Sony Scion Project: Big Brake Upgrade

Shops, People & Opinion Dave MacKinnon l Photos by Mark Harris

The Project Scion tC has moved through many stages of development – power, entertainment and style to name just a few. It’s now time to address an area that is truly functional and can make or (literally) break the success of any performance build – braking. We are honored to be the first to install the new TRD big brake kit for the tC, and thanks to the crew at International Automotive and Custom in Woodbridge, Ontario, the install was painless.

The TRD PTR09-21111 kit features a set of monoblock 4-piston calipers, upgraded brake pads, new brake lines, a pair of cross-drilled, vented rotors and mounting hardware. The size of the rotors and caliper pistons has been carefully chosen to maintain proper front/rear braking bias and ABS functionality. This kit is designed to work with with the tC’s OEM 18-inch wheels in addition to the aftermarket variety that are at least 18 inches in size.

Step 1: Remove OEM brakes

As with most OE-developed products, a very detailed 13-page installation manual is included.

• Raise the car on a chassis hoist and remove the wheels and store in a safe place away from the vehicle.

• Disconnect and cap the factory rubber brake line from the hard line.

• Remove the OE brake caliper and hose, bracket and rotor. Discard or sell on eBay.

Step 2: Modify factory dust shield

• Clean the dust shield and mark the areas to be removed with a paint marker as per pages five and six of the instructions.

• Using tin snips (and wearing gloves) cut away the metal. Use an angle grinder to clean up the edge if required.

• Spray or paint the exposed metal edge with Tremclad or a similar product to prevent rust.

Step 3: Install the TRD rotor

• Clean the surface of the hub with a wire brush to ensure the rotor will sit flat.

• Clean the shipping anti-rust coating off the front and back of the rotor with brake cleaner.

• Slide the rotor onto the hub and tighten with a single lug-nut by hand to hold it in place.

• Check for proper clearance between the rotor and the dust shield. Trim the dust shield if necessary.

PAS365 Editorial Desk - Episode 5: The Big 2025 Announcement

On Tuesday November 19, 2024, we took to the airwaves on our live podcast to make a big announcement. In light of the ongoing demand for more print...

Wilwood TX6 Front & Rear BBK for 2023+ Ford F-250/350

Wilwood has expanded its Tactical Xtreme TX6 big brake kits to cover late-model Ford HD trucks, including 2023+ Ford F-250 and F-350 models. The front...

Throwback: 5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2010

As we turned the page on the first decade of the new century, PASMAG was also now celebrating more than 10 years in business and countless feature...

Some of Our Favorite New Products from SEMA 2024

The SEMA show is revered around the world for it's incredible builds and fun cars, but we can't forget about the wide array of new and innovative...

PAS365 Podcast: SEMA 2024 Live - Part 1

We are taking a look at SEMA thanks to our friends on the ground inside the big show this year. We've got a few sneak peeks of the good, the bad, and...

AMSOIL Releases SEVERE GEAR 75W-85 Extreme-Pressure Gear Lube

AMSOIL has expanded its SEVERE GEAR lineup with a new 75W-85 Extreme-Pressure Gear Lube, formulated for high-stress conditions like towing, hauling,...