So, you're looking to boost your 2017 Honda Civic Si's stopping power with a big brake kit? Awesome choice, guys! Upgrading to a big brake kit is one of the most effective ways to improve your car's performance, especially if you're hitting the track or just want that extra confidence on the street. Let's dive into everything you need to know about big brake kits for your Civic Si.

    Why Upgrade to a Big Brake Kit?

    First off, let's talk about why you might want to upgrade your brakes in the first place. The stock brakes on the 2017 Honda Civic Si are decent for everyday driving, but they can start to fade and lose effectiveness under hard use. This is where a big brake kit comes in. A big brake kit typically includes larger rotors, calipers with more pistons, and performance brake pads. These components work together to provide several key benefits:

    • Increased Stopping Power: The larger rotors provide a greater surface area for the brake pads to grab onto, which means more friction and more stopping power. The calipers with more pistons distribute force more evenly across the brake pads, improving their contact with the rotor.
    • Reduced Brake Fade: Brake fade occurs when the brakes get too hot, causing the brake pads to lose their grip on the rotors. Big brake kits are designed to dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the risk of brake fade during spirited driving or track days. The larger rotors act as a bigger heat sink, while the improved calipers often feature better ventilation.
    • Improved Pedal Feel: A big brake kit can provide a firmer, more responsive brake pedal feel, giving you better control and confidence when braking. This is due to the increased stiffness of the calipers and the more consistent contact between the pads and rotors. You'll feel more connected to the braking system, allowing for more precise modulation.
    • Enhanced Aesthetics: Let's be honest, big brake kits look awesome behind your wheels! The larger calipers and rotors can really enhance the appearance of your car, giving it a more aggressive and sporty look. Plus, you can often choose from a variety of caliper colors to match your car's paint job or your personal style.

    Key Components of a Big Brake Kit

    Before we get into specific recommendations, let's break down the key components of a big brake kit so you know what you're looking at:

    • Rotors: Rotors are the large, circular discs that the brake pads clamp onto. They're typically made of cast iron or steel, and they come in a variety of designs, including slotted, drilled, and dimpled. Slotted rotors have grooves that help to vent away gases and debris, while drilled rotors have holes that help to dissipate heat. Dimpled rotors offer a compromise between the two, providing some of the benefits of both without the risk of cracking that can sometimes occur with drilled rotors.
    • Calipers: Calipers are the components that house the brake pads and use hydraulic pressure to clamp them against the rotors. They come in a variety of designs, with the most common being fixed and floating calipers. Fixed calipers have pistons on both sides of the rotor, while floating calipers have pistons on only one side. Big brake kits typically use fixed calipers with multiple pistons for more even pressure distribution and improved performance.
    • Brake Pads: Brake pads are the friction material that presses against the rotors to slow the car down. They come in a variety of compounds, each with its own characteristics. Performance brake pads are designed to withstand higher temperatures and provide more consistent braking performance than stock pads. However, they may also produce more noise and dust.
    • Brake Lines: Brake lines are the hoses that carry hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the calipers. Upgrading to stainless steel brake lines can improve brake feel by reducing flex in the lines. This results in a firmer, more responsive pedal feel.
    • Mounting Brackets and Hardware: These components are necessary to properly mount the new calipers and rotors to your car. Make sure the kit you choose includes all the necessary hardware for a complete installation.

    Top Big Brake Kit Options for Your 2017 Honda Civic Si

    Alright, let's get into some specific big brake kit options for your 2017 Honda Civic Si. Here are a few of the top choices on the market, based on performance, quality, and value:

    • Wilwood Big Brake Kits: Wilwood is a well-known and respected brand in the braking industry, and they offer a variety of big brake kits for the Civic Si. Their kits typically include lightweight calipers, high-performance rotors, and performance brake pads. They are known for their quality and performance, making them a popular choice for both street and track use.

      • Pros: Excellent stopping power, reduced brake fade, improved pedal feel, lightweight design. Also, Wilwood brake kits are known for their durability and reliability.
      • Cons: Can be more expensive than other options. Installation may require some modifications.

