Brake mods ( and other first mods) for a 98 Vert

Chevyguy · 09-16-2002, 10:31 AM

My Dad has a 98 Vert he bought brand new and now that his warranty has run out he is thinking of doing some upgrades ( finally!!!)

The first issue is a brake upgrade. His stock rotors warped, and were turned but are vibrating again. He has 16" summer tires and Blizzaks on the stock 16" ponys so any upgrade that requires 17" rims is out.

He had found some brake pad "green" and power slot rotors on the internet. Are those really worth the upgrade?? Any suggestions for a better braking system that fits with 16" rims??

Any other good first mods for a 98 Vert????

surfbeast · 09-16-2002, 12:43 PM

Unless you are planning on road racing or drag racing why bother upgrading the brakes? Unless you find a good deal for a better braking system on the net, then go for it. A good set of pads and the stock rotors should suffice. I'm no brake expert so I'm sure someone else will answer that part of the Question better. As far as mods, I would go with the gears first, exhaust second, then underdrives, etc... There are alot of ways to go depending on what you are trying to accomplish.

The Deuce · 09-16-2002, 07:52 PM

This is a little off topic, but I'll share it anyway in reponse to Surfbeats "why brakes?" question.

There is a Porsche tuner (RUF I believe) whose first upgrade for cars is always brakes. When questioned on the subject he replied, "It worries me when people want to make their cars go faster before getting the ability to stop or turn again. Do they WANT to kill themselves with these cars?"

I've driven a fair number of 911's, and they stop like crazy. But the first mod they do to those cars is make them stop even better.

Makes you think sometimes.

Back on topic, a vert needs structural reinforcements, try a strut tower brace and maybe a bigger sway bar. Try to get some of the flex out of the car.

Then do gears, the heavier car needs it more, and then follow the normal pattern. I would encourage him to do the brakes too, but I'm conservative by nature (bean counter)

Chevyguy · 09-17-2002, 09:09 AM

I figure since his rotors are warped, now would be a good time to do a brake upgrade. I would not normally start at the brakes first, but gotta go with the flow!!

I have the part info he had looked up at home. Those pads are VERY pricey, just wondered if really any benifit.

The funny thing is his 98 vert feels more solid than my 90 LX notch

But I can smoke him pretty good, he has the Auto and 3.27 gears??? I gotta pull the codes and I think he still has the window sticker and invoice etc....

GaryDawg · 09-17-2002, 11:31 AM

If he doesn't already have them... Subframe connectors are the most important first mod for a convertible... Saves the body from tearing over the long run...

Then drop that puppy...

Throw some gears in...

Do your exhaust and then pump up the hp...

Titan · 09-17-2002, 11:39 AM

I know you said you have the pony wheels, but look on e-bay or something and get some 17" wheels. Not only do they look better, but you can get the cobra brake kit w/ 17" wheels. I've heard nothing bad about this kit, except the price. But it works, and you get what you pay for...

Chevyguy · 09-17-2002, 12:51 PM

He's also got a set of 10 spoke 16"'s with his summer tires,

So.. Not likely to switch out two sets of rims/tires for the 13" front brakes. Plus my Dad drives like Mr Magoo sometimes and can use the extra sidewall height

Titan · 09-17-2002, 02:06 PM

Hehe...

Well then, check out http://reviews.stangnet.com and look at the section on brakes. I don't konw if it will help, but you can look at other people's opinions.

Bob98GT · 09-18-2002, 11:19 PM

i've driven a GT that had the a cobra brake system on it. after getting used to the cobra brakes, my stock GT brakes seem like poo. i'm seriously considering a brake upgrade before i do anymore power mods. you might be able to find some stuff in junk yards, but the cobra rotors might require 17+inch wheels, i'm not sure.

a question for the rest of you: are the brakes on the GT the same as on the V-6's?

Titan · 09-19-2002, 08:36 AM

the cobra brake system does require 17" rims...the front rotors are vented 13". It also requires $1700 + install (if you don't do it yourself...the instructions are shibby, would not recommend if you didn't know what you're doing).

not sure about the other ?, but my guess would be yes. I can't really see ford going out of their way to make a new upgrade for such a factory car (ford's cool like that...)

