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.

Chopping Block: Acura RDX

Now that we’re well into the new year, it’s time to welcome the first discontinued model announcement of 2026. This one caught us a bit by surprise,...

First BMW M EV confirmed for 2027

You read that headline right – BMW M will begin its EV transition next year. The Munich-based carmaker will launch its first next gen or Neue Klasse...

TE37 30th Anniversary Release

RAYS is celebrating a major milestone for one of the most iconic wheels in the performance world: the VOLK RACING TE37 is officially turning 30. Since...

Toyota unveils GR Yaris Morizo RR Special Edition at TAS

Okay, we’ll get right to it. Yes, the Toyota Yaris (including the GR Yaris) isn’t sold in North America and, as far as we know, there are no plans to...

Nissan reveals Aura Nismo Concept at TAS

The Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) is a vast collection of hot performance cars and concepts that rarely disappoints, year after year. Come January, it’s a...

KW Automotive Celebrates 30 Years of Coilover Innovation

KW Automotive marked a huge milestone at the Essen Motor Show 2025, celebrating 30 years of KW coilover suspensions—a product that helped shape the...