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Introduction
The mods you make on a project car should be dictated by how
you use the car. It sounds like a "no duh" statement,
but you'd be surprised that most enthusiasts don't stop to
think about this. For example, if you have a project car that
is infrequently driven on the street, or is trailered to the
drag strip, you most likely perform engine and horsepower
related upgrades. On the other hand if you have a car that
doubles as a daily driver, and you commute in city traffic,
it'd be wise to put money into other systems which will yield
usable results. For instance, perhaps you need better tunes,
or the suspension is shot, or as in our case, the car needs
better brakes. Modifications of these sorts aren't going to
help you go any faster, but the point is that going faster
and making more power isn't always what you and your car need.
Spending some money in other areas can also yield noticeable
results and performance of another variety which makes your
ride that much better.
Brakes are one such area that we often settle for, especially
on newer cars. After all it is a reasonable assumption that
a new car has modern brakes and therefore there isn't much
to gain by upgrading. In reality, just like anything else,
there is always room for improvement. Mustang braking systems
have evolved considerably over time. Beginning in 1999 Ford
began putting some admirable brakes on some of the big guns
in the Mustang lineup. The SVT Cobra, Bullitt and Mach 1 models
all came with track worthy 13" front rotors and matching
calipers. While all Mustangs from 1999-2004 are equipped with
four wheel disc brakes, the 13" front brakes was still
a sizable step-up from the GT's 11" rotor setup.
Back in the '60's if the factory made an alternative component
standard on a specific model you had the option to purchase
that upgrade on the base model. Those days are long gone.
Since the late 70's the only way to get parts only sold on
Ford premium makes and models is to purchase it over the parts
counter, or through Ford Racing, afterwards. For that reason
if you buy a 2004 Mustang GT and want Cobra brakes, well don't
tell the dealer because he could care less and Ford simply
doesn't play that way anymore. Fortunately while factory performance
programs have
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Top: Stock 11" GT brake rotor.
Bottom: 13" Cobra rotor and caliper fills out the
wheel nicely. |
withered away the aftermarket has flourished.
Companies like Performance Parts Inc. make their business
sourcing and selling OEM performance parts. In some cases
they deal directly with Ford, in other cases they deal with
the original suppliers. In either case the end result is a
supply of original good stuff for us to upgrade our not-so-worthy
base models.
Back to brakes. The '99-'04 Mustang GT
came with 11" rotors up front. Nothing wrong with that
for most people, but for guys who like to drive hard you won't
sleep well at night knowing you could be at Cobra specs for
just $400. Since paying a local shop for a good brake service
with new rotors and pads can approach that cost, we figure
you may as well do it yourself and put what you'd pay in labor
towards a killer looking and performing set of brakes. We
ordered up an entire kit from Performance Parts, which includes
the 10th Anniversary red Cobra calipers and 13" Brembo
rotors. We also spent a few bucks extra to get Goodrich D.O.T.
approved stainless steel hose. The hose isn't necessary but
will resist stretching or ballooning under extreme heat and
pressure. Since we plan to autocross our car we figured this
is cheap insurance.
Furthermore, and if anything, it comes down to aesthetics.
Let's face it, who want's a killer looking car with great
17" or 18" wheels when what is behind them is a
tea saucer? You don't see any of the Euro sports cars coming
with anything but painted aluminum calipers and big pizza
pie rotors. So, follow along and convince yourself how easy
and worthwhile it is, then go out and do it.
Removing the Stock Brakes
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Late model Mustang disc brakes are some of the easiest
to work on of any auto maker. With the car on jack stands
we go to work.
Since we are replacing the stock rubber brake lines we
start by disconnecting them at the hardline junction.
Use a 3/8" flare fitting wrench to avoid rounding
the nut.
With the hardline disconnected use a screw driver to pry
out the retaining clip which secures the soft line to
the body bracket.
Prepare for brake fluid to seep out all over the place.
We positioned the open end of the line higher than the
caliper to avoid excess leakage until we had the caliper
fully removed.
Use a 15mm socket to remove the two bolts which secure
the caliper to the spindle.
With the bolts removed the caliper, pads and connected
rubber hose can be removed as a unit.