Chevyguy · 09-19-2002, 09:01 AM

Well I checked out the stangnet info then ended up at the Baer site www.baer.com

Turns out they have quite a number of systems for the 96 up stangs. The one that caught my eye was the 12" front rotor system with the PBR 2 piston calipers. That would fit with the 16" rims and would be a significant upgrade over the stock 11" rotors/calipers. There were some monster systems 13 - 15" with Alcon 4 and 6 piston calipers too
Some models offered rotor/pad upgrades can't remember if they listed the 96 up models.

More food for thought, eh.

P.S. they had up to 15" rotors avail for my Chevelle

Now my gears are turning.

Titan · 09-19-2002, 10:03 AM

ya, Baer brake systems are awesome...they look really good, too. My local performance shop has some...I so want those, but--no money. I hear baer are the best around, though. I think that site had them rated at 10.00. If you got the money, go for it...

09-16-2002, 10:31 AM	#1
Chevyguy Backyard Mechanic/Chemist Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Acton MA USA Posts: 435	Brake mods ( and other first mods) for a 98 Vert My Dad has a 98 Vert he bought brand new and now that his warranty has run out he is thinking of doing some upgrades ( finally!!!) The first issue is a brake upgrade. His stock rotors warped, and were turned but are vibrating again. He has 16" summer tires and Blizzaks on the stock 16" ponys so any upgrade that requires 17" rims is out. He had found some brake pad "green" and power slot rotors on the internet. Are those really worth the upgrade?? Any suggestions for a better braking system that fits with 16" rims?? Any other good first mods for a 98 Vert???? __________________ 2001 Crown Vic Maurader Airbox/MAF, DR chip Edel IAS shocks Single exhaust :wtf: 93 P-71 Vic interceptor Backup car now 90 5.0 LX Notch SOLD 74 Chevy Laguna type S-3 454 under construction Currently apart undergoing bodywork.

09-16-2002, 12:43 PM	#2
surfbeast Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Maryville,TN Posts: 415	Unless you are planning on road racing or drag racing why bother upgrading the brakes? Unless you find a good deal for a better braking system on the net, then go for it. A good set of pads and the stock rotors should suffice. I'm no brake expert so I'm sure someone else will answer that part of the Question better. As far as mods, I would go with the gears first, exhaust second, then underdrives, etc... There are alot of ways to go depending on what you are trying to accomplish. __________________ 98 GT / convertable -98 Saleen engine, Saleen appearance pkg. SHM cams,P&P NPI heads, and so much more!

09-16-2002, 07:52 PM	#3
The Deuce Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,325	This is a little off topic, but I'll share it anyway in reponse to Surfbeats "why brakes?" question. There is a Porsche tuner (RUF I believe) whose first upgrade for cars is always brakes. When questioned on the subject he replied, "It worries me when people want to make their cars go faster before getting the ability to stop or turn again. Do they WANT to kill themselves with these cars?" I've driven a fair number of 911's, and they stop like crazy. But the first mod they do to those cars is make them stop even better. Makes you think sometimes. Back on topic, a vert needs structural reinforcements, try a strut tower brace and maybe a bigger sway bar. Try to get some of the flex out of the car. Then do gears, the heavier car needs it more, and then follow the normal pattern. I would encourage him to do the brakes too, but I'm conservative by nature (bean counter) __________________ 1997 Mustang GT "The Freak" - 13.80 @ 101.70, 2.07 60' 1995 Honda VFR750 - not much @ really fast (actual data pending.) 1964.5 Mustang 289 Rice Haters Club Member #13

09-17-2002, 09:09 AM	#4
Chevyguy Backyard Mechanic/Chemist Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Acton MA USA Posts: 435	I figure since his rotors are warped, now would be a good time to do a brake upgrade. I would not normally start at the brakes first, but gotta go with the flow!! I have the part info he had looked up at home. Those pads are VERY pricey, just wondered if really any benifit. The funny thing is his 98 vert feels more solid than my 90 LX notch But I can smoke him pretty good, he has the Auto and 3.27 gears??? I gotta pull the codes and I think he still has the window sticker and invoice etc.... __________________ 2001 Crown Vic Maurader Airbox/MAF, DR chip Edel IAS shocks Single exhaust :wtf: 93 P-71 Vic interceptor Backup car now 90 5.0 LX Notch SOLD 74 Chevy Laguna type S-3 454 under construction Currently apart undergoing bodywork.

