Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

Ok heres the deal. I'm 100% done with the body of what used to be a 2001 Mustang GT. The car's body is now that of a 2003 SVT Cobra, completely repainted (again) and now I'm starting the inside. I just put in an SVT guage cluster from a wrecked Cobra (its funny to look at a car with 95,000 Miles and see 27,000 on the odometer). After I buy the leather and suede seats (3 more months of overtime) I'm done with the cosmetic aspect and will go for that Cobra Engine (minus the Eaton Supercharger) from Ford Racing. Obviously along with that comes the T-56 Transmission..Now I need a little tech help.
The rotors are rusted, I wanted to put 13" stainless steel rotors on anyway...Can I do that or should I go for the stock GT size for 2001, and can someone give me a quick 1-2 on replacing the rotors.
Next, I have new brake pads and calipers, again, I've never done brakes before...any help?...
Finally, I have an engine crane for the motor and I know how to install that, but how do I replace the clutch and install the new tranny without a lift?...Jack stands make me nervous, I don't wanna die in the garage. Also, where in this car is the starter, it seems to be in a different location than on my 1996 GT. If anyone wants a picture if what I have so far I'll be happy to post a few. I think a few good answers to THIS thread will help a lot of owners...

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

Sorry, but the starter is in the same exact location as it is in your 2001GT, right side of the motor/bellhousing down by the oil pan.

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

Thanks for the help

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

My 03 has the best brakes i ever had in a car. factory.I would use ford pads nothing else. And new rotors also.Nothing fancy. Jack stands work fine on a good concrete suface.Iwouldnt use them in dirt.Leave the brake job up to a qualified tech.Brakes are not something to play with if your not up to it.U could kill yourself or someone else!

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

Good point. I'm just trying to stay clear of labor charges.

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

OK, if you're going to spend the money to do this "Cobra clone" right. Let's get serious. First off: The Cobra brakes are Brembo 13" rotors with dual piston calipers. Not unlike what the stock GT has, only bigger. Second: I would suggest going with a set of Hawk Green pads. You will be amazed at how well the grab over stock.

Keep this little phrase in mind anytime you work on your car: "If a little is good, More is better, and Too much is just enough." It'll save you every time.

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

Ok. Now thats rear 13" rotors only, right?...They have them cross-drilled and rust proof or should I go with something direct from Ford..I've heard cross-drilled rotors are great for handling and preventing warping of the rotors...(Not that I beat on the car like that)...

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

13" Rotors in the front. The rear rotors are 11.5" or so.....I think. Cross drilled rotors are a bit iffy on the street. You'll never really build the kind of heat that would warrent having them. Cryo dip the new rotors and you should be good on the anti-warpage factor.

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

This'll work without the Independant Rear Suspension, right?..Thats' the only defining part of the 03 Cobra I wanted to leave out..only because I don't want to have to learn to drive the car all over again..plus I don't race cars. And, I obviously have to disconnect the brake line when I take the rotors off as well as getting new calipers and pads for the rotor upgrade...Anything I left out?...This stuff, besides the engine/transmission swap will be the only mechanical part of converting the car.

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

No need to worry about the IRS. All of it is the same.

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

Retailers and especially third-party parts dealers I think you ask them a question and they give you some half-labored "I could'nt give a s***" answer. I know you can give a 2001 GT a 13" and 11.65" rotor upgrade, but if I can't use the ones made for the 2003 Cobras' what CAN I use?? I asked someone if I could do the upgrade and they went "duuuuhhhh uuummmm you can't bucuz you neeed nu breaks duhhhh". So what? I can just get the appropriate calipers, pads and brake lines...right? Has anyone else done this upgrade?

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

For the front, cobra calipers and rotors with be a direct swap, for the back you need a new caliper mounting bracket, rotors and pads. The back uses the same caliper just thinner pads.

Re: Need Help: New Brakes, New Rotors, New Clutch
 

Ok thanks, thats the help I was looking for. I can use stainless steel brake lines with that set up, right?? What I did after I put the body together was put 2" aluminum piping (from an aftermarket air intake kit) behind the front bumper and thru the rear fender well covers to help cool the brakes..I heard steel brake lines were much better for reliability and durability.