After 8 months of shopping, research and comparisons -- really looking for a big brake kit, I finally decided to try a rotor / pad swap instead. I just like my wheels too much and really didn't want to have to replace them. I have ordered the DBA 2 pc slotted kangaroo paw rotors for the front and the slotted one piece kangaroo paw rotors for the rear with Hawk HPS pads. When they arrive and I get them installed, I'll post pictures and give my view on how they compare to stock. Anyone have any fluid suggestions?

 

So those will fit with the stock CS wheels?
Where did you order them from?

 

They are a 2 piece oe sized rotor so yes they will fit any wheel that fits stock. They are real nice but pricey.

 

I purchased them through Steeda. Information on the rotors and some pretty impressive testimonials -- including an upgrade of a WRX-STI with Brembo calipers are on their web site at www.dba.com.au. They are stock replacements - no need to change brackets, calipers, etc. I already have the Steeda Stainless brake lines and so I'm looking for good things from these. I've attached a picture of the rotors. We