I dont think the 1.8 swap is necc. but for the sakes of looks i did id anywyas ;)

I could lock up the fronts with the 1.6 brakes. But I couldn't modulate. It felt kind of all (lockup) or nothing.

modulation has increased 10 fold. never had so much control during the last few autocrosses comparatively.

i auto-x a lot and i just recently went with HP+'s and goodridge lines (front), my problem now is that i break to suddenly, i have not fully adjusted to the pedal feel and response, the car doesnt tip in fast enough and i get wheel lock frequently, but with some practice i know i can get used to it
overall, high speed breaking is finaly possible with the HP+, i feel very confident when braking even at 100+mph, its just a good feeling knowing that the brakes are there and doing what they are supposed to, with the EBC i just didnt feel them working very well at high speeds and i would get fade at the gap about 3/4 way in

they are evry noisy, but i could care less, its a little embarrassing in traffic, people tend to stare at you like you need a brake job or something, but they work awesome