thinking about down-grading brakes

M

MPETE

New Member

Jul 28, 2011

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Aug 18, 2011

#1

• Aug 18, 2011

• #1

AM I CRAZY????
I have an 07 GT 5spd. I use it for DD duties. I dont auto-x or drag race (may try it eventually just to see what the car will do). I do like the way the GT brakes feel, but are the V6 brakes really THAT MUCH worse. the only difference between the 2 is the saddle and the rotors. I just cant see them being a noticable difference for street driving since the pads and calipers are the same. I have access to a complete set of V6 wheels that I'd like to use for the winter duties, but of course they wont fit the front and I hate the idea of running mismatched wheels.

I am going to need brakes soon anyhow so this seems like the ideal time to do this.

has anyone else done this? am I really that crazy for wanting the smaller rotors?

 

StangBaby75

New Member

Jul 22, 2011

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Aug 18, 2011

#2

• Aug 18, 2011

• #2

No man, I wouldn't be quick to label you loony for wanting to "downgrade" your brakes. While I have not had personal experience performing this mod I have had a few friends swap out their larger rotors for smaller ones on other cars before.

Is there any other incentive for swapping the brakes besides the fact that you fancy the V-6 wheels? Is it a matter of finances? If so then you would actually end up paying more cash if you started buying the V-6 rotors. If I remember correctly, the V-6 rotors (part # **3Z-1125-AA) run about $70 compared to the GT's $55 price tag. Weird, right?

 

M

MPETE

New Member

Jul 28, 2011

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Aug 18, 2011

#3

• Aug 18, 2011

• #3

its not a matter of finances perse, I dont want to run the 18's in the winter. I have other vehicles to drive when it snows, but on just normal winter months driving it will be in the stang. I keep my polished alum wheels pretty clean but dont want to have to polish them more than I absolutely HAVE to.
the V6 wheels would be my winter wheels, plus I was gonna put some SKINNIES on it so if by chance I happen to get stuck at work and it starts snowing I am not completely unprepared. got caught a couple times like that last year.

as for prices, I work for a Ford parts dept so I get some pretty good prices anyway, but you are correct in the fact that OEM V6 rotors ARE more expensive than GT's. not exactly sure why, but it is what it is.

thanks for your input. I would still like to find someone who drives both V6 and GT stangs regularly that can reassure me that V6 brakes arent significantly worse than GT's

 

streethorse

15 Year Member

Oct 8, 2005

1,042

6

58

Dallas Texas

Aug 18, 2011

#4

• Aug 18, 2011

• #4

You are crazy, If it aint broke dont fix it. GT's have better brakes for a reason,
not for looks. I dont know where your at but Craigs list in Dallas has
tons of OEM wheels for sale....CHEAP.

 

guspech750

Member

Mar 26, 2011

28

0

6

Aug 18, 2011

#5

• Aug 18, 2011

• #5

Never ever downgrade brakes!! Ever!! Just buy a set of extra rims and snow tires.


---
- Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

 

M

MPETE

New Member

Jul 28, 2011

5

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Aug 18, 2011

#6

• Aug 18, 2011

• #6

streethorse said:

You are crazy, If it aint broke dont fix it. GT's have better brakes for a reason,
not for looks. I dont know where your at but Craigs list in Dallas has
tons of OEM wheels for sale....CHEAP.

Click to expand...

I am in MD and around here it appears that GT wheels are worth mint.

 

R

racerraj

Founding Member

Dec 17, 2001

493

32

39

Dickson, TN

Aug 19, 2011

#7

• Aug 19, 2011

• #7

I shouldn't be sarcastic, but...
Put smaller brakes on it, Put smaller front tires on it, then tag somebody from behind. Probably wouldn't feel so good then.

Really would be better to adjust wheel size.

 

M

MPETE

New Member

Jul 28, 2011

5

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Aug 20, 2011

#8

• Aug 20, 2011

• #8

ok thanks for the input. I am not saying I am definitely going to do it, I was just asking if it was a noticeable difference between the 2 different size rotors.

after re-evaluating I dont think I will be going this route.

 

W

Wind-Farmer

Member

Sep 2, 2008

268

1

18

Minnesota

Sep 4, 2011

#9

• Sep 4, 2011

• #9

I have my brakes off my 09 GT sitting around, about 5,000 miles on them. Whole setup, if your interested (pads, rotor, caliper, brackets) fronts only.

 

Souldriver

New Member

Aug 30, 2011

20

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0

Sep 4, 2011

#10

• Sep 4, 2011

• #10

Never downgrade brakes. why downgrade brake rims and tires when you can just get winter tires are rims.

 

H

hrspwr

New Member

Jun 18, 2009

20

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1

Lacey, Washington

Sep 5, 2011

#11

• Sep 5, 2011

• #11

I recently made the upgrade to the GT brakes on my V-6. There's not much difference around town, but at faster speeds there is quite a difference. I wouldn't go back that's for sure. If you shop around sooner of later you'll find a second set of wheels for winter use at a decent price.