2017 Honda Civic Si: Big Brake Kit Upgrade Guide

by Alex Braham 49 views

So, you're looking to boost the stopping power of your 2017 Honda Civic Si? Awesome! Upgrading to a big brake kit (BBK) is one of the most effective ways to improve your car's performance, especially if you're hitting the track or just want more confidence on the street. Let's dive into everything you need to know about choosing and installing a big brake kit for your ride.

Why Upgrade to a Big Brake Kit?

Before we get into specifics, let's talk about why you might want to upgrade your brakes in the first place. The stock brakes on the 2017 Civic Si are decent for everyday driving, but they can start to fade under hard use. Here’s why a big brake kit can be a game-changer:

  • Improved Stopping Power: This is the most obvious benefit. Larger rotors and calipers provide more surface area for the brake pads to grab, resulting in shorter stopping distances. Increased stopping power is crucial for both track performance and everyday safety.
  • Better Heat Dissipation: Larger rotors have more thermal mass, which means they can absorb and dissipate heat more effectively. This reduces brake fade, which occurs when your brakes get too hot and lose their effectiveness. Better heat dissipation ensures consistent performance, even under extreme conditions.
  • Enhanced Pedal Feel: Many big brake kits improve pedal feel, giving you more feedback and control over your braking. Enhanced pedal feel allows for more precise modulation, which is especially important on the track.
  • Cool Factor: Let's be honest, big brakes look awesome behind your wheels! A cool factor definitely adds to the appeal, giving your Civic Si a more aggressive and performance-oriented appearance.

Understanding Big Brake Kits

A big brake kit typically includes larger rotors, calipers with more pistons, upgraded brake pads, and sometimes stainless steel brake lines. Let's break down each component:

Rotors

  • Size: Larger diameter rotors provide a greater lever arm for the caliper to apply force, increasing braking torque. Larger diameter rotors significantly improve stopping power.
  • Material: Most aftermarket rotors are made from high-quality cast iron or steel. Some high-end kits may use carbon ceramic rotors, which offer exceptional heat resistance and weight savings but are much more expensive. High-quality cast iron or steel ensures durability and performance.
  • Design: Rotors can be solid, vented, or cross-drilled/slotted. Vented rotors are better at dissipating heat, while cross-drilled and slotted rotors help to remove brake dust and gas, improving pad bite. Vented rotors are crucial for performance applications.

Calipers

  • Piston Count: Calipers with more pistons (e.g., four-piston or six-piston calipers) distribute clamping force more evenly across the brake pad, improving braking performance and pad wear. More pistons ensure even pad wear and consistent braking.
  • Material: Calipers are typically made from aluminum, which is lightweight and strong. Some high-end calipers may be forged for even greater strength and stiffness. Aluminum calipers provide a good balance of weight and strength.
  • Design: Calipers can be fixed or floating. Fixed calipers are more rigid and offer better performance, while floating calipers are more common in OEM applications. Fixed calipers offer superior performance.

Brake Pads

  • Compound: Brake pads come in various compounds, ranging from street-friendly to track-focused. Track pads offer higher friction coefficients at higher temperatures but can be noisy and produce more dust. Street pads are quieter and produce less dust but may not perform as well under extreme conditions. Track pads are essential for high-performance driving.
  • Material: Common brake pad materials include organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. Each material offers different characteristics in terms of friction, wear, and noise. Ceramic brake pads are a good all-around choice for street and occasional track use.

Brake Lines

  • Material: Stainless steel brake lines are less prone to expansion under pressure than rubber lines, providing a firmer pedal feel and more consistent braking performance. Stainless steel brake lines are a worthwhile upgrade for any performance car.

Choosing the Right Big Brake Kit for Your 2017 Civic Si

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of a big brake kit. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your 2017 Civic Si? Here are some factors to consider:

Budget

Big brake kits can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Determine how much you're willing to spend before you start shopping. Budget constraints will help narrow down your options.

Intended Use

Are you primarily driving on the street, or do you plan to hit the track regularly? A track-focused kit will be more aggressive but may not be ideal for daily driving. Intended use is a crucial factor in your decision.

Rotor Size

Consider the size of the rotors in the kit. Larger rotors provide more stopping power but may require larger wheels to clear the calipers. Rotor size should be chosen based on your performance goals and wheel size.

Caliper Design

Look at the caliper design and piston count. More pistons generally provide better performance, but they also add to the cost. Caliper design affects both performance and cost.

Brand Reputation

Stick with reputable brands that have a proven track record of producing high-quality brake components. Read reviews and do your research before making a purchase. Brand reputation is an indicator of quality and reliability.

Compatibility

Ensure that the big brake kit is specifically designed for the 2017 Honda Civic Si. Check the manufacturer's website or contact them directly if you're unsure. Compatibility is essential for proper fitment and performance.

Popular Big Brake Kit Brands

Here are a few popular brands that offer big brake kits for the 2017 Honda Civic Si:

  • Wilwood: Known for their high-performance brake components and wide range of options.
  • Brembo: A leading manufacturer of braking systems, offering both OEM and aftermarket solutions.
  • StopTech: Specializes in performance braking systems, including big brake kits, rotors, and pads.
  • AP Racing: A popular choice among professional racing teams, offering top-of-the-line braking technology.

Installation Tips

Installing a big brake kit is a moderately complex job that requires mechanical skills and the right tools. If you're not comfortable working on your car's brakes, it's best to have it done by a professional. Here are some general tips:

  1. Gather Your Tools: You'll need a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, sockets, wrenches, a brake bleeder kit, and torque wrench.
  2. Prepare the Car: Park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and loosen the lug nuts on the wheels you'll be working on.
  3. Remove the Wheels: Jack up the car and support it with jack stands. Remove the wheels.
  4. Remove the Old Brakes: Disconnect the brake lines, remove the calipers and rotors, and disconnect the brake pads.
  5. Install the New Brakes: Install the new rotors, calipers, and brake pads. Connect the brake lines and torque everything to the manufacturer's specifications.
  6. Bleed the Brakes: Bleed the brakes to remove any air from the system. This is a crucial step to ensure proper brake function.
  7. Install the Wheels: Reinstall the wheels and torque the lug nuts to the correct specifications.
  8. Bedding In: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for bedding in the new brakes. This involves performing a series of controlled stops to transfer brake pad material to the rotors.

Additional Considerations

  • Wheel Clearance: Ensure that your wheels have enough clearance for the larger calipers. You may need to use wheel spacers or purchase new wheels with a different offset.
  • Brake Bias: Upgrading the front brakes without upgrading the rear brakes can upset the brake bias, leading to reduced performance. Consider upgrading both the front and rear brakes for optimal balance.
  • Master Cylinder: In some cases, you may need to upgrade the master cylinder to provide enough fluid volume for the larger calipers.

Conclusion

Upgrading to a big brake kit is a fantastic way to improve the performance and safety of your 2017 Honda Civic Si. By choosing the right kit and installing it properly, you can enjoy improved stopping power, better heat dissipation, and enhanced pedal feel. Whether you're hitting the track or just want more confidence on the street, a big brake kit is a worthwhile investment. So, go ahead and give your Civic Si the braking power it deserves!