Cusco master cylinder brace install

***LeiboWRX*** · 03-18-2007, 08:56 PM

There were no instructions with this Cusco MCB so I decided to take my camera and write up an install for everyone.

Turns out that if you know where the brake master cylinder is located, the rest is pretty self explanatory. I have a 2004, I am not sure if there are differences for later years. Just in case anyone wants the information here you go:

Tools needed
10 mm socket and wrenches
Zip tie (optional)

First find the brake master cylinder located just inboard of the drivers side strut tower. The washer fluid bottle will be in the way so unbolt the two bolts and lean it forward, no need to disconnect it altogether.

There are two brackets bolted to the strut tower visible in this picture, unbolt them too, these are two of the holes used to mount the brace.

The lower bracket is not compatible with the brace as far as I can tell, I removed it then zip tied the lines to the brace at the end to keep them secure. This is the one I removed:

The next bolt to take out is difficult to get a picture of but you will see it easily you can barely see it here, it is located slightly farther towards the back of the car, undo it as well.

There is an unused threaded hole above the last one we removed that will be used to bolt in the brace. Wiggle the brace under all the lines that are in the way and use the 4 supplied bolts that came with the brace to secure it. I don't know any torque recommendations for these, a few grunts should do it. Then run the supplied long bolt towards the master cylinder, loosely add the locking nut on the other side, advance the bolt further against the red stopper, which is against the master cylinder. I made it just tight enough to move the master cylinder ever so slightly then tighten the lock nut.

Zip tie the lines that no longer have a bracket to the brace if you want. I did, but they did not seem very mobile anyway and probably could be left alone. Reinstall the washer fluid bottle and enjoy a firmer brake pedal.

H4N · 03-19-2007, 02:33 AM

nice stuff.... can you actually feel some difference?

***LeiboWRX*** · 03-19-2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H4N

nice stuff.... can you actually feel some difference?

I would say yes, the pedal is much firmer especially under hard braking.

Unfortunately, I do not have any real data to back this up as it is a feel rather than something easily meausured.

It could just be placebo effect I suppose, but either way I like it, the install is easy, the part is pretty cheap, and it is completely reversible. I would say go for it, I am not aware of anyone that has installed a brace that has said they could not feel a difference.

H4N · 03-19-2007, 06:44 PM

nice to know, how much did it cost you?

scottjua · 03-20-2007, 07:58 AM

Hope you don't mind me posting, but here are some pics from my install on the 06 STi. I thought thye might help along with yours

H4N · 03-20-2007, 08:18 AM

hm... nice stuff, i also seen perrin has one, i wonder if its any different.

SFLL · 04-17-2008, 07:25 PM

Installed mine today on a 07. Not an easy job...took me an hour and half from start to finish. Haven't had chance to do the hard breaking yet, but cannot tell the differences.

JD_STI · 04-17-2008, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFLL

Installed mine today on a 07. Not an easy job...took me an hour and half from start to finish. Haven't had chance to do the hard breaking yet, but cannot tell the differences.

how did you deal with that EC (Emission Control) device thingamijig being in the way?

I bought a shorter bolt so once it was threaded all the way in it sits practically flush with the bracket. Otherwise that rubber tube coming off the EC thing is in the way.

SFLL · 04-17-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD_STI

how did you deal with that EC (Emission Control) device thingamijig being in the way?

I bought a shorter bolt so once it was threaded all the way in it sits practically flush with the bracket. Otherwise that rubber tube coming off the EC thing is in the way.

The tube is on the way, but it's not stressed. Also the pump only works when the engine is cold to help the air circulation. I just leave it as it is.

SD 05 STi · 04-17-2008, 09:08 PM

yeah, the install on my '05 was a little bit tricky as well. however, it's proven itself on the track

scottjua · 04-18-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFLL

Installed mine today on a 07. Not an easy job...took me an hour and half from start to finish. Haven't had chance to do the hard breaking yet, but cannot tell the differences.

that sucks... on my 06 it took all of ten minutes

Tbagger · 04-18-2008, 10:42 AM

I'm just going to fab one up for myself maybe this weekend or the next. Should be pretty simple. Looks good though!!

chanders · 04-18-2008, 12:14 PM

^^ Cool! Can you put up a template (i'll do the mirror image) ?

I wouldnt mind getting the cusco one but I have a RHD JDM...

***fullerton*** · 04-18-2008, 12:23 PM

I need to do this one of these days.

04STiguy79 · 04-18-2008, 12:26 PM

I have had one on my 04 for many years now and it is a quality piece and very easy to install.

04-17-2008, 07:25 PM	#7
SFLL Amateur STI Driver Car: 07 Subaru WRX STi Gr Fav Mod: STi short shifter Location: WA Posts: 45 Join Date: Aug 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Cusco master cylinder brace install Installed mine today on a 07. Not an easy job...took me an hour and half from start to finish. Haven't had chance to do the hard breaking yet, but cannot tell the differences.

04-17-2008, 09:08 PM	#10
SD 05 STi Spec C Club Car: 05 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Bride Zeta III >=) Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,059 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (6)	Re: Cusco master cylinder brace install yeah, the install on my '05 was a little bit tricky as well. however, it's proven itself on the track

04-18-2008, 10:42 AM	#12
Tbagger Spec C Club Car: 06 STi WRB Location: MASS-HOLE Posts: 1,596 Join Date: Aug 2006 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Cusco master cylinder brace install I'm just going to fab one up for myself maybe this weekend or the next. Should be pretty simple. Looks good though!!

04-18-2008, 12:14 PM	#13
chanders Amateur STI Driver Posts: 17 Join Date: Mar 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Cusco master cylinder brace install ^^ Cool! Can you put up a template (i'll do the mirror image) ? I wouldnt mind getting the cusco one but I have a RHD JDM...

04-18-2008, 12:23 PM	#14
*fullerton* Orwell was an optimist. Car: AW GDF-D Fav Mod: Track time Location: Near a 100oct pump Posts: 15,959 Join Date: Oct 2005 Trader Rating: (10)	Re: Cusco master cylinder brace install I need to do this one of these days.

03-19-2007, 02:33 AM	#2
H4N The Next Petter Solberg Car: 05 STi Fav Mod: EWG, T 2'S Location: Mass-hole Posts: 919 Join Date: Mar 2005 Trader Rating: (6)	nice stuff.... can you actually feel some difference?

03-19-2007, 06:44 PM	#4
H4N The Next Petter Solberg Car: 05 STi Fav Mod: EWG, T 2'S Location: Mass-hole Posts: 919 Join Date: Mar 2005 Trader Rating: (6)	nice to know, how much did it cost you?

03-20-2007, 07:58 AM	#5
scottjua Professional STI Driver Car: 06 Aspen White STi / Location: Plano, TX (Dallas) Posts: 452 Join Date: Jan 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Hope you don't mind me posting, but here are some pics from my install on the 06 STi. I thought thye might help along with yours

03-20-2007, 08:18 AM	#6
H4N The Next Petter Solberg Car: 05 STi Fav Mod: EWG, T 2'S Location: Mass-hole Posts: 919 Join Date: Mar 2005 Trader Rating: (6)	hm... nice stuff, i also seen perrin has one, i wonder if its any different.

04-18-2008, 12:26 PM	#15
04STiguy79 Professional STI Racer Car: 04 Platnm Silvr STi Fav Mod: GT35R 450WHP Pump No Meth Location: MD,BASC Club,Team Agile Posts: 606 Join Date: May 2007 Trader Rating: (3)	Re: Cusco master cylinder brace install I have had one on my 04 for many years now and it is a quality piece and very easy to install. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.