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.

Honda cancels three upcoming U.S.-built EVs

In a surprising move, Honda Motor Co. announced it is cancelling three upcoming EVs that were planned to be built at the company’s EV hub in...

KW Suspensions Debuts HLS Evolution Lift System for Extra Ground Clearance on Demand

KW suspensions has announced an expansion of its hydraulic lift system lineup with the new KW HLS Evolution, a retrofit solution designed to give low-...

The GRIDLIFE Deal Everyone’s Talking About—and Why Racers Should Care

One of the most recognizable grassroots motorsports brands in North America just entered a new chapter. GRIDLIFE—known for blending track racing,...

PASMAG Editors’ Top 5 SEMA Builds of 2025

SEMA doesn’t just roll into Vegas — it takes over. From November 4–7, 2025, the Las Vegas Convention Center transformed into the epicenter of...

ACT Releases SFI-Approved 225mm Mod-Twin for 1989-1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)

Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has announced a new performance clutch offering developed specifically for the 1989–1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)....

MID Wheels by RAYS Introduces the All-New D8 Off-Road Wheel

MID Wheels by RAYS has officially unveiled the D8, a bold new off-road wheel designed to deliver serious presence—no matter the vehicle size....