    • StopTech Big Brake Kits: StopTech is another reputable brand that offers high-quality big brake kits for the Civic Si. Their kits typically include slotted or drilled rotors, multi-piston calipers, and performance brake pads. StopTech kits are designed to provide excellent stopping power and heat dissipation.

      • Pros: Great stopping power, good heat dissipation, improved pedal feel. StopTech also offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets and performance needs.
      • Cons: Can be a bit noisy, some kits may require wheel spacers. Some users have reported issues with brake dust.

    • Brembo Big Brake Kits: Brembo is a legendary name in the braking world, and their big brake kits are known for their exceptional quality and performance. Brembo kits typically include high-performance rotors, calipers with radial mounting, and performance brake pads. These kits are designed for serious performance enthusiasts who demand the best.

      • Pros: Unmatched stopping power, excellent heat dissipation, superior pedal feel. Brembo brake kits are the gold standard for braking performance.
      • Cons: The most expensive option, installation may require professional assistance. Parts can be more difficult to source.

    • Racing Brake Big Brake Kits: Racing Brake is a specialized manufacturer focusing on high-performance braking solutions, particularly known for their advanced rotor designs and materials. For the 2017 Honda Civic Si, Racing Brake offers big brake kits that significantly enhance stopping power and thermal management, making them suitable for both track days and spirited street driving.

      • Pros: Enhanced thermal management due to advanced rotor design, increased stopping power, and improved brake modulation. Racing Brake kits often feature lightweight components that reduce unsprung weight, improving handling and responsiveness.
      • Cons: Can be more expensive, and the advanced technology might require a knowledgeable installer for optimal performance. Availability might be limited compared to more mainstream brands.

    Factors to Consider When Choosing a Big Brake Kit

    When choosing a big brake kit for your 2017 Honda Civic Si, there are several factors to consider:

    • Budget: Big brake kits can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Determine how much you're willing to spend before you start shopping.
    • Intended Use: Are you primarily using your car for street driving, track days, or a combination of both? Choose a kit that's appropriate for your intended use. For street driving, you may not need the most aggressive (and expensive) kit. For track days, you'll want a kit that can withstand the high temperatures and demands of racing.
    • Wheel Fitment: Make sure the big brake kit you choose will fit behind your wheels. Some kits may require wheel spacers to provide adequate clearance. Check the kit's specifications and measure your wheel clearance before making a purchase.
    • Installation: Are you comfortable installing the big brake kit yourself, or will you need to hire a professional? Installation can be complex, so it's important to have the necessary skills and tools. If you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to leave it to the pros.

    Installation Tips

    If you decide to install the big brake kit yourself, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

    • Gather Your Tools: Make sure you have all the necessary tools, including a jack, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, torque wrench, and brake fluid.
    • Follow the Instructions: Carefully read and follow the instructions provided with the big brake kit. Don't skip any steps or make any assumptions.
    • Bleed the Brakes: After installing the new calipers and brake lines, you'll need to bleed the brakes to remove any air from the system. This is a critical step to ensure proper brake function.
    • Bed-In the Brakes: After installation, you'll need to bed-in the brakes to properly seat the brake pads and rotors. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for bed-in procedure.

    Additional Upgrades to Consider

    In addition to a big brake kit, here are a few other upgrades that can further improve your 2017 Honda Civic Si's braking performance:

    • Performance Brake Pads: Even if you're not upgrading to a big brake kit, performance brake pads can provide a noticeable improvement in stopping power and fade resistance.
    • Stainless Steel Brake Lines: As mentioned earlier, stainless steel brake lines can improve brake feel by reducing flex in the lines.
    • Brake Master Cylinder Brace: A brake master cylinder brace can help to improve brake feel by reducing flex in the firewall.
    • High-Performance Brake Fluid: Upgrading to high-performance brake fluid can help to prevent brake fade by raising the boiling point of the fluid.

    Final Thoughts

    Upgrading to a big brake kit is a fantastic way to improve the performance and safety of your 2017 Honda Civic Si. With increased stopping power, reduced brake fade, and improved pedal feel, you'll have more confidence on the street and on the track. Just be sure to choose a kit that's appropriate for your budget and intended use, and follow the installation instructions carefully. Happy braking, guys!

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