Big Brake Upgrade

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4G Big Brakes

Last update: 12-17-98

Posts by Brian Hasty and others, that I pulled from the board

Here's what I've been able to determine from actually buying and fitting parts on my 90 Si with the 90-91 EX front brakes.

The 93-96 Prelude VTEC rotors are a direct fit with the pattern redrilled to 4x100. The hub register (the raised section in the middle of the hub) is the same size on the EX brakes and all Integras. You can put the larger rotors on the standard Civic hubs, BUT, the hub is actually about 1" smaller in diameter and the register is smaller as well. I would not recommend doing that. Besides, the larger Accord wagon caliper won't fit the standard Civic knuckle anyway.

The 91-94 Accord Wagon front calipers are THE SAME CALIPER as comes on the TypeR. EXACTLY THE SAME. The caliper bolts onto the EX knuckle and everything fits fine. The splash shield may need to be trimmed if bent. 15" wheels are necessary for this conversion.

Changing the master cylinder to a larger one would also be advised as the Accord calipers are BIG.

Finally, I'm still trying to figure out if the different proportioning valves actually do anything different. Since the Honda/Acura braking system using a cross diagonal setup, how would the prop valve regulate pressure between front and back?

Use the EX knuckles/hubs, 93-96 Prelude VTEC rotors, redrilled to 4x100, 91-94 Accord Calipers. Only mod is to redrill the rotors. Sounds too good to be true, but it all fits together like stock. This setup is almost 2" bigger than the stock setup so you'll see a great increase in braking capacity. You should be able to stop better than the TypeR due to reduced weight of the Civic, and these will be fade free with Porterfield or Carbon Metallic pads.

The rear discs don't need an upgrade unless you can change the weight distribution-too much up front means the rears won't do much, maybe 20% of the braking.

I paid $160 for the 90-91 EX steering knuckles and calipers, and $75/pair for new EX rotors. I bought a Prelude VTEC rotor for $70 and the Accord Wagon caliper for $45. Redrilling the rotor was $20. So for about $200 you can have the TypeR size rotors/calipers on either a regular Integra or a Civic equipped with the EX steering knuckles. Remember you will have to use at least 15" wheels on cars equipped with the Prelude rotors.

93-96 Prelude VTEC rotors-45251-SS0-A00 91-94 Accord Wagon Calipers- 45018-SM5-000RM and 45019-SM5-000RM

From looking at my hubs, there appears to be room to redrill to the 4x114 Prelude pattern, but not enough for the 5x100(?) TypeR pattern. I wouldn't do it though, it's cheaper to redrill your rotors.

Actually the GSR uses the same rotors/calipers as the rest of the Integras and Civics/Del Sols/CRXs with 4 wheel discs. Which are the same front brakes as the 90-91 Civic EX. As far as I have able to determine the EX is the only 4G that used the 10.3" front brakes.