So after a bit of back and forth on how best to upgrade the breaks on my non-PP 14' GT I was shopping around and decided the brembo package sold everywhere for $1100 was a bit too much. So I decided to try and recreate my own version of the Brembo package. Like most of us im sure, price was a big factor. Im sure there will be plenty of people who wouldnt go this route in 1000 years and thats ok.
I went with "re-manufactured" parts to do this on the cheap. When I received the parts i was pretty sure they are brand new parts and not re-manufactured at all. I've had re-man parts before, these were too perfect... no complaints obviously.
Parts Needed:
(2) x Calipers
(2) x Rotors - Callahan CK011164
(1) x Break pad set - Z23-1001
General rough pricing
Calipers - $100 each
Rotors - $50 each
Pads - $25 each
Total - $350
These are just the parts I went with, im sure you can find other manufactures.
Here are some pictures -
Stock setup for reference
Stock Rotors with big calipers
Painted and cooked the calipers
Looking pretty good I guess
mmmm Largest breaks Ive ever had myself
Installed ARP 3" Studs
Finito - went with the Ford racing open lug nuts because after all that work I want to see the studs
I dont have a picture of them but I have 3/4" spacers in the front also to make the wheel clear the caliper, I believe there is enough clearance to use 1/2" instead.
Cost savings:
The normal package does come with fluid lines, heat shields and paint that doesnt flake off
Another factor that comes into play is the wheels, for the proper offset you would need to step up to a 19" set. That obviously means 19" wheels + tires $$$$. I already have 8 good 18" tires for my car so I was trying to keep using my 18" wheels for now. The studs and then spacers allowed me to do that.
So in conclusion I would absolutely do this again in a heart beat. Very very cost effective. The performance is down right amazing now, compared to the stock undersized, borderline dangerous ones these are a 10/10. They really shouldnt sell the GT with the small breaks for how much power it has. I have over 5000 miles on the setup now, the performance is just as good as day 1 so far. There is only one down side so far and its the appearance, the paint has already peeled off despite the high temp paint and baking as per the directions. Ill probably take them back off at some point and have them properly power coated.
I went with "re-manufactured" parts to do this on the cheap. When I received the parts i was pretty sure they are brand new parts and not re-manufactured at all. I've had re-man parts before, these were too perfect... no complaints obviously.
Parts Needed:
(2) x Calipers
Driver - Cardone 18-5128
Passenger - Cardone 18-5129
Passenger - Cardone 18-5129
(1) x Break pad set - Z23-1001
General rough pricing
Calipers - $100 each
Rotors - $50 each
Pads - $25 each
Total - $350
These are just the parts I went with, im sure you can find other manufactures.
Here are some pictures -
Stock setup for reference
Stock Rotors with big calipers
Painted and cooked the calipers
Looking pretty good I guess
mmmm Largest breaks Ive ever had myself
Installed ARP 3" Studs
Finito - went with the Ford racing open lug nuts because after all that work I want to see the studs
I dont have a picture of them but I have 3/4" spacers in the front also to make the wheel clear the caliper, I believe there is enough clearance to use 1/2" instead.
Cost savings:
Normal Brembo package - $1100
This nonsense - $350
This nonsense - $350
The normal package does come with fluid lines, heat shields and paint that doesnt flake off
Another factor that comes into play is the wheels, for the proper offset you would need to step up to a 19" set. That obviously means 19" wheels + tires $$$$. I already have 8 good 18" tires for my car so I was trying to keep using my 18" wheels for now. The studs and then spacers allowed me to do that.
So in conclusion I would absolutely do this again in a heart beat. Very very cost effective. The performance is down right amazing now, compared to the stock undersized, borderline dangerous ones these are a 10/10. They really shouldnt sell the GT with the small breaks for how much power it has. I have over 5000 miles on the setup now, the performance is just as good as day 1 so far. There is only one down side so far and its the appearance, the paint has already peeled off despite the high temp paint and baking as per the directions. Ill probably take them back off at some point and have them properly power coated.
