This is my first thread on the forum....

Alright, after 3 hours searching here and other sites, I'm no less confused as when I started. I have a 2008 HHR SS that I picked up this past April. As the summer came to a close I participated in 2 autocross events and I'm hooked. I'm probably going to be doing the GM turbo upgrade and possibly the TTR rear sway bar before next season starts. I know the turbo upgrade won't help with autocross much - but I want it done before GM stops selling/installing the part (they pull crazy stuff like that all the time). (And yes, I plan on getting the harness kit from engine crate depot). But to my point:

Autocross puts a lot of strain on brakes. My 2008 SS has the LSD, but it is the only model year Brembo's weren't offered (and thus didn't come standard with the LSD). Since the turbo upgrade will move me out of a stock class, I'm able to upgrade my brakes with virtually no limitations.
What should I upgrade to?

• The 2009-2010 MY Brembo's?
• Something from TCE?
• Something from R1?
• Other?

The more I read the more confused I get:

• Should I get new rotors?
• Will the stock cailpers work?
• What rotors should I get?
• What calipers should I get?

I'm thinking I should at least get vented discs for the rear and the parking brake cable means calipers out back are expensive compared to the return in braking ability. It makes sense to put the money in front calipers/rotors/pads anyways. So what does the community recommend? Not sure what my budget is, but the TCE kits look to be too costly for me. If you all can convince me it's worth the $1400 then I'll reconsider....

To add insult to injury, I've never even done a brake job in my life. I've done oil changes and replaced a sway bar on another car, but never anything brake related, but I think I'm up for it. I have a good group of friends (the ones that got me into autocross) that will be more than willing to help. In addition, I've read a lot of how-to threads here and on other forums.

 

Mine didn't come with them either, I bought a set here on the forum, and rotors from brake performance, easy switch. They have a considerable amount more stopping power.

got their best rotors front and rear, with their performance pads. Including the calipers I spent 800.

 

I can't help much with the upgrade q. Mine doesn't have it, either, but so far I think I'm good. The rear bar is the thing for autocross, and now it's stock-legal, too. I had mine out last year on the bald OEM tires, and it handled real good with it. Very neutral. I spun the hell out of the front wheels, but that was sort of expected...

I would say be sure to get some better tires before messing with the brakes.

 

Get the solid engine mount to resolve that issue....then your all good.

 

I think that takes me out of stock class as well. A big chunk of the wheel spin was 60K+ miles on the OEM tires - that's why I was not surprised.

I ran a Saabaru previously, so I am also unlearning some bad habits that AWD allowed me to get away with regarding the application of my right foot on an autocross course. AWD and Hoosier race tires make you feel like Superman...

 

Hey Fisch,

As far as a Brake upgrade the TCE offerings sure did help for us! We really like the two piece front disc from Willwood! As far as you purchasing a rear sway bar you might check with OTT Performance! There Hardcore Bar is pretty much bullet proof! For us we stepped up the front bar with an Eibach piece! If we had it to do over we would have left the stock one on as it now seems to have a front end push at high speed cornering.....

Best-O-Luck .....

 

I love my Hardcore bar, so sweet in the turns.