Overview:
RacingBrake's 4 piston front caliper upgrade was designed specifically to go
head to head with the popular Subaru 4 pot caliper upgrade that is standard
equipment on the WRX in most overseas markets. RacingBrake improved
upon the Subaru kit in a few key ways. One is that the RB calipers are
less than half the weight of the Subaru parts. This reduces critical
unsprung weight. Another key benefit to the RB calipers are that they
fit under the stock WRX 16x6.5" wheels. The Subaru upgrade will not
fit under the stock wheels.Install:
This article is not intended to serve as
installation instructions and shouldn't be used as such. Only qualified
technicians should perform work on the brake system.
The install is pretty straightforward. Unfasten the brake hose
to the stock caliper. Remove the bolts securing the caliper to the
knuckle and remove the caliper. Bolt the RB caliper bracket to the
knuckle. Bolt the 4-piston caliper to the bracket. Secure the
brake hose to the caliper. Bleed the system (Sequence: RF, LR, LF,
RR). Enjoy!
Review:
AMAZING! These calipers are simply amazing. Often times I have
heard people blame various components of the WRX's braking system as the
cause for the vague feel and mushy pedal; lousy brake booster, flexing
master cylinder, caliper piston knock-back, etc.. Installing this kit
leaves no doubt in my mind that the number one reason the stock WRX brakes
leave so much to be desired is the terrible front calipers. With the
RacingBrake calipers installed the pedal remains rock solid and brake feel
is vastly improved. The calipers use pistons that are slightly smaller
than the pistons found in the stock calipers. This shifts the brake
bias slightly rearward. This has a profound effect on overall brake
feel and effectiveness. Just like how Subaru built a lot of
understeer into the WRX suspension with safety in mind, the brakes are also
biased heavily toward the front for the same reason. Shifting the bias
towards the rear greatly improves the trail braking effect and helps the car
enter turns while carrying more speed. |
