If you own a Subaru—whether a sporty WRX/STI, a BRZ, or a versatile Impreza/Forester/Legacy—then performance matters. Subaru’s all-wheel drive platforms and enthusiast-oriented models already give you great chassis dynamics, but when you’re driving harder (street performance, canyon carving, occasional track use, or building a modified car) the standard brake system may start to reveal its limitations.
Here’s why upgrading your brakes (and in many cases the supporting hardware) via the Subaru-specific collection from AlconKits is one of the best moves you can make.
Why Upgrade the Brakes on a Subaru
Raising the Benchmark
- Many Subaru owners add power mods (turbo, larger intercooler, exhaust), bigger wheels/tires, or use their car for spirited driving or track days. Once you go beyond stock use, factory brakes may struggle with heat, fade, pedal feel, or repeatability.
- High-performance kit components (multi-piston monobloc calipers, floating two-piece rotors with directional vanes, aerospace-grade hats) deliver a substantial upgrade in thermal capacity and durability. For example, one kit for the WRX/STI front uses 343/355/380 × 32 mm rotors, floating two-piece construction, Alcon CAR97 mono6 calipers.
- Better pedal feel and modulation: Upgraded calipers and rotors give more direct feedback, less pedal travel, sharper bite. More control means more confidence.
- Better everyday performance plus reserve: Even on the street you’ll feel more composed under braking; under stress (track, mountain descent, heavy braking) you’ll have thicker margin.
- Fitment matters: The Subaru collection offers vehicle-specific kits for WRX/STI, BRZ, Impreza, Forester, Legacy etc, with wheel clearance templates and “Guaranteed Wheel Fit” when buying direct.
What It Will Feel Like: Driving Impressions
The Brake Experience
- On first firm application you’ll notice a firmer pedal, sharper bite—less of the “mushy” feel that the stock system might exhibit when pressed hard.
- During spirited driving or track use, when you brake repeatedly (entering corners, heavy deceleration), you’ll notice less fade, more consistent pedal feel, and more confidence in the system holding up.
- Under everyday use you’ll also feel better composure: the car may feel more “locked-in” when decelerating, less unsettled by large front brakes, less nose dive or spongy response.
- When wheels/tires are bigger (common in Subaru builds) you’ll feel the difference: the brakes are sized and engineered to match the increased unsprung/rotating mass and performance demands, so the car behaves more naturally rather than being compromised by too-weak brakes.
The Supporting Feel (Even if you only upgrade brakes)
- The kits often include stainless braided lines (reducing pedal flex), premium pad compounds (street, street/track, hi-temp), and rotors designed for heavy use. All of this adds up to increased responsiveness, reduced uncertainty, and a “performance” feel rather than stock comfort.
- Because the systems are vehicle-specific, you avoid compromises like overly large rotors that don’t fit, or calipers that rub wheels/spokes. The result: a more refined upgrade that feels integrated rather than aftermarket “bolt-on awkward.”
Combined Effect
Upgrading your Subaru’s brakes via the AlconKits collection doesn’t just give you “more stopping power”—it gives you more control. The car feels sharper, more responsive, more aligned with your driving intent. When you push harder, you feel safer, more composed—and you extract more from the car rather than being limited by its hardware.
Why Choose the AlconKits Subaru Collection
- Motorsport-derived engineering: The kits cite experience from motorsports (WRC, endurance race cars). E.g., the PA055 four-piston calipers used in a Subaru WRX front kit are described as the same used by endurance teams.
- Complete, vehicle-specific kits: For example, the WRX/STI rear big brake kit lists 355×32 mm or 380×32 mm rotor options, paired with Mono4 calipers, pads, lines, brackets—all designed for that vehicle.
- Fitment assurance: The product pages carry a “Guaranteed Wheel Fit” statement (only when purchased direct), and provide fitment templates (PDFs) showing the wheel size clearance needed (e.g., 343mm rotor = 17″ or larger wheels; 355mm rotor = 18″ or larger; 380mm rotor = 19″ or larger).
- Supports both street and track use: The kits list pad compound selections (P2 Street, P3 Sport, R5 Med Track, R7 Hi Temp Track) depending on your usage.
- Dedicated support & distribution: AlconKits promotes that they are an official distributor, offering support for fitment, shipping (free shipping on brake kits to continental US) and technical guidance.
- Range of Subaru applications: From general Impreza/Legacy/Forester front kits to high-performance WRX/STI and BRZ applications, the collection covers a wide spectrum of Subaru models and use-cases.
Expert Q&A: Common Questions on Subaru Brake Upgrades & Fitment
Q1: Will the kit fit my wheels and provide sufficient clearance?
