SSBC Brake Upgrade

[imagigalow]

Hello everyone, this is my first post so I thought I would make it a pretty good one. I've had my Vibe for just over 6 years now and since my wife drives it I haven't had much oppurtinity to do much in the way of mods. Pretty much the only problem I've been having with the car is brakes, I've replaced the fronts about 4 times previous to this change and decided to do this upgrade since they keep going out so fast. The first time I needed to change them was because the material on one of the pads completely came off so there was some major grinding. The other times were mostly my fault since I took it for 2 consecutive laps on Nurburgring (I live in Germany) and it completely fried them. It's never been the same since then. So finally I shelled out the $$ to get the SSBC A171 kit with the 2 piston caliper and slotted rotors. I installed them yesterday and it makes a HUGE difference. I wish that I had done this years ago. I've attached some pictures for your viewing pleasure.Everything laid out before installationCaliper mount installedRotor and caliper installedView of installed wheelFinished product

[lovemyraffe]

Welcome! Great first post BTW.

[Wolfman213]

How much clearance do you have in there? Obviously enough, but doesn't look like much.

[imagigalow]

I have about 1/4 inch. The minimum wheel size is 17" which works out since I have the stock 17". I have to sell my winter set though which are 16s. They have an even bigger kit with 4 pistons I think which requires 18s.

[03VibeOttawa]

Nice!!!!!I've considered those same brakes before, but I get bankrupt just thinking about having to buy 17" snow tires and a second set of rims to mount them on.Also... you have a great looking car!

[jkm311]

Man, I bet those are great. The two individual pistons probably line up EXACTLY behind both portions of the brake pad, don't they? Nice, even contact with the slotted rotors. Worth the money, I expect. Plus, the size of the caliper looks phenominal with the red color.EXCELLENT first post, and welcome. I assume you are still in Germany? Get some interesting looks running around in a 1st Gen Vibe GT?

[star_deceiver]

Welcome to GenVibe!!! Nice write up!!! And you'll have to post pice/video the next time you take a couple of laps around the Nurburgring!!!

[Sublimewind]

Nice..!!On a little side note, my friend Bill works at SSBC (or did at one point, it's been too long..) and I lived near them in NY.. Do you make sure to torque your lug nuts?