Cobra vs. PBR calipers

Al J · Oct 13, 2007

I've got the 2003 PBR calipers on my '95, & was just offered a deal on some used 97 Cobra calipers.
They both seem to be 2-piston models.
Is the Cobra better, worse or about the same?
Also, when I went to the PBRs, I retained the small stock '95 rotors---is a larger rotor an improvement?

blksn955.o · Oct 13, 2007

PBR is a company name, the 99+ v6/GT brakes and cobra brakes are both PBR.

The cobra setup is better as it uses a larger dia. rotor that gives the brakes more leverage/stoping force over the smaller dia. rotor that is run with the 99+ v6/GT setup.

BlownFiveLiter · Oct 13, 2007

Larger rotor = more surface area and less heat to dissipate.

The PBR calipers are maybe half a step below the Cobra's (the Cobra calipers are actually a PBR caliper, btw), but still a definite improvement over the stockers. If you're running the PBR's now, you probably won't notice any difference if you swap the Cobra calipers on, unless you repeatedly try to stop from high speeds. Then the Cobra's 13" rotor will excel when you have a lot less brake fade.

Edit: I was beat to the punch

parchisi · Oct 13, 2007

a 13" rotor will help with stopping faster because of the longer moment arm. Larger radius = more stopping "leverage" so to speak.

Al J · Oct 15, 2007

So Its larger rotors I need, not Cobra calipers?
I just used the stock '95s.

blksn955.o · Oct 15, 2007

Actually for the larger rotor you will need the cobra caliper, baer caliper, Brembo, SSB, ect designed for the larger rotor. FWIW the Cobra and baer are the same caliper.

The cobra caliper mounts to the stock location but is setup to sit higher...ie...the caliper is cast to have a taller mounting area.

Since the stock and 99+ PBR use the smaller rotor you would need some kind of bracket to raise the mounting point of these calipers. None exist to my knowledge.

2002BLGT · Oct 15, 2007

the 99 up PBRs are a good cheap upgrade , but if you can get a deal on cobra brakes they are a much better improvement over even the 99 up PBR brakes ....

Al J · Oct 16, 2007

Weighing Options----
If I wanted to use the PBR calipers w/a larger (13") rotor, what would I need to fit the calipers to the larger rotor?

94-302-vert · Oct 16, 2007

Are the PBRs already installed?

If so and you sometimes want more braking performance, go with the cobras... if you are happy then stay with what you have...

If the PBRs are not installed go cobra all the way...

Killercanary · Oct 16, 2007

Al J said:
Weighing Options----
If I wanted to use the PBR calipers w/a larger (13") rotor, what would I need to fit the calipers to the larger rotor?

Like was already said above, if you want to use the PBR caliper with the 13" rotor you would need a way to space the caliper out to accommodate the larger diameter rotor. I too have never heard of anyone selling these so if you want a 13" rotor, you need the cobra calipers.

Al J · Oct 16, 2007

Thanks.I'm convinced. The 97 Cobras w/13' rotors are for me.
The Cobra calipers take the coarse banjo bolt, don't they?
I had to change to the fine ones for the '03 brakes, and the later braided metal lines--guess I have to buy a new set of those to fit the Cobras on, too.

inphiniti · Oct 16, 2007

Al J said:
Thanks.I'm convinced. The 97 Cobras w/13' rotors are for me.
The Cobra calipers take the coarse banjo bolt, don't they?
I had to change to the fine ones for the '03 brakes, and the later braided metal lines--guess I have to buy a new set of those to fit the Cobras on, too.

thats correct... BuyFordRacing.com has all that stuff, thats where i purchased all my goodies...

reddy351 · Oct 16, 2007

Al J said:
Thanks.I'm convinced. The 97 Cobras w/13' rotors are for me.
The Cobra calipers take the coarse banjo bolt, don't they?
I had to change to the fine ones for the '03 brakes, and the later braided metal lines--guess I have to buy a new set of those to fit the Cobras on, too.

Just so you know, beforehand....the Cobra brakes don't fit under 16" wheels. If you have aftermarket braided hoses, you should be able to re-use them.

SVT32VDOHC · Oct 18, 2007

If you already have the 11" PBR's from the 99+ I wouldn't bother switching to the 13" Cobra's. First of all, if all you do is street and 1/4 mile driving, then you don't need to upgrade, you have already upgraded your stopping power. IF you were autocrossing or having 60-0 stopping contests with your buddies...(who does that??) then I wouldn't waste your time.

I have a 96 Cobra and I have a 91 notch with the PBR 11" GT calipers and the stock rear drums....and my notch rivals the stopping power of the Cobra.

I upgraded my 95 GT to the 94-01 Cobra calipers, lines, and rotors and it SUCKED!! I don't know if I was supposed to change the master, because the booster is the same, but they were hard as a rock and would not stop.

go-stang5.0 · Oct 18, 2007

Agreed for street driving you won't notice anything. If you drive hard and need to shave off 100mph in a hurry REPEATEDLY or like to go to you local expressway cloverleaf at 3 a.m. to check on suspension adjustments or to bed brake pads or heat cycle tires like me , then the cobra brakes may be of use to you. But even then there not that great. Mine will be up for sale as soon as I can afford some brembo cobra r calipers.

blksn955.o · Oct 18, 2007

Lets not forget the important factor of pads. Hawk or EBC pads can make a world of diff. in braking.

go-stang5.0 · Oct 18, 2007

I dont like EBC...Hawk is good. But if you dont mind a bit of noise look into some more exotic stuff like ferrodo or carbotech. Both make some very nice "relatively street friendly" pads. I like carbotech cuz all their pad compounds have good cold stopping power, from the most basic to their raciest pads. I run the XP10's on the street and track (recommended for track use only), theres nothing quite like pulling up to a bus stop and seeing all the people cringe as the high pitched squeal of your brake pads pierces their ears.

2002BLGT · Oct 22, 2007

SVT32VDOHC said:
If you already have the 11" PBR's from the 99+ I wouldn't bother switching to the 13" Cobra's. First of all, if all you do is street and 1/4 mile driving, then you don't need to upgrade, you have already upgraded your stopping power. IF you were autocrossing or having 60-0 stopping contests with your buddies...(who does that??) then I wouldn't waste your time.

I have a 96 Cobra and I have a 91 notch with the PBR 11" GT calipers and the stock rear drums....and my notch rivals the stopping power of the Cobra.

I upgraded my 95 GT to the 94-01 Cobra calipers, lines, and rotors and it SUCKED!! I don't know if I was supposed to change the master, because the booster is the same, but they were hard as a rock and would not stop.

that sounds weird , never heard of that being an issue .......

hollywoodstang · Oct 23, 2007

Cobra calipers w/13" discs = No skinnies for the front.

Cobra vs. PBR calipers

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