Upgrading Brakes

[imported_micah]

Hello,
I drive a 1996 dx hatch, and i would like to upgrade my brakes before i do a swap. I'm trying to figure out if there is an easy solution for this. Are there any stock brakes larger than mine (perhaps in the ex/lx) that are interchangeable? To purchase a big brake upgrade through AEM or Wilwood or brembo are all very expensive. Any suggestions? Should i also replace the brake cylinder, porportioning valve etc.? Thanks. I have heard that doing a rear disc swap only heps with brake feel.. not neccasarily braking power/effectivenes.

[Calesta]

How much money do you want to spend- or do you just want to go with the cheapest route possible? If you're not planning to run on a road course or do a lot of continuous canyon carving, I would just throw on brand new Brembo blanks and some good pads, like Hawk HPS, HP+, Axxis Metal Masters, Porterfield R4S etc... then replace the shoes in the back.

If you're willing to spend a little more, you could try one of these:

http://hybrid2.honda-perf.org/tech/bigbrakes.html

Google will do wonders.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-...c+brake+upgrade

Rear discs do help to reduce fade, but they won't decrease stopping distance by very much on their own. You probably won't have problems with rear brake fade, but you might still want to consider upgrading the rears if you plan on significantly upgrading the fronts. Make sure everything is still balanced.

If you increase rotor and caliper size, it's a good idea to use a larger master cylinder- like the 15/16" one from an Integra. You'll have to swap out the brake booster if you can't find a 90-91 Civic EX master. I think there might be an Accord 15/16 master that fits on the stock Civic booster, but I'm not sure on that one.

Swapping out the proportioning valve is not necessary, but it does help if you go to an Integra brake setup. Match everything, right?

[Smooth_Imports]

AEM pads are nice also.

[Calesta]

I don't know... I've seen people bitch about AEM pads glazing over very easily- and after having a set on my CRX, I would have to agree with them. One or two hard stops and you're done. You can get much better pads for the money.