn high ($2500 or so, unless I'm thinking of the wrong kit). If Baer has in fact added the Impreza to their line, I would expect a 12" front kit to run in the $1200 range.

Edit: OK, SPO Motorsports has a Brembo kit for $2100, but that's the 13" rotor kit, so I'm assuming the 12" kit would be cheaper. Anybody know any prices?

Edit: I checked Baer's application guide and it has not changed - they do not offer a kit for the Impreza. Which is not to say that one couldn't be made, but you'd be on your own. If you want to try that, you can get the PBR calipers (without "COBRA" or "BAER" lettering) from most auto parts places - just order '94-98 Cobra calipers. Also check Carparts.com for the calipers, I don't think they're too expensive.
Pat Olsen
'97 Legacy 2.5GT sedan

[This message has been edited by Patrick Olsen (edited January 23, 2001).]
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Old 01-23-2001, 03:03 PM   #4
Dan_E
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Cool

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Old 01-23-2001, 03:08 PM   #5
Aspen
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Uh...I believe he said that price was a factor.

I for one don't believe in buying any $2000+ braking system for an Impreza unless I'm entering competitions where money or prestige is involved.

"yeah, I have a $3000 braking system and can go from 60-0 in under 2 seconds, but 0-60 is another story."
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Old 01-23-2001, 03:18 PM   #6
jetfreak
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Remember, your brakes will only be as good as your tires perform. You'll need premium rubber too!
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Old 01-23-2001, 03:40 PM   #7
Bottom Feeder
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Anyone know if AEM has shown any intrest in making their big-brake upgrade kits for Subarus?
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Old 01-24-2001, 12:04 AM   #8
VALENTA
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I would really like more info on prices and opinions on the BAER brake setup.

Thanx
Jan

PS. Great topic!
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Old 01-24-2001, 12:07 AM   #9
ColinL
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You need to know the displacement of the stock calipers versus any of the replacements you have in mind to know if the stock master cylinder will be sufficient or not.

You also need to have a plan for retaining your parking brake. It is part of the rear hubs but you better investigate how/if it is possible to keep it with non-Subaru rear calipers.
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Old 01-24-2001, 12:08 AM   #10
Skidd
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Price is something I've found very little info on. But I'll bet that Brembo setup is the highest of the 3.

P.S. Thanx.
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Old 01-24-2001, 10:42 AM   #11
Skidd
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FYI, I asked Baer if they are making any brake systems for the Impreza, and as someone already guessed, they are not. I guess that puts the STI back to the top of my list.
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