Huge brake upgrade for S197 chassis

[Adam Ginsberg]

Over the last ~week, after having the parts in my garage for a YEAR (smh), I upgraded my 2012 Boss 302:

• Rear: new 14” GT500 rotors, GT500 caliper brackets, GT500 diff cover, 3” long studs, new axle seals (blew the passenger side unit @ LSIR last year), G-Loc R10 pads, fresh gear oil.
• Front: 15” Giro Disc 2-piece rotors, S550 6p calipers, G-Loc R12 pads, new hubs w/3” studs, SS lines and a full liter of fresh ATE brake fluid flushed thru the system.

On Thursday, I took it for a short drive to bed the new pads and rotors. The pedal did appear to go a bit further to the floor, but TBH, it’s been about a month+ since I drove the car last. I’m still able to downshift the same way as before (rolling onto the throttle for rev-matched downshifts), which IMO, is a good sign.

Today the car goes back in the air for a nut, bolt and fluid leak check, another quick brake fluid flush, then a bath and detail. It will get a healthy drive tomorrow to the Petersen for their All American car show.

I’ll know more about brake pedal feel in the coming days/weeks.

 

[BackInBlack]

Did you pull pull the axles out or use adapters on the rear?

Caliper brackets. Nvm!

 

[Adam Ginsberg]

Had to pull the axles for two reasons - R&R the axle seals AND to R&R the rear caliper brackets. I didn't want to use adapters, I am using stock Ford GT500 brackets.

 

[Mad Hatter]

Over the last ~week, after having the parts in my garage for a YEAR (smh), I upgraded my 2012 Boss 302:

• Rear: new 14” GT500 rotors, GT500 caliper brackets, GT500 diff cover, 3” long studs, new axle seals (blew the passenger side unit @ LSIR last year), G-Loc R10 pads, fresh gear oil.
• Front: 15” Giro Disc 2-piece rotors, S550 6p calipers, G-Loc R12 pads, new hubs w/3” studs, SS lines and a full liter of fresh ATE brake fluid flushed thru the system.

On Thursday, I took it for a short drive to bed the new pads and rotors. The pedal did appear to go a bit further to the floor, but TBH, it’s been about a month+ since I drove the car last. I’m still able to downshift the same way as before (rolling onto the throttle for rev-matched downshifts), which IMO, is a good sign.

Today the car goes back in the air for a nut, bolt and fluid leak check, another quick brake fluid flush, then a bath and detail. It will get a healthy drive tomorrow to the Petersen for their All American car show.

I’ll know more about brake pedal feel in the coming days/weeks.

If for some reason you don't like the feel, I would suggest just upping to a more aggressive pad. Found that the longer travel worked great for pads with a lot of bite.

 

[FastEd]

Did this upgrade on my 12 GT500 about a month ago, with some low mileage takeoff OEM 13-14 500 rotors and a set of S550 front calipers from a wrecked car. Bought the rear brackets new from Ford since they aren’t a bad price with my discount.

Ran a few track days with it since, I’d agree that the pedal does go a bit further when braking on track but for my footwork it’s actually a bit easier for me to heel/toe the car now … I was struggling a bit with that last year. OEM pads all around for now since the front calipers were complete with hardware and good condition pads. Might try something with more bite in the future. Overall I’m pleased with the upgrade, gives a bit more confidence for a late brake at the end of the Mosport back straight with this big heavy turd. LOL

 

[Adam Ginsberg]

If for some reason you don't like the feel, I would suggest just upping to a more aggressive pad. Found that the longer travel worked great for pads with a lot of bite.

That's the plan. I have a new set of front rings in boxes (current rings are used). At some point, I'll R&R the rings and go with R16s.

 

[Adam Ginsberg]

This round of changes on my car allowed the use of a number of new tools - a Lisle stud installation tool and a Motive Power Bleeder. Both are worth EVERY penny, particularly the power bleeder. I never had one during my racing career and boy do I kick myself.