A1: Yes—provided you verify your wheel’s inner clearance and offset against the provided template. For example, the WRX/STI front kit states: for a 343mm rotor size you’ll need 17″ or larger wheels; for 355mm rotor size you’ll need 18″ or larger; for 380mm rotor size you’ll need 19″ or larger.
Tip: Download the PDF wheel-fitment template from the product page, measure your wheel’s inner lip clearance and ensure your spoke/pad room is adequate. If using aftermarket wheels, check they clear the caliper and bracket as well.
Q2: Should I upgrade both front and rear brakes on my Subaru?
A2: It depends on your driving style and usage. If you drive primarily on the street with an occasional spirited run, a quality front big brake kit may deliver the biggest noticeable improvement. However, if you track the car, add power mods, oversized wheels/tires, or want balanced braking performance, upgrading the rear as well (or choosing a full front+rear kit) is advisable.
Tip: Upgrading only one axle may alter brake bias; if you upgrade front only, make sure your rear system is in good condition and able to match the increased front braking performance.
Q3: Are these kits safe and suitable for daily driving?
A3: Yes. The Subaru kit listings clearly state usage as “Street / Track” or “Street performance / Track”. They are engineered to work with the OEM brake master cylinder, ABS system, and in many cases retain parking brake or OEM brake features.
Tip: After installation, ensure you properly bed the pads and rotors per manufacturer instructions, check for any unusual feel (noise, vibration), and verify your wheel clearance and torque specs after the first few uses.
Q4: How do these kits compare with stock brakes in everyday driving?
A4: The difference in everyday driving will be very noticeable: firmer pedal feel, sharper bite, more confidence when braking at higher speeds or under load. You’ll also notice improved modulation—meaning you feel more control over how much braking you're applying rather than just “slamming the pedal and hoping”. Over repeated hard stops (mountain runs, canyon drives, track laps) the upgraded system will perform more consistently and resist fade far better than stock.
Tip: If you use the car primarily for commuting, you’ll still benefit from the improvement in feel and control; the biggest payoff though will be when you push the car harder.
Q5: What does the fit guarantee from AlconKits mean for these Subaru kits?
A5: The “Guaranteed Wheel Fit” wording means: If you purchase the kit direct from AlconKits, provide accurate vehicle details (make, model, year, wheel size, offset, wheel diameter, any aftermarket modifiers), and adhere to their fitment template guidance, then the kit will fit as described. If it does not—for reasons of wheel clearance or kit mismatch—they will work with you to rectify.
Tip: Provide your full vehicle and wheel specs (diameter, width, offset, spoke/pad clearance), and retain proof of measurements and template check. If you’ve made suspension modifications or wheel offset changes, disclose those to their technical team before purchase.
Q6: How do I choose the right kit variant for my Subaru?
A6: Steps to follow:
Identify your exact vehicle: year, model, trim (e.g., 2015 WRX STI, 2013 BRZ, 2008 Impreza WRX etc).
Determine your use case: pure street, street + occasional track, dedicated track, or loaded build (big wheels/tires, power mods).
Consider your wheel size/offset: If you have aftermarket wheels, ensure they are large enough to clear the rotor/caliper. For example, a 380mm rotor may demand 19″ or larger wheels.
Select the rotor size and pad compound according to your usage: Smaller rotor for tighter fitment/lighter use; larger rotor for high performance/track use. The product pages offer pad compound options like P2 Street, P3 Sport, R5 Med Track, R7 Hi Temp Track.
Check fitment template: Download and verify your wheel clearance. If in doubt, contact support.
Install and bed the system: Follow instructions for pad/rotor bedding, torque specs, and monitor for correct operation.
Q7: What will I notice right after installation, and how long until full benefit is realised?
A7: Immediately you’ll notice a firmer pedal, better initial bite, and a more controlled braking feel. Over the first few hundred miles (or first few hard braking sessions) the system will “settle in” — pads bed into rotors, floating rotors may settle, you’ll fully feel the increased thermal reserve and improved modulation.
Tip: After installation and bedding, monitor for consistent pedal feel, no odd noises or vibration, and check that your wheels still clear the calipers and there is no contact.
Q8: If I have suspension or wheel/tyre mods on my Subaru, does that affect the brake kit choice?
A8: Yes—it does matter. Larger wheels/tyres often increase unsprung and rotating mass; suspension lifts or altered geometry may alter wheel clearance and brake bias. Because the brake kit must fit, clear, and perform under the modified conditions, you should disclose any modifications when choosing your kit. The Subaru collection’s fitment templates assume stock (or common) wheel sizes/offsets—so if you deviate, double-check.
Tip: If you’ve significantly modified wheels/tyres, upgrade suspension, or altered offset/gearing, contact AlconKits tech support to confirm fitment or whether you might need a version with larger rotor or specific adaptors.