Goodridge SS Brake Lines

[EvolvedDSM]

Well, I picked mine up yesterday and found today's weather just right to put them on ;) I guess the initial batch from Goodridge had some significant flaws, but these checked out to be almost perfect (read on). First, the goods.

http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/box1.jpg

http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/sslines1.jpg

The fronts went on without too much drama. I did need to bust out the Dremel to take a wee bit away from the bracket that's attached to the fender in order to get the new line in place. Once installed I used the OEM clips to hold the line's fittings as the included clips weren't as secure as I would have liked.

http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/ssfront1.jpg

http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/ssfront2.jpg

The rears presented the same problem I ran into when installing my SS clutch line--the fitting that meets the hard line on the chassis is too big--2mm too big.

OEM (17mm):
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/oemrear1.jpg

Goodridge (19mm):
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/ssrear4.jpg

Other than this, they were good to go.

http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/ssrear1.jpg

I used the Dremel to take away a fair amount of material from opposite sides of the Goodridge fitting (about 1.5mm). The bracket in the rear wheel well was also opened up as it had been in the front. I used the Goodridge clips in the rear as they were more snug than when I tried to fit them up front.

http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/ssrear2.jpg

The rear fitting that was ground down:
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/ssrear3.jpg

I bled the lines and checked for leaks, but haven't driven it yet. I can definitely feel a difference in the pedal already (more of a difference than I ever felt in my DSMs). I guess I'm running ESP for sure now ;)

[vtluu]

Nice job! :worthy: Let us know how the new brake lines feel!

[EvolvedDSM]

Went out for a test drive and me likey :) As stated, the pedal is firmer and it seems the ABS kicks in a little later. The difference may only be in my head, but I'd like to think not ;)

[howiEVO8]

oh man, so your saying its not worth the upgrade? you can't tell?

[EvolvedDSM]

No, I'm not saying that at all. I'm definitely glad I have them, but just be aware of the issue noted during install. While I can "feel" a difference, it's hard to quantify and validate it--that's all :)

[chrisw]

When you installed the lines did you switch your brake fluid?

If so, how did you deal with the ABS? On the WRX you have to cycle the ABS valves to get all the old fluid out of the ABS valve body. I am assuming its the same problem with the EVO. (unless you lucky enough to have an RS)

[EvolvedDSM]

I'm using Ate Super Blue (as I have in the past) and bled the lines per the shop manual: engine running, PR, DF, DR, PF. I bled until I saw a blue that matched the hue of the fluid from the can. Once all four corners were done, I repeated (still under a quart of fluid used). I've gone for one spirited drive to enable the ABS and will do another soon before the recommend check at 100 miles (per Goodridge). I will rebleed the lines at that time as well. That should keep me set for a number of miles :)

[warpspeed]

Sup J? Hell of a good write up on the brake lines. Now I know what to look for during the install, that is, if I decide to put some on. Just like you, it's kinda hard to tell any difference. I put a set on my Civic and I couldn't really tell the difference. I guess it's just the piece of mind that you know you have strong brake lines. I read somewhere that the SS lines are not really necessary for your basic daily driving. But on the track, they do help and help alot. So now I am debating on putting some on. One thing though, I know you have the SS clutch cable. Now that one I want to get the feel of it. That is if you let me at the meet?

[EvolvedDSM]

I know you have the SS clutch cable. Now that one I want to get the feel of it. That is if you let me at the meet?

Absolutely :)