Upgrading front brakes questions...

[Misanthropy]

Since my tires need to be replaced on the 98 Mark VIII I just purchased and it has the typical front end vibration under braking I am looking for consolidated advice.

I would be looking to Upgrade the front brakes to the 13" rotors ? I Looking for the big brake package as a whole.

I would like to add cobra 5 star rims. 18"

1.) Are the Cobra rims bolt on to the stock hubs? I read a few searched talking about modifying the bolt pattern.... I thought part of the appeal of these rims was that they are direct swaps.

2.) If i Did change the bolt pattern on the front I would assume the rear would be the same?

3.) I read several posts about relocation brackets for the rear brakes to add a larger size mustang rotor, without having to change the caliper. Are these still available and have they ever had any broken welds or issues? Is this recommended?

Really just looking to make sure before I dive into this i get experienced members that have done the swaps 2 cents.

 

[Lvnmarks]

You can do just the brake swap on the front, but you will need to run at least a 17" rim. Most hub swap all 4 corners because it opens up options. There are 17" Mark VIII bolt options too but end up cost more because of the unusual bolt pattern.

 

[Misanthropy]

Who sells the best brake upgrade kit ?

 

[Lvnmarks]

Buy a used set of 99 and up Mach 1 or cobra 13" calipers/brackets and a new set of pads and rotors.

Personally I'd buy new brackets because I hate how mine rattle, even after powder coating.

 

[MarkVIIIMarc]

Brake upgrades interest me. We upgrade rear axles and exhaust for the obvious reasons.

My 68 Mustang's factory manual drum brakes leave a bit to be desired. I am in the midst of a slow power upgrade. Even they lock up the wheels. Its just takes such force to do it manually they are difficult to finesse. Also the drums have a tendency to pull, don't like extreme wet situations much and sometimes need manual adjustment.

The OEM brakes on my MarkVIII lock up the wheels pretty well in normal use so I question what you will gain by upgrading. If you actually heat them up enough and experience fade that would be something to eliminate.

 

[driller]

The OEM brakes on my MarkVIII lock up the wheels pretty well in normal use so I question what you will gain by upgrading.

If you would ever drive a Mark VIII with 'Cobra' brakes, you would immediately see the difference, even in 'normal' driving.

 

[Misanthropy]

I am going not just for look, but for safety. I want to replace them mostly because the crap rotors that are on the mark VIII should be replaced with drilled/slotted of some type to keep them from warping under heavy breaking circumstances (daily driving in the bay area)

If I am going to spend the money on quality parts I mine as well knock out an upgrade at the same time.

 

[beerdog]

I have never heard of anyone saying a brake upgrade was not worth the cost or effort.

 

[KStromberg]

I have Cobra brakes all around. 13" up front and 11.5" out back with relocation brackets that clear my 15" racestars wheels. Another consideration when approaching this is to hit up spinningwheels-sc.com and buy the braided stainless line ends. That will eliminate the rubber lines and they will not expand under brake line pressure.

 

[beerdog]

Yes, braided lines will make a difference.

 

[Misanthropy]

I have Cobra brakes all around. 13" up front and 11.5" out back with relocation brackets that clear my 15" racestars wheels. Another consideration when approaching this is to hit up spinningwheels-sc.com and buy the braided stainless line ends. That will eliminate the rubber lines and they will not expand under brake line pressure.

Ordered the stainless line ends. Thank you!

Are the relocation brackets still purchasable?

 

[beerdog]

I am pretty sure you can get the brackets. check the facebook marketplace.

 

[KStromberg]

Ordered the stainless line ends. Thank you!

Are the relocation brackets still purchasable?

I bought mine from David Dalke who is a tuner and engine builder for the Supercoupe guys. He dabbles a lot with T-birds and Cougars but definitely knows his way around these cars as well. PM him on Facebook. If you are not on the social network, let me know and I can get you his contact information.

 

[Misanthropy]

Thanks man! I never even thought about Facebook being a source for vendors and enthusiasts..... aside from the LOD facebook that I can't access if it still exists.

 

[driller]

LOD on FaceBook

 

[MarkVIIIMarc]

If you would ever drive a Mark VIII with 'Cobra' brakes, you would immediately see the difference, even in 'normal' driving.

I'm dense sometimes.

What is the difference? If I hit my brakes they lock up and the ABS kicks in. Is the pedal firmer or something en route to locking up or is it easier to lock them up so you have more control?

 

[driller]

Significantly less pedal pressure is required with the Cobra brakes. It gives you much better brake reaction with less effort.

 

[beerdog]

rotors will warp less if you are an aggressive breaker.