Brakes, Baby!

It’s Sunday, the busy week’s finally over, and I was thinking—what should we chat about this time? How about something that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: brakes!

If you’re rocking a WRX or STI and have hit the track a few times—or if you’ve tuned your car for more power—you’re probably reaching the point where upgrading your brakes sounds like a good idea. There are plenty of popular upgrades out there, like the Subaru 4-pot and 2-pot calipers from the 2001–2007 WRX, or the iconic STI Brembos.

But when should you go for an OEM Plus caliper setup, and when is it worth stepping up to a motorsport brake option like AP Racing or Alcon? Let’s break it down.

Factory Brake Setups: What Did Your Subaru Come With?

Before you think about upgrades, it’s worth knowing what your car’s got right now. Subaru has used quite a few different setups over the years, and it’s important to know where you’re starting.

GC8 and Early Models (Pre-1997)

• Most early UK/import GC8 models came with 2-pot front brakes and 1-pot rears. Let’s be honest—they’re not great.

• In 1997, UK Turbo models got a brake upgrade with 4-pot fronts, but still had 1-pot rears. The exception? The P1, which came with 2-pot rears.

• Meanwhile, JDM cars from 1997 onward had the better 4-pot/2-pot combination.

Newage (2001–2007)

• The WRX from this era came with 4-pot front and 2-pot rear brakes.

• The STI, with its extra power, got the Brembo 4-pot calipers up front with 326mm discs and 2-pot Brembo rears with 316mm discs—a significant size upgrade over the WRX setup.

2008–2017 STI/WRX

• STI models came standard with Brembo calipers, and the only upgrade option was the larger kit on the Final Edition.

• WRX models stuck with the 4-pot front and 1-pot rear setup.

The Upgrade Dilemma

GC8 Owners: Is the 4-Pot/2-Pot Swap Worth It?

For GC8 owners, the most common upgrade is to swap to 4-pot fronts and 2-pot rears. But hold on—it’s not that straightforward. If you’ve got an early model like a Series McRae, your standard 16-inch wheels won’t clear the calipers. You’ll need spacers, which then introduce their own problems (that’s a whole other conversation).

Newage WRX: To Brembo or Not to Brembo?

Everyone seems to say, “Just slap some STI Brembos on it!” But is it really worth it? Let’s look at why I think it might not be:

1. Cost: Second-hand Brembo front calipers can set you back £400–£500. Keep in mind, they’re likely 20 years old, with peeling paint and worn seals—add another £200–£300 for refurbishing.

2. Extras: You’ll still need discs and pads—a cheap set can run you another £200. You’re easily hitting £1,000 just for the front.

3. Fitment Issues: Got stock WRX wheels? Guess what—Brembos don’t fit.

4. Caliper Bolts: Don’t even get me started—these are a nightmare.

Better Alternatives

If your WRX is running under 320 hp, skip the Brembo hype. Instead, invest in a quality disc and pad combo like a DBA or Probite kit. You’ll get great braking performance for half the cost and still have some cash left for fresh fluid and braided lines.

But if you’re pushing more power and feeling brave with that 5-speed gearbox, go big. Forget Brembos and step up to AP Racing, Alcon, Fuji, or K-Sport. These setups are far superior to Brembos—just be mindful of your wheel size.

The STI Dilemma: Upgrade or Maintain?

If you’re running an STI and it’s stock or lightly tuned, just invest in quality discs and pads like DBA or Probite. They’re more than capable for road use and some light track action.

However, if your STI is heavily modified or a full-time track machine, it’s time to go all-in with a Big Brake Kit (BBK). You’re pushing more speed and generating more heat, so superior cooling and stopping power are essential to avoid boiling your brake fluid.

Our Experience: AP Racing Magic

We recently fitted AP Racing 6-pot calipers with 356mm discs and Carbon Lorraine pads on Dave’s 2.5 STI. All I can say is—wow. These brakes are unreal. They feel incredible and perform better than any Brembo setup out there. There are cheaper options too, but even they outperform the OEM Brembos.

For the rears on a WRX, just match your upgraded front setup with a good set of discs and pads. On the STI, a rear upgrade is only necessary if you’re pushing some serious power or doing full track days.

Final Thoughts

That’s pretty much all you need to know about Subaru brake upgrades! If I missed any specific setups or you’ve got questions, drop us an email at fflat4performance@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you, whether you’re after parts or just some advice.

Serious brakes for serious performance—A/P Racing front kit installed and looking mean!

Smooth, strong, and ready to perform—DBA discs on point!

Braking in style with these stunning Prodrive Alcons—because stopping should look as good as going!

What Should We Talk About Next?

Got an idea for next week’s blog? Whether it’s more performance upgrades, track tips, or something completely different—let us know! Drop a comment or send us an email at fflat4performance@gmail.com. We’re always keen to hear your thoughts!