Painted Brembo Calipers by Mark aka Cruisn

[kiko.man]

Never thought painted Brembos would change the look of the car so dramatically, I can't wait to give it a go when I get my set.

[cruisn]

Nice G.

Can someone tell me what the difference is with an "STi" master cylinder honestly?

Both standard and STi are 1 1/16" master cylinders so wheres the upgrade? Earlier Subaru's had a 1" master cylinder so I can see that benefit. Dont see it with later model master cylinders.

[HyRax]

It'd be a difference for me - my MBC is only 15/16!

Other than the bore size, there isn't any other physical difference between the STi MBC and a non-STi one (except for the horizontal angle in the attachment to the booster, and the booster itself is different too, but aside from the MBC attachment, I don't see any other obvious difference).

[3rspecb]

Nice G.
Can someone tell me what the difference is with an "STi" master cylinder honestly?
Both standard and STi are 1 1/16" master cylinders so wheres the upgrade? Earlier Subaru's had a 1" master cylinder so I can see that benefit. Dont see it with later model master cylinders.

I have attached a screen shot of the 2004-2006 subaru workshop manual that lists our Master cylinders are 15/16.


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The STi brembo calipers (FRT/RR) have bigger pistons then the stock calipers (FRT/RR), therefore they require more brake fluid to push the pistons and hence with a 15/16 master cylinder we need to push a little more/harder on the brake pedal to pump around the extra fluid required.

I don't know about the Liberty STi master cylinders, but the Impreza STi master cylinders are 1" so if you install one, the pedal travel/effort will/should decrease as the 1" master cylinder will push through more fluid then a 15/16 master cylinder.

In saying that brakes are very subjective and I dare say it that most wouldn't even notice the difference so its not worth the effort.

In my case, instead of spending money on a 1" master cylinder, I decided with the aid of my best mate (automotive brake engineer) to try aggressive brake pads (FRT & RR) and it's worked.

[cruisn]

I thought they were 1 1/16" on our 3.0/GT's.

You learn something everyday.

Cheers guys.

[seanmau5]

Interesting!! I just installed bigger brakes & have noticed that my pedal requires more work to apply the brakes, can only assume that the 2.5i master cylinder would be smaller again. Is it simple job to swap out the master cylinder, and did I read somewhere that you had an STI master cylinder lying around Mark?

[3rspecb]

Interesting!! I just installed bigger brakes & have noticed that my pedal requires more work to apply the brakes, can only assume that the 2.5i master cylinder would be smaller again. Is it simple job to swap out the master cylinder, and did I read somewhere that you had an STI master cylinder lying around Mark?

No, it's the same as the GT/3r, refer to the attachment I posted from the Subaru Liberty MY04 to MY06 Workshop manual.

If I recall correctly you installed gt/3r brakes all round ? If so then could be the brake pads you using and or maybe you still have some air in the system.

[seanmau5]

Sorry, didn't realize it was for both GT/3.0 & 2.5i models. I bled the lines to the tune of 1 litre of brake fluid so I'm pretty sure all the lines don't have air. Maybe it feels normal for these brakes and I'm just used to the responsiveness of the smaller 2.5i brakes. Braided lines will tighten up pedal too right??

[3rspecb]

Sorry, didn't realize it was for both GT/3.0 & 2.5i models. I bled the lines to the tune of 1 litre of brake fluid so I'm pretty sure all the lines don't have air. Maybe it feels normal for these brakes and I'm just used to the responsiveness of the smaller 2.5i brakes. Braided lines will tighten up pedal too right??

Yes, braided lines helped when I had them on the stock brakes. What pads are you using ?

[seanmau5]

I'll look into them. Goodridge right??

I think the pads are Bendix ultimate from memory

[HyRax]

I just bought a set of four HEL braided lines from Tuspeed for $135 delivered (Liberty versions, not Impreza versions).

Me happy.

[3rspecb]

I'll look into them. Goodridge right??
I think the pads are Bendix ultimate from memory

I'm using a mix of Goodridge & STi S/S lines but for $135 delivered you can't go past the HEL S/S lines, good post Jeff.

When your up for new pads, try higher friction (FRT/RR) brake pads.

[cruisn]

I just bought a set of four HEL braided lines from Tuspeed for $135 delivered (Liberty versions, not Impreza versions).

Me happy.

Dont you mean a set of 6??

[HyRax]

I just bought a set of four HEL braided lines from Tuspeed for $135 delivered (Liberty versions, not Impreza versions).

Me happy.

Dont you mean a set of 6??

Six? Where do the other two go?

i guess I'll find out when the package arrives...!

[cruisn]

The rear lines are 2 pieces per side.

Gen3 and 4 are a 6 piece brakeline setup due to the multilink rear.