Wheels-Tires 04 Mustang Wheels won't sit against rotor

[pindude80]

Yes, way more pad surface area too. It's a very stout brake setup.

IIRC back in the day there was some independent testing on a GT vs Cobra. On the first stop, the results were about identical. What the Cobra has for advantage with leverage, the GT makes up for with more pad surface area on the front and larger piston clamp force. However, it is on the 2nd and 3rd and so on stops where the rotor mass advantage of the Cobra brakes begins to shine.

So the GT brakes have always been better geared for "drag" type setups, where you want light-weight rotor mass, the ability to fit in 15" wheels, and good stopping power on that first hard brake event. Cobra brakes are more for road-course racing where you are making stop after stop after stop.

With that said, the GT brakes do have one disadvantage that has reared its head after 20 years, in that they tend to stick and seize. For some reason the pistons love to seize in the bore, especially with old water-laden brake fluid and when the car sits. Even remans coming out of the box have this issue. So if you go this route, pay attention to the signs of dragging front brakes.

Oh and to answer your other question, all 94-04 Mustangs use the same rear Varga 38mm calipers. The only difference is the pad support bracket and the pads used, as Cobra/Mach/Bullitt rear rotors are thicker.

Great explanation and info, thanks! Sounds like the GT brakes will be great for me (street car) if I don't end up wanting to or doing the Cobra brakes.

 

[limp]

When I did my Sn95 spindle update on my 83, Member 5L5 on here cautioned me to make sure the caliper or the bracket was not rubbing on my " new to me" spindles . Sure as heck, two spots on each one... Just a smidge that you might not notice without looking.... Couple of scuffs with a grinder takes care of it..
Be advised......

 

[Mustang5L5]

Ah forgot about that.

Yes, if installing 99-04 GT calipers on an 94-95 spindle, you need to clearance the ears slightly for the caliper pistons. Mock it up on bench first and you will see where they contact.

Basically you are removing a little material in side the red lined areas because the two pistons will sit in this valley and contact them.

 

[pindude80]

Thanks for letting me know about the clearance issue with 99+ rotors on 94/95 spindles.

Edit: issue with caliper and caliper bracket NOT rotor

 

[AeroCoupe]

Just put some 96+ spindles on it with a tapered bump steer kit and roll on down the road.

 

[limp]

Thanks for letting me know about the clearance issue with 99+ rotors on 94/95 spindles.

My comment was not about the rotors, it was about the caliper and bracket...

 

[pindude80]

My comment was not about the rotors, it was about the caliper and bracket...

Sorry, I meant clearance issue with the caliper and bracket