LowFast Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 About to pull the trigger on the Wilwood front caliper upgrade with matching rear disks and pads. Any good reason not to? Also, I drive my car daily, about 300 miles a week, allot of highway. I have done the ocasional autocross and in the next couple of months plan to do a few instructional/driving school track days. Should I go with the Hawk HPS pads or would the HP+ be better. I want to make sure they are quiet enough for daily use but want them to be able to handle the occasional extracaricular activities. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolksey85 Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Here's a thread with discussion regarding HPS v. HP+ pads. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108171 And this post has numerous links to Wilwood discussion threads. http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2379906&postcount=7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowFast Posted April 5, 2009 Author Share Posted April 5, 2009 ^ Thanks, I have already read all of the Wilwood threads, just wanted to know if others have purchased them since and what their experience has been now that they have some real miles on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowFast Posted April 5, 2009 Author Share Posted April 5, 2009 Ordered them this afternoon, should be in next week. From reading on Hawk's website I think the HPS fit the bill for me. If I decide to do real track time I will invest in a set of pads and switch them out. I will try to remember to take pics of the install and give a write up comparing the Wilwood set-up to stock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Th3Franz Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 yea it sounds like pads for the Wilwood set are inexpensive... so running a set for street and a set for track would be ideal -Franz The end of a Legacy http://www.youtube.com/th3franz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caramall2 Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I'm no expert so take this for what it's worth. I've thought about the Wilwood calipers too. Certainly seem decent if you want to upgrade. The pads run about $40 cheaper (to put that in perspective though, you'd have to go through 15-20 sets of pads before it "paying for itself"). Yes, there are other advantages...built better than stock, easy pad swapping at the track etc. One small thing I don't like is the pads are slightly smaller than stock from what I can tell. Yes, when stock pads are brand new and have the bevel, that might not be the case, but as soon as they're slightly worn, the stock pad area is larger than the Wilwood (again, from what I can see). For me, I also have too many stock size pads sitting on my shelf at the moment (like $600 plus...) to swap. That said, what are you really trying to get out of them? Why I ask, is I've tracked my car a couple times now with some serious braking sections (like 120 mph down to 50, etc.) and calipers have not really been the issue. It's cooling and pad choice. I'm actually going with ducts just for the track. Pads: Personally, if you're on summer tires or R-compounds, I wouldn't go any less than XP8 or equivalent (HP+ ??)--preferably XP10 (HT 10??). I actually now love running XP8 on the street--I have no concerns with any fade, etc., and I like the bite over more street oriented pads. Dust, yes, but who cares ;-) On the track, I won't go any lower than XP10 now (XP8 did ok, but were on the edge). Not trying to discourage you (I'm sure you'll like them) just giving a perspective and saying that they're not a necessity in my opinion based on what you're doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowFast Posted April 6, 2009 Author Share Posted April 6, 2009 Well these are a bit of a reward to myself a well (got my end of year bonus!) I was in need of a complete brake job that was going to run me about $700. Part of it, as ashamed as I am to say, is for the bling factor, plus these should support any future modding/track duty. I figured for a few extra bones (plan to sell my front stock calipers to recover a few bucks) I could get a nice visual as well as performance upgrade. I will definitely pick up some track oriented pads when the time comes. Thanks for the info on the pads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caramall2 Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 I think you'll be real happy with them. If you were going to have to put some money in anyway, you might as well have. If I was in the same situation I would do the same. Let us know how you like 'em. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowFast Posted April 8, 2009 Author Share Posted April 8, 2009 I ordered black (standard color) but am going to paint them, currently I have the stockers painted red, and they look good, but I have been thinking of changing it up and going with this blue. http://static.zoovy.com/img/stage3motorsports/-/G/g2blue.jpg or I can stick with red http://static.zoovy.com/img/stage3motorsports/-/G/g2red.jpg So what does everyone think for an 06 Spec-B, red or blue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atc5 Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 black looks best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowFast Posted April 8, 2009 Author Share Posted April 8, 2009 black looks best Usually I would agree, but my debadged, titanium silver spec-b with the stock wheels is for lack of a better term, a bit boring. The exhaust and now the brakes are the only real flash to the car. I love having a sleeper but I need alittle visual stimulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosscarlson Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 +1 for going with the Wilwoods - I ran them on my 07 350z and have a set sitting in my garage waiting for install on my Spec.B In my opinion if you're going to do any track/autoX work brakes are the first thing you should do. He who brakes last wins the race... I'm a really REALLY hard braker which is why I did this mod first. And I'll admit I like the look too.... Let us all know what you think when you get them... -Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caramall2 Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 I'll probably get a set in a year so don't throw stones yet ;-) But.... If you have Wilwood calipers and I have stock, and we both have the same rotors and pads, are you really going to out brake me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowFast Posted April 9, 2009 Author Share Posted April 9, 2009 Think I have figured out the color issue, will post pics when done (Hint, not red black or blue, but definitely fitting with the spec-B.) I will definitely give a write up of the Wilwoods once they are on. Supposed to be delivered today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosscarlson Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 Caramall2 are you really going to out brake me? Honestly probably not, I mainly went with the upgraded calipers for ease of pad changing, more consistent feel, and light weight. I haven't weighed the stockers yet but the Wilwoods are very light, I'm guessing they'll be a few pounds each lighter. Given that my new rims are 5lbs each lighter this should help a fair bit. The more weight you can remove at the corners the better. They should also be more durable as I'm planning to put 500-1000 track miles a year on my car (so I need everything to be very bulletproof). Stopping distance isn't going to be that much difference, it's just the consistency... -Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caramall2 Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 Roger that...good points (weight, pad changing, etc.). After a few track weekends, I have a new respect too for wanting to ensure your brakes are reasonably "bullet proof". Looking forward to see what ducts do this spring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowFast Posted April 10, 2009 Author Share Posted April 10, 2009 Got the packages, broke out the calipers for a look, these are going to be sweet as hell! Now to get the caliper paint (also still waiting on the last box with the pads and fluid) Will get pics of it all once it arrives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosscarlson Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 LowFast - looking forward to seeing the install. Did you just do the fronts or did you do rotors for the rear? Slotted or drilled? Caramall2 - I'm curious about how your ducting goes - I haven't looked into that but probably will, as you can tell I'm a braking fiend! Now if Wilwood would just come up with a set of 2 piston rear calipers that would fit I'd be just perfect! -Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowFast Posted April 10, 2009 Author Share Posted April 10, 2009 Got the whole package, front calipers, F/R slotted rotors, Hawk HPS pads, SS lines and fluid, should really sharpen the braking on my car. Anyone know if the 2 pots from the more recent WRX are a direct replacement for our rears? (and yes if Wilwood made rear 2 piston units I would have gotten those as well) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magnetic1 Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Aside from what was already mentioned, you guys are also forgetting that the replacement rotor costs are significantly lower than the guys running the Brembos Sorry about the fluid LowFast, will get you a bottle right away! Cant wait to hear your input after installation. Everyone who has gotten them has reported night/day difference in brake feel. Free Sonax Cleaner Deal http://www.brakeswap.com Carbotech, Hawk, PFC, DBA Rotors, Motul, Wilwood, Castrol... Great service. No bumping required ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolksey85 Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Anyone know if the 2 pots from the more recent WRX are a direct replacement for our rears? (and yes if Wilwood made rear 2 piston units I would have gotten those as well) I want to say yes but not 100%. Someone was saying before that because the LGT has overall more piston area, we actually should have a braking advantage over the standard WRX 4 piston setup from the 06+ cars. Don't kill me if I'm wrong because it's been awhile since it's been brought up and I don't remember the specifics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowFast Posted April 11, 2009 Author Share Posted April 11, 2009 I want to say yes but not 100%. Someone was saying before that because the LGT has overall more piston area, we actually should have a braking advantage over the standard WRX 4 piston setup from the 06+ cars. Don't kill me if I'm wrong because it's been awhile since it's been brought up and I don't remember the specifics. On the fronts yes, but what about the rears? Hopefully since there seems to be some interest Magnetic1 will look into a rear caliper upgrade for the stock rotors. But if not I wonder if the wrx rears are equal to or better thank teh stock Leggacy units. Even if they are equal I would probably look to pick up a pair because they look much nicer than our stockers, I really would like to have the rears match the new Wilwood fronts as best as possible. Magnetic1, no sweat on the fluid, I don't have time to do the install this weekend, plus the pads are not scheduled to arrive until next week anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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