Ive used the search function and found lots of good info on brake upgrades.

Since getting the VRX I was surprised that it uses the same brakes as my humble old TE. I even had a set of new front pads that were originally meant for the TE exec that ened up in the VRX. Pretty cheap on Mitsubishis part to use the same brakes on a car with more performance, grip and mass.

Anyway I haven't found the brakes to be deffecient as its the family car and doesn't really get hammered. They stood up well to some spirited driving along Bells Line of Rd recently but I wouldn't want to push them any harder. I dislike how the front rotors look ridiculously small inside the open style VRX rims.

So I'm seriously considering the 380 or AWD upgrade for the front brakes. I have a few questions. Are the 380 and AWD brakes twin piston? Whats the rotor diameter compared to stock? Will the front rear brake balance change? Does it affect the operation of the ABS in anyway?

I know I have a lot of questions and have used the search function for most info but do need a few things cleared up before going ahead with an upgrade.

email Mal or Madmagna here (http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/member.php?u=18) or here (http://www.mitsfix.com/). He did my front brake conversion on my TF to the 380 front brakes. Never looked back.

380 Brake Upgrade

- Bang for Buck
- Great Improvement
- OEM Look

For the price you pay, the upgrade is definitely noticeable!

SuFz :ninja:

Are the 380 and AWD brakes twin piston? Yes. Base 3rd gen is only single piston. The calipers on the 380 are huge compared to the base 3rd gen calipers too.
Whats the rotor diameter compared to stock? Stock is 276mm, AWD/380 is 294mm afaik.
Will the front rear brake balance change? Haven't noticed.
Does it affect the operation of the ABS in anyway? I've had ABS kick in on occasion and haven't noticed anything perculiar.

Definitely hit up Mits-fix for the upgrade. Madmagna often couples his 380 upgrades with QFM HPX pads which are a great choice - they have very little squealing or dust compared to other performance pads.

Is it worth upgrading the rear brakes to (TJ-TW) VRX-spec ventilated discs or just go 380 all round?! (Well is it worth the extra buck to fork out for the 380 rear brakes?).

The rear solids are going one way or another though

na not really, i upgraded my rears too. manly for the look. the std ones looked pretty small sitting inside 20inch rims.
i havnt noticed a difference

Is it worth upgrading the rear brakes to (TJ-TW) VRX-spec ventilated discs or just go 380 all round?! (Well is it worth the extra buck to fork out for the 380 rear brakes?).

The rear solids are going one way or another though

Vrx specs are std Magna ones..only Ralliart /AWD are vented and 380 wont fit.

AWD or 380 brakes are a good upgrade if you plan some spirited driving. The stock setup are fine however if you only plan on driving normally. Regardless of brakes, in an emergency the stock ones will haul you up just as fast. Its the constant heavy braking where the larger rotor and caliper comes into play.

If you do upgrade i highly reccomend braided lines

What does it take to install braided lines? And to install braided line is it something that as a mechanical minded person (but not professional or long-time seasonal backyard mechanic) can do?!

Ive worked most aspects of braking hardware and mechanicals on my car, and ive only from worked under it from the limited space a floor jack and stilts can provide, but havent ever needed to change/modify brake lines before.

Brake lines are not difficult to change, I've done some on a 2007 SR5 Hilux.

Please keep in mind that unless the braided brake lines are ADR approved for your vehicle, that they are infact illegal.

If you put on the 380 brakes, make sure the lines are _securely_ fastened, _away_ from any moving parts, e.g. driveshaft, brake rotor, etc. but still has enough slack to go lock to lock without being pulled tight.

Good to know.

Where would your source ADR compliant braided line?! Do you buy them as a pre-made line to suit your car (or a set length) or does the braided line need cutting/joining.modifying of sorts ect?!

these guys can make up ADR approved

http://www.hoppers.com.au/

Its just a hydraulic hose of a specific length that has a fitting each end to suit the car and the caliper. Most hydraulic shops should be able to make them, just that some won't if they aren't certified to do ADR stuff I think.

Sweet as.

Got a Brake Specialist in Newcastle that very reputable so might go there and see what they can do for me.

Had a look at Mits Fix eBay store and it appears that Mal doesn't have any 380 front upgrade kits at the moment. Anyway contacted a local Newcastle wrecker and he can supply me front rotors, calipers and caliper brake lines for $330.

From my research I believe that the rotors, calipers and caliper brake lines is all I need. Oh and pads of course.

The wrecker tried to sell me a package that also included the hubs but I'm pretty sure the hubs aren't necessary for the upgrade.

lines
calipers
rotors (can be new)
pads (can be new)

don't know what size wheels you have, but 15" wheels won't fit over AWD or 380 calipers.

when my for sale thread is released i have a full set of ralliart/AWD brakes (front and rear) for $400 plus freight ? let me know..

Had a look at Mits Fix eBay store and it appears that Mal doesn't have any 380 front upgrade kits at the moment. Anyway contacted a local Newcastle wrecker and he can supply me front rotors, calipers and caliper brake lines for $330.

From my research I believe that the rotors, calipers and caliper brake lines is all I need. Oh and pads of course.

The wrecker tried to sell me a package that also included the hubs but I'm pretty sure the hubs aren't necessary for the upgrade.

Dont need hubs, just rotors, lines, calipers and pads

I also do a package with all new parts, ie pads, lines, rotors and calipers all brand new but is significantly more that what I had on ebay

The used ones I had here have all been sold, these usually dont last long

Have fitted Braided brake lines first onto standard TL AWD with new pads and found the difference was better brake pedal feel. The pedal never goes spongy and with new pads it hauled up better BUT I found that with heavy braking the front rotors shudder when overheated (which is easy to do as the factory rotors heat up easy due to the rotor material being average). That's why the 380 front rotors are 28mm thick compared to the AWD 24mm. the 380 front set up dissipates heat better than the AWD brakes.

I went the next step and fitted Evo X front Brembo kit. It pulls up with more force, never overheats or fades but needed a whole new wheels set up (which I wanted to do anyway). The brembos look awesome too. Left the rears standard as the front brakes do more than 70% of the work when stopping. Am going to look around to upgrade rear to Evo 9. Anyone know how?

Go look in Tech Torque! :roll:

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRrAYfVC1AXAnWCx7r1Lj7liSeQqDfb2 J3z48rIiAgW1Gie-5AeeQ

The used ones I had here have all been sold, these usually dont last long

Geez glad I got onto them when I did then!

Geez glad I got onto them when I did then!

That was in Jan lol, I have 4 sets at the moment