The best brake upgrades for a 2013–2021 Subaru BRZ start with quality pads and rotors matched to how you drive: a slotted rotor plus a good street pad for daily use, or a track-oriented pad and rotor combo if you see autocross or HPDE days. Upgrading the whole braking system — not just one corner — keeps the car's balance intact.
Brakes are the single most important performance mod on a lightweight car like the BRZ. The first-gen BRZ's stock brakes are fine for commuting but fade quickly under repeated hard use, which is why pads and rotors are the most popular upgrades. This collection covers slotted performance rotors, street and track brake pads, and brake accessories for the 2013–2021 BRZ chassis. Slotted rotors like DBA's T2 and 4000-series units sweep pad gases and debris from the pad face for more consistent bite, while a compound like EBC Yellowstuff or Hawk High Performance Street 5.0 steps up stopping power without the noise and dust of a full race pad.
Popular brands in this collection include DBA (DBA Brakes), EBC (EBC Brakes), Hawk, and Perrin — Hawk and Perrin ship here without a dedicated brand page.
Explore the full brakes catalog, big brake kits, StopTech components, and Goodridge brake lines. Top picks from this collection: the DBA Street Series T-Slot T2 Slotted Rear Rotor, the EBC Yellowstuff Rear Brake Pads, and the Hawk High Performance Street 5.0 Rear Brake Pads. Read more in Top 5 Brake Systems for Sports Cars.
Do I need a tune after upgrading brakes?
No. Brake upgrades are fully mechanical — no ECU tune is required. Just bed the new pads and rotors per the manufacturer's procedure.
Should I replace rotors and pads together?
Yes, replacing both together gives the best results. New pads on worn or grooved rotors won't bed in properly and will wear unevenly.
Are slotted rotors okay for daily driving?
Yes — slotted rotors like the DBA T2 and 4000 series work fine on the street. Expect slightly more pad wear and a bit of extra noise under hard braking compared to plain rotors.
Can I mix brands front and rear?
It's best to match pad compound front and rear so braking balance stays predictable. Mixing compounds is common, but check with the pad maker if you're unsure.