09-17-2002, 11:31 AM	#5
GaryDawg Registered Member Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 202	If he doesn't already have them... Subframe connectors are the most important first mod for a convertible... Saves the body from tearing over the long run... Then drop that puppy... Throw some gears in... Do your exhaust and then pump up the hp... __________________ '98 Rio Red Mustang GT 'vert (clicky) See my "User Ride"...

09-17-2002, 11:39 AM	#6
Titan Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 296	I know you said you have the pony wheels, but look on e-bay or something and get some 17" wheels. Not only do they look better, but you can get the cobra brake kit w/ 17" wheels. I've heard nothing bad about this kit, except the price. But it works, and you get what you pay for... __________________ Current Sophomore -- Mechanical Engineering Black on Black 98' GT 5-Speed Mods = Stuff

09-17-2002, 12:51 PM	#7
Chevyguy Backyard Mechanic/Chemist Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Acton MA USA Posts: 435	He's also got a set of 10 spoke 16"'s with his summer tires, So.. Not likely to switch out two sets of rims/tires for the 13" front brakes. Plus my Dad drives like Mr Magoo sometimes and can use the extra sidewall height __________________ 2001 Crown Vic Maurader Airbox/MAF, DR chip Edel IAS shocks Single exhaust :wtf: 93 P-71 Vic interceptor Backup car now 90 5.0 LX Notch SOLD 74 Chevy Laguna type S-3 454 under construction Currently apart undergoing bodywork.

09-17-2002, 02:06 PM	#8
Titan Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 296	Hehe... Well then, check out http://reviews.stangnet.com and look at the section on brakes. I don't konw if it will help, but you can look at other people's opinions. __________________ Current Sophomore -- Mechanical Engineering Black on Black 98' GT 5-Speed Mods = Stuff

09-18-2002, 11:19 PM	#9
Bob98GT Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 5	i've driven a GT that had the a cobra brake system on it. after getting used to the cobra brakes, my stock GT brakes seem like poo. i'm seriously considering a brake upgrade before i do anymore power mods. you might be able to find some stuff in junk yards, but the cobra rotors might require 17+inch wheels, i'm not sure. a question for the rest of you: are the brakes on the GT the same as on the V-6's? __________________ Bob 98 GT K&N cold air intake Cherry Bomb Vortex mufflers 3.73's Steeda Tri-ax shifter

09-19-2002, 08:36 AM	#10
Titan Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 296	the cobra brake system does require 17" rims...the front rotors are vented 13". It also requires $1700 + install (if you don't do it yourself...the instructions are shibby, would not recommend if you didn't know what you're doing). not sure about the other ?, but my guess would be yes. I can't really see ford going out of their way to make a new upgrade for such a factory car (ford's cool like that...) __________________ Current Sophomore -- Mechanical Engineering Black on Black 98' GT 5-Speed Mods = Stuff

09-19-2002, 09:01 AM	#11
Chevyguy Backyard Mechanic/Chemist Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Acton MA USA Posts: 435	Well I checked out the stangnet info then ended up at the Baer site www.baer.com Turns out they have quite a number of systems for the 96 up stangs. The one that caught my eye was the 12" front rotor system with the PBR 2 piston calipers. That would fit with the 16" rims and would be a significant upgrade over the stock 11" rotors/calipers. There were some monster systems 13 - 15" with Alcon 4 and 6 piston calipers too Some models offered rotor/pad upgrades can't remember if they listed the 96 up models. More food for thought, eh. P.S. they had up to 15" rotors avail for my Chevelle Now my gears are turning. __________________ 2001 Crown Vic Maurader Airbox/MAF, DR chip Edel IAS shocks Single exhaust :wtf: 93 P-71 Vic interceptor Backup car now 90 5.0 LX Notch SOLD 74 Chevy Laguna type S-3 454 under construction Currently apart undergoing bodywork.

09-19-2002, 10:03 AM	#12
Titan Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 296	ya, Baer brake systems are awesome...they look really good, too. My local performance shop has some...I so want those, but--no money. I hear baer are the best around, though. I think that site had them rated at 10.00. If you got the money, go for it... __________________ Current Sophomore -- Mechanical Engineering Black on Black 98' GT 5-Speed Mods = Stuff