How much HP is too much for the stock brakes?

whipple1raptor · May 14, 2019

Question all....

How much HP is too much for the stock brakes?
My eventual plan is a 2.9 Whipple. Would like to be North of 650.

Thinking about a six piston system.

Let me know your thoughts.

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01yellercobra · May 14, 2019

I think it's more about the intended use. If your plan is to do the occasional romp through the gears with a quick slow down and then cruise for a while a good pad and fluid change will go pretty far. If you plan on hitting the track or the twisties a lot and expect to be on the brakes a lot then definitely upgrade.

That being said I went with the Baer 6P on my upper only car and I like them. But then I've hit the canyons quite a bit with the car.

c6zhombre · May 14, 2019

For what purpose? Just a street driver your factory brakes are fine....road racing? Ya you'll want to upgrade.

I just street drive mine with over 700 on tap and have never felt the need to upgrade.

Now if you go 2.9 gen 4 and let her rip on E85 and 25psi you're gong to be makng crazy power and tq......might need to reevaluate. Just pump gas 650? Not near as radical

2004cobra615 · May 14, 2019

So I have the 650 hp pump gas 2.9 Whipple.
I have hawk street/strip pads, slotted rotors, SS brake lines and racing brake fluid.
Brakes still suck when going over 100mph. Repeat hard stops they fade bad.

Im doing e85 now and definitely will be changing brakes. I'm going with brembo 14s after I get 18 inch wheels.

Being able to stop is more important than going fast. With power comes responsibility which are your brakes and brain.

2004 Cobra 2.9 Whipple

c6zhombre · May 14, 2019

Another issue to factor in is future rim choices....some of the larger brake systems could cause clearance issues with certain rims, so another thing to keep in mind. Definitely don't want to drop a mint on brakes then find out your new rims won't clear

whipple1raptor · May 14, 2019

No track time. Weekend car and the occasional run to stretch her legs.

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GodStang · May 14, 2019

I would at least do the $300 Brembo 4-piston upgrade. Cheap, Stops better, and looks much better.

whipple1raptor · May 14, 2019

2004cobra615 said:
So I have the 650 hp pump gas 2.9 Whipple.
I have hawk street/strip pads, slotted rotors, SS brake lines and racing brake fluid.
Brakes still suck when going over 100mph. Repeat hard stops they fade bad.

Im doing e85 now and definitely will be changing brakes. I'm going with brembo 14s after I get 18 inch wheels.

Being able to stop is more important than going fast. With power comes responsibility which are your brakes and brain.

2004 Cobra 2.9 Whipple

I hear you. I had a Shelby GT back in 07 and I put a Whipple on it.... I couldn't stop the car. If I went over 100 I had a hell of a time stopping. I mean a serious violent shake. Just don't know how much this Cobra brake system will take. I don't want to be in a similar situation.

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Corbic · May 14, 2019

whipple1raptor said:
No track time. Weekend car and the occasional run to stretch her legs.

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Only reason to upgrade is aesthetics then.

01yellercobra · May 14, 2019

c6zhombre said:
Another issue to factor in is future rim choices....some of the larger brake systems could cause clearance issues with certain rims, so another thing to keep in mind. Definitely don't want to drop a mint on brakes then find out your new rims won't clear

That's why I went with the 6P. I didn't want to get new rims.

My 01 was a lot faster than this car and it still had the stock brakes. Never had an issue with them.

FleeMan · May 14, 2019

GodStang said:
I would at least do the $300 Brembo 4-piston upgrade. Cheap, Stops better, and looks much better.

Do you have a link?

Part number?

jrgoffin · May 14, 2019

FleeMan said:
Do you have a link?

Part number?

That "kit" uses Cadillac ATS calipers and requires some modification to work, but if you are a DIY type, it's probably not too bad. Involves drilling of the spindles and "elongating" the mounting holes, milling the mounting surface of the caliper, and modifying the pads from what I have seen.

Otherwise, upgrading your brakes is never a bad idea: when you drive hard and the stock brakes begin to fade, you'll know in that moment that they are only mediocre. You can't go wrong with the Baer kits, and there is of course the '00R Brembo package (have that on my car with two-piece rotors and it's awesome). I don't track my car, but don't granny-drive it either.

Some reading on all the options: Brakes & Wheels

FleeMan · May 14, 2019

The 2000 R Brembo package is what ive been wanting for a good long while. Can never have too much stopping power.

FleeMan · May 14, 2019

messed up the image

GodStang · May 14, 2019

FleeMan said:
Do you have a link?

Part number?

I will be doing a complete write up here over the weekend.

This is my buddies who told me about it:

FleeMan · May 14, 2019

GodStang said:
I will be doing a complete write up here over the weekend.

This is my buddies who told me about it:

View attachment 1573228

Please do!!

whipple1raptor · May 14, 2019

What are you all running for rear brakes? I don’t see a lot of options on caliper options.

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94slowbra1 · May 14, 2019

Step up to some big boy brakes.
Here's my take: the factory system is Ok if upgraded to good pads, stainless lines and good fluid. Add in a 2pc rotor and its better.
If you want some serious stopping power you want a 14" 2pc rotor kit. Brembo makes one as does FTBR, stop tech, wilwood and baer. They arent cheap but you will notice a big difference. I ran the baer 6p on a 13" 2pc rotor and the 14" brembo GT kit is light years ahead of that.
There are multiple kits today that use a 4 or 6 piston caliper from another car but they all use a 1pc rotor (heavy).
If you are going to make big power get big stopping power, bottom line. 700hp and 16 year old brakes doesn't make sense
As for the rear, there arent many options. FTBR makes a 13" rear rotor and a relocation bracket for the factory caliper. That's about it
14" vs 13" rotor and baer 6p caliper vs brembo 4p caliper

whipple1raptor · May 14, 2019

94slowbra1 said:
Step up to some big boy brakes.
Here's my take: the factory system is Ok if upgraded to good pads, stainless lines and good fluid. Add in a 2pc rotor and its better.
If you want some serious stopping power you want a 14" 2pc rotor kit. Brembo makes one as does FTBR, stop tech, wilwood and baer. They arent cheap but you will notice a big difference. I ran the baer 6p on a 13" 2pc rotor and the 14" brembo GT kit is light years ahead of that.
There are multiple kits today that use a 4 or 6 piston caliper from another car but they all use a 1pc rotor (heavy).
If you are going to make big power get big stopping power, bottom line. 700hp and 16 year old brakes doesn't make sense
As for the rear, there arent many options. FTBR makes a 13" rear rotor and a relocation bracket for the factory caliper. That's about it
14" vs 13" rotor and baer 6p caliper vs brembo 4p caliperView attachment 1573283 View attachment 1573284

Makes sense to me. Running the factory 17” wheels up front and 10.5” in the rear.

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94slowbra1 · May 15, 2019

In that case you will be limited to a 13" kit. Brembo R , stoptech or baer 6p

How much HP is too much for the stock brakes?

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