Going to go pick up some 18 x 8.5 Chrome Bullet take-offs from a 2008 Shelby GT. I was pricing these rims new at Ford Racing and they make it sound like you MUST put on the V6 to GT brake upgrade in order for these wheels to fit.

Is this so?

 

I've heard the V6 caliper will come into contact with the wheel on the front. I think someone ground their caliper a small amount to clear it but don't quote me on it. I'm running 20's on V6 brakes without issue.

 

That is correct. It is very easy.

 

OK, it looks like this issue depends on whether these are 18 x 8 or 18 x 8.5 wheels. It turns out the wheels I got are the 18 polished aluminum, not chrome. Standard for the 2008 Shelby GT.

Ford Parts on-line says they are 18 x 8.5 and Ford Accessories says they are 18 x 8 (same exact part number, too.)

Guess I will be whipping out the old measuring tape after work this evening.

 

Yep, these are 18 x 8.5 wheels as embossed on the back. So I will be ordering the front brake upgrade kit today.

 

dont get the front brake upgrade just get a set of gt rotors and the gt caliper brackets anybody that upgraded their brakes should have them for sale, I have the brackets somewhere in the garage the kit is like 150 to 170 isnt it? Why would you have to upgrade the brakes to put bigger wheels on? I have 18s on stock from the factory when i up graded to gt brakes still no clearance issues.

 

The Ford Racing upgrade kit is the one I am talking about - new GT rotors and caliper brackets. It lists for $159.

Like you, the logic of having problems with bigger wheels didn't make any sense. Until I did some measuring and test fitting last night.

The clearance problem is NOT with the outer edge of the wheel, but the inner. The center section of the wheel is a bit larger. The GT brake upgrade moves the caliper out farther from the center of the wheel, thus providing the clearance needed.

 

I got mine for $60 bucks used, What did you get your bullitts for ?

 

I paid $750 for the entire set including the stock BF Goodrich G-Force tires with 1500 miles on them. I priced everything out and it's like I got the wheels for free. These tires are $725 out the door at Discount Tire.

IIRC, these wheels are $425 a piece at Ford Accessories which would have made my package cost me about $2400 new.

The story is some guy bought a new Shelby GT, put 1500 miles on it and took it to a speed shop and told them, "Make a race car out of it". I bought the wheel/tire set from the shop.

 

I wish I could find a deal like that

 

One word: Craigslist.

I check the local version every day under Auto Parts. This is the first time it paid off.

 

I picked up the Brake Upgrade Kit from my local dealer yesterday. Those GT rotors look like cast iron family size pizzas. They are HUGE!