2002 WRX Brembo swap - Crimson Miata Subaru

Side track from the Miata Build for a moment to show off these 2008 STi front Brembos on the 2002 WRX. I’ve always wanted Brembos on my WRX’s over the years and even after owning an STi, I’m still craving the four piston Brembo glory.

The overall swap is not that expensive now with Amazon and eBay at your fingertips, but there are some considerations. With the increased braking pressure, piston sizes and the enlarged front rotor, your brake bias is going to be screwey. To combat this, I opted instead of dealing with the headache of rear Brembo brackets to purchase the following:

2001 Subaru Outback LImited (H4) –> LINK
2001 Subaru Outback rear brake caliper bracket –> LINK

With the Subaru Outback increased rear brake discs, you can still use stock 2002-2003 WRX Pads which makes your parts store year/model list a little less confusing.

Now onto the juice!

To complete the front Brembo swap on your 2002 or new WRX you will need the following:

(2) 2004 Subaru STi 5X100 front Brake Rotor (326mm)
>Centric 21986SC WRX STI $50.97 each
(4) 2004-2020 STi Front Brake Pads
(2) 2004-2020 STi Front Brembo Calipers
(2) Centric 950.47001 Brake Line Kit (Stainless steel improved brake lines)
>Centric 950.47001 Brake Line Kit $57.90
Dot 3 or Dot 4 Brake Fluid

That’s it! You do not and I repeat, you do not need new caliper mounting bolts. You’ll read that quite a bit on Nasioc or other forums, but the stock 2002 WRX front caliper mounting bolts fit just fine. Now! The stainless steel brake lines aren’t necessary, but you’re going to have to bleed the front brakes anyway, so why not increase pedal feel for $58 you cheapo. Generally you can purchase front Brembos anywhere from $300 to $500 depending on your area, check Craigslist or Facebook and you’ll find a sketchy Russian offloading them.

Tools needed for this operation: