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Front Brake Upgrade Options

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Considering high end brake system this winter.

Cortex 6 pot stoptech trophy system (so happy w my cortex jri struts and shocks, im sure brakes will be excellent)

http://cortexracing.com/product/stoptech-str40-355-x-35mm-s197-spec-mustang-brake-system/

Kohr Brembo 6 pot (these guys at Kohr do awesome work and are within 15 min of my house)

https://www.kohrmotorsports.com/product/2012-13-boss-302-15-brembo-brake-kit-6-piston-caliper/

What about AP?

PFC?

If you get the car u der 3200lbs w/o driver should i use the 14" four pot instead of 15" six pot?
 
For the tires on a 9.5” wide wheel try Nitto NT01’s.

Agree...and I would look for a wider tire. I run 275 NT01's on my 18x9.5 rims (square setup) and they work great on road courses. Great longevity and good grip.

I recently went with a coated SS lines (Goodridge Phantom) to prevent any damage under the SS braids, that would not be not visible with a normal inspection. I'll have my first session on those in a couple month.

The rear '13-'14 GT500 upgrade (13.8" rotors) is more for aesthetics than function. I used a billet adapter bracket, so I didn't have to pull the axels and they have been solid for years. The larger rotors will dissipate heat better, but not much else in my expensive. The only real downside...you will have a limited choice for more exotic, higher-end rotors. If you want standard drilled, slotted or blanks, you will be fine. But if you want 2-piece or cryo treated, it will be a challenge to find or will cost extra.
 
@twistedneck I had the Stoptech kit on my Boss and really liked it. They use Porsche size brake pads so there are lots of pad options available. Also their rotor ring replacements are more affordable than others.

If money is not a concern I’d look at the AP kit.
 
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For the rear I used the adapter blocks but then went to the GT500 axle brackets when I upgraded my rear & axles. No difference between the adapters and the GT500 brackets with respect to performance. Either way, I feel the performance is improved and the rear calipers run cooler.

I'll sell my used adapter blocks (eBay ones from ncmustangparts) if anyone is interested.

I kept the stock dust shields on but the outer 2" of the rotor & the caliper are out in the open.

I use the Centric/StopTech slotted rotors from RockAuto.
 
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I recently went with a coated SS lines (Goodridge Phantom) to prevent any damage under the SS braids, that would not be not visible with a normal inspection. I'll have my first session on those in a couple month.

What p/n were these and did they come with all the OEM style brackets to allow attachment of the ABS cables, etc?

Thanks!
 
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Interesting. I was looking for the Phantom series but when you look at what is available, there is nothing past 2010 for the GT500. However, they have a G+StopStop se specifically for the 13-14 GT500. It's the 12367.

https://www.opmustang.com/store/p11...e_Kit_-_2013-2014_SHELBY_GT500_Mustang.html#/

Besides the visible difference of the hose construction, I wonder what the difference, if any, is in the brackets or fittings
 
I have a 2011 GT500 with stock 4-piston Brembos. No issue with fitment with the 12364BKC.

When you are doing the product search, make sure you expand the detail in the fitment description and try a few different websites. Also might want to call one of the suppliers to make sure you are good on fitment.

I believe the lines or fittings for the '13-'14 6-piston Brembos are different. Others may be able to confirm.
 
Is it the shape that makes them better or the cast vs forged material grade and process? because looking at the typical cast vs forged alloy comparison I can't find the big increases in the forged material that make it better.. but i'm not a brake caliper engineer so I just looked at a380 vs. 4024 and 2618 - they seem to be similar I couldn't find high temp creep strength data for the cast alloys so that might point them having an issue there.. however adding a ton of copper and with Li in the mix now i'm not sure the material is the difference - maybe someone here can clarify that?



I've been thinking about upgrading my front brake calipers and rotors to gain additional heat dissipation for a greater margin of overheating my brakes. I haven't had any overheating issues with my current setup, Pagid pads with brake cooling ducts DBA 4000 rotors and ATE brake fluid, but I have experienced it with stock pads the the Hawk HP+ pads I've run. In my mind as my speed picks up and I move to R comp tires I want to stay way ahead of overheating the brakes.

I talked with the techs at Stoptech and Brembo at SEMA 2013 and they both said forged calipers, besides having less flex, do a better job of dissipating heat than the cast Brembo calipers that come on our cars. Additionally having a larger rotor aids greatly in dissipating heat but with a larger rotor comes fitment issues especially with 18" diameter wheels many of us run at the track. With that in mind I'm looking at a couple of setups and would like to get feedback on them along with other suggestions.

GT500 15" 6 piston Brembo
From a cost perspective this is an obvious choice but with the 15" rotors my 18" wheels become unusable. Still not a bad option and a very reasonable price. If you add in the newly available two piece rotors this kit starts to become a lot more expensive. The rotor is 380x32mm. Not many replacement or two piece rotor options available yet but there should be more next year.

http://rehagenracingproducts.com/20...CH-2-PIECE-BRAKE-ROTOR-PAIR-M-1125-MSVT15.htm

http://rehagenracingproducts.com/20...STON-15-BREMBO-FRONT-BRAKE-KIT-RR-2300-TF.htm

IMG_20130522_170832_965.jpg

M-1125-MSVT15.jpg


Brembo Pro Series Racing
This is a nice setup and there are a few members already running this with good results. Expensive but if you want true race gear you're going to pay. This kit includes a 355mm rotor and forged caliper. Does anyone know if this is 32 or 35mm wide? Lots of pad options and some replacement ring options. The pads are also approximately 25mm deep so you'll be changing pads less frequently.

http://rehagenracingproducts.com/BR...CING-BRAKE-KIT-S197-MUSTANG-BRE8026E7S197.htm


Brembo%20BRE80.26E7_rgb.jpg


Stoptech STR 40

Another nice race setup that the new SCCA Spec Mustang class is using. This is the four piston caliper and includes a 355x35mm rotor and the added thickness is supposed to provide a noticeable improvement in heat dissipation. The Stoptech calipers accept a standard Porsche size pad so there are many options. I doubt there are many ring replacement options on this one. Stoptech claims to have the stiffest forged calipers available but who knows. This kit can be ordered with dust seals and anti rattle hardware. The benefit of this kit is more mass and cooling in a 355mm diameter rotor.

http://www.cortexracing.com/shop/stoptech-str40-355x35mm-s197-spec-mustang/

Stoptech_STR.jpg


Both the Stoptech and Brembo Pro calipers should be adaptable to the new S550 Mustangs with the correct brackets.
 
I will have a complete Brembo "Pro" series racing brake setup for sale very soon. Basically it's the Boss 302S front brake setup. Includes aluminum 4-piston calipers, radial mounts, 2 sets of 355mm Brembo 2-pc floating rotors (one set is un-used), extra hats, multiple sets of 25mm Pagid and PFC pads, and misc hardware. I will also be selling a 4" front brake duct kit including trick custom bumper inlets (fits 2013-2014 Mustang/Boss) to go along with it. Coming soon to the Parts for Sale section...stay tuned!
 
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If you want maximum track performance the Brembo pro kit would be the way to go. The stock brakes are very capable with proper track pads and fluid, as well as the Ti backing plates. Make sure to get the 302R/S ABS controller as well.

WHOLE lot of performance for not a lot of $$$ if you're staying with the stock calipers. Not the end-all-be-all but pretty good.


Arizona Boss can you explain how the Boss 302s brake controller changes things and if you can and shouldnusenthat w street tires on the track?

if stock calipers there was a thread here and a discussion at AP brakes about seapping the aluminum oistons for titanium ir stainless steel to reduce heat flux from pad to the fluid.

Finally, to hijack this braking thread further, for a small track like waterford i had a horrible oad deposit issue (felt like hideous warped rotors) w my hp+ Hawks, that went away by round four of 15 min open track. what pad can inuse that wont have this issue ? many thanks, Jeff Check
 
On the pad deposit question, did you a really good pad bedding procedure?

HP+ hawks being a milder track pad so should be less susceptible, but without good bedding and some abs (or esc actuation) you can lay down very inconsistent pad layers as the pad heats up and rotor is not conditioned.

Now really hi-jacking, I moved away from HP+ to pure race pads because of longevity and performance, but bedding becomes even more critical/sensitive as you move to the race pads. I commonly kick myself if I try expedite the bedding process.

Good luck, pad choice is a big can of worms and bed-in procedures is another. This is like asking everyone what is their a favorite beer along with ideal drinking temp and what type of activity.


Arizona Boss can you explain how the Boss 302s brake controller changes things and if you can and shouldnusenthat w street tires on the track?

if stock calipers there was a thread here and a discussion at AP brakes about seapping the aluminum oistons for titanium ir stainless steel to reduce heat flux from pad to the fluid.

Finally, to hijack this braking thread further, for a small track like waterford i had a horrible oad deposit issue (felt like hideous warped rotors) w my hp+ Hawks, that went away by round four of 15 min open track. what pad can inuse that wont have this issue ? many thanks, Jeff Check
 
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Looks like Full Tilt Boogie Racing offers a GT350R brake upgrade for S197s (scroll down a bit). Please, please, please someone do this and report back!

http://www.fulltiltboogieracing.com/2011-2013_Boss_302_Brake_parts.htm
I know this is an old request (and an even older thread), but I did the Full Tilt Boogie GT350 brake upgrade on my 2011 GT500. Here's my write up from my other forum:

I decided that I wanted to upgrade the front brakes on my 2011 GT500. The 4 piston Brembo calipers and 14” rotors work pretty well and with a set of track pads and cooling ducts they would likely do everything I would ever need. But sometimes it not just about needs, so I’ve been looking for a set of take-off 6 piston calipers and 15” rotors from a 13/14 GT500. A couple years ago these seemed pretty common on ebay, but are harder to find at this point.

In my recent search I came across a kit from Full Tilt Boogie Racing to adapt the 2015 to 2020 GT350 front calipers and 15.5” rotors to S197 cars. A couple emails and a phone call from James at FTBR confirmed this kit would work on my car, but there could be a wheel fit issue since the GT350 calipers are massive (clearance on the spokes could be a issue). A friend of mine has a 2018 GT350, so we test fit my Shelby Venice front wheel on his car… It fit! Decided to pull the trigger and get this moving. With some info from my earlier thread I ordered parts from a few different sources so I could get exactly what I wanted. Full Tilt Boogie Racing, OP Mustang, Auto Nation Ford, Rock Auto all got in on the action. Put the car on the Quick Jack and dove in.

Here is the collection of parts:
FBU_New parts-01, 6279.jpg

Before - 4 piston Stock black Brembo with 14” one-piece rotors:
FBU_4 piston brembo-02, 6273.JPG
FBU_4 piston brembo-03, 6280.JPG

After - 6 piston GT350R red Brembo with 15.5” 2 piece rotors:
FBU_6 piston brembo-04, 6321.JPG
FBU_6 piston brembo-05, 6282.JPG

Pad size comparison:
FBU_pad comparison-06, 6285.JPG

Full Tilt Boogie Racing caliper brackets:
FBU_mounting bracket-07, 6292.JPG

Caliper Fexion mounting studs and extension pins:
The mounting studs eliminate the one-time use caliper mounting bolts.
The extension pins make pad changes much easier.
FBU_Caliper Fexion Studs&Extensions-08, 6284.JPG

After bedding in the pads it was time to give them a good test. Pedal feel is great and the stopping power is off the charts. Had a nice clear interstate before my exit a couple nights ago so I pushed it a bit, slowing from XXX to 40 felt very smooth and stopped amazingly quick. Very happy that I went with this package!
FBU_Finished Night Shot-09, 6324.jpg
 
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Super cool, TedShred! That kit seems like such a great option and I am sure your Shelby is even more fun to drive with that extra whoa power!

Since I made that post, I also upgraded to GT350R brakes - they are attached to my 2020 GT350R! Hah man they really are amazing brakes and I could not be happier.

I also upgraded my Boss 302 fronts with Stoptech 6 pistons and floating 15" rotors. There was a ridiculous special on them back in 2019 from TH Motorsports and the whole kit, including pads and lines, ended up costing only slightly more than the 350 brakes through FTB. I went with them because the Stoptechs were lighter than even the OE Boss brakes (each rotor was 4lbs lighter on my scale despite being 1" bigger, calipers weighed within a few ounces of the Brembos). I also went with Ferodo 2500 pads and could not be happier. I have custom Signature 20x10.5" front wheels and there is still tons of clearance.

I love big brakes and I cannot lie!
 
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I am considering upgrading my fronts to the 15" 6 pot Brembo's from the 13-14 Shelby. I know that my Apex wheels will clear them, but does anyone know if the stock 19 x 9" brembo/track pack wheels will. I use them on the street and as a rain tire on the track. I am trying to figure out if I need to budget another set of wheels into this.
 
Hello fellow track addicts, seeking recommendations for track only brake pads for the Boss. Been running Carbotech xp12s for some time. Really like them except for wear life. Girodisks (front only) are on order, so time is right to consider other pads. Have Vorshlag brake lines. Tire setup is square, 18x305 NT01s.
 

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