JFanaselle

I was wondering if anyone has attempted to upgrade the 1.6L DX/LX brake package to an ES package. Is it hard? Is it mearly a caliper and rotor swap with everything bolting into place? I've seen some pretty good prices on ES rotors, and even a couple of ES calipers floating around on ebay, but I don't want to try it if nothing bolts up the same. I searched, and the only brake upgrade information I found was complete upgrade kits, and I'm not rich
btw: I understand it won't do a whole lot for stopping power, so save the negative remarks. I just don't want to expose those small *** brakes when I get some rims in the near future.

*update* I just found 1 thread and some info in the FAQ, but I'd like to talk with someone who's done it to see how easy it is, and what the result will be like if I don't swap the proportioning valve, m/c and booster. thanks in advance.

tradr

I was the one who bought biknman's old ES brake setup..

I've got ES Calipers, KVR Cross Drilled rotors, and OEM ES Brake Pads..

Everything bolted right on, just needed to bleed the brake lines during installation.

I'm not concerned about the master cyl. and brake booster as everything feels right, I've put at least 10k miles on since putting on the setup.. probably alot more actually.

They grab harder then the DX brakes do from speed (like over 40), they made my 16s feel like it was alot less of a burden on the car, and they seem a little more predictable in otherwise shady handling maneuvers that come up (i.e. they're not locking up stupidly or anything).. I haven't considered the proportional braking valve as I don't know what ratio would be appropriate and the brakes have been fine.

biknman

The ES brakes will bolt right up in front. Precision Brake Company.com has a big brake kit for your car if you want big brakes. IE Stainless steel lines and Kevlar pads will make a huge difference in the braking ability more so than bigger rotors I also run high temp 5.1 brake fluid.
Good Luck

JFanaselle

Thanks alot everyone. I was hoping it would bolt right up with no issues. You have the exact setup I wanted, tradr. I was going to buy the rotor's from corksport, but if anyone knows any place cheaper, let me know. I'll probably go with the good kevlar pads, too. It's funny that I don't know the answer to this: I always thought steel braided brake lines were for cosmetic purposes only. How do they affect braking performance? My guess (so everyone doesn't think I'm stupid) is that they don't expand under pressure or heat?

carguycw

Bingo. This makes the brake pedal firmer and more predictable because the pressure won't make the rubber lines expand. They are also more durable than regular rubber lines.

JFanaselle

I'll definately be uprgading then. Probably just pick the calipers up from a salavage yard. To ask a question again, anyone know a cheaper site than corksport for the rotors and steel braided lines?