Front brake modifications to fit 18s

[Nate22]

Looking to buy some new wheels for my GT350. Really like the Apex wheels. 19x11s. But before i order i see in their site, they show some gt350s running 18s on the front with "modifications" anyone know the most affordable way to do this? I found an older thread on track mustangs online talking about some rotors racingbrake makes along with modifications to the oem calipers but they only show carbon brakes now on their website.

Thanks in advance

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[Inthehighdesert]

Is there a reason wanting to go to 18’s?

 

[Nate22]

Is there a reason wanting to go to 18’s?

Lighter, more sidewall, cheaper, more wheel options, more tire options, etc...

 

[Inthehighdesert]

Interesting. Assuming you’re aiming at quarter mile setups.

Lighter, more sidewall, cheaper, more wheel options, more tire options, etc...

 

[Nate22]

Interesting. Assuming you’re aiming at quarter mile setups.

No, not really.

 

[Nightmonkey]

Lighter, more sidewall, cheaper, more wheel options, more tire options, etc...

The Base GT aims for this preferences...
Feels like you are in the wrong car?

Otherwise, get some forged 19" or 20" wheels.

 

[Nate22]

The Base GT aims for this preferences...
Feels like you are in the wrong car?

Otherwise, get some forged 19" or 20" wheels.

Lol no 18s are definitely the choice for performance. There's a reason IMSA GTD, Australian Supercar, Mustang Challenge, etc... all use 18s

 

[EFI]

The Base GT aims for this preferences...
Feels like you are in the wrong car?

For a road racing car those are highly desirable preferences.

 

[Nightmonkey]

From my point of view the 19" are perfect for "not in a straight line"-performance, with the option for a big brake.
There a plenty of light weight wheels with this diameter, that fit with the brake.
The 350(R) brake may require 20" for some wheel designs, as far as I know.

 

[EFI]

From my point of view the 19" are perfect for "not in a straight line"-performance, with the option for a big brake.
There a planty of light weight wheels with this diameter, that fit with the brake.

There are alot of wheel options, but not tires. Neither are the prices as for some reason 19s and significantly more expensive than 18s. And the more serious you get in terms of skill and speed, your tire choices get even more limited in the 19+ size.

 

[Nightmonkey]

I don't see how this will work with the brakes, maybe @Nate22 can share his findings, if here nothing comes up.
Over here is someone with the 350R brake (same as 350 except color, as far as I know) on a Bullitt, was even with 20" Shelby CS11 a tight fit, that required some spacers. That's nothing you want for track performance.

 

[JAJ]

Essex AP Racing kits will, I think, let you run 18's. You wouldn't need the "full race" kit, but figure on new calipers and rotors with all the hardware needed to install them. The Racing Brake kit will also get the job done (I have it). If RB has dropped the iron rotors, their caliper kit with work with any OEM dimension 380mm rotor - the caliper centerline and pad position is matched to the OEM setup. Call them and have a chat.

 

[Optimum Performance]

Looking to buy some new wheels for my GT350. Really like the Apex wheels. 19x11s. But before i order i see in their site, they show some gt350s running 18s on the front with "modifications" anyone know the most affordable way to do this? I found an older thread on track mustangs online talking about some rotors racingbrake makes along with modifications to the oem calipers but they only show carbon brakes now on their website.

Thanks in advance

AP Racing brake kit would allow you to run 18"s and have far superior braking on top of that.

 

[Nate22]

Essex AP Racing kits will, I think, let you run 18's. You wouldn't need the "full race" kit, but figure on new calipers and rotors with all the hardware needed to install them. The Racing Brake kit will also get the job done (I have it). If RB has dropped the iron rotors, their caliper kit with work with any OEM dimension 380mm rotor - the caliper centerline and pad position is matched to the OEM setup. Call them and have a chat.

Thanks these are are what I've been looking for. Can't believe I haven't found them in my research.
A little more than I wanted to spend. But still a great price all things considered

 

[Ewheels]

You need new calipers to run 18" wheels. That's the only way to do it.
The only reason one would do this is to run slicks. I suppose you would save money on 'regular' tires as well over the years but not sure it's worth the $$$ for a new caliper setup.

I know several people who have done this and all of them did it for the weight savings, increased braking performance, and to run slicks.

The Base GT aims for this preferences...
Feels like you are in the wrong car?

Otherwise, get some forged 19" or 20" wheels.

OP wants to do a performance mod on a performance car....how is he in the wrong car?
Putting 20" wheels on a GT350 would mean he's in the wrong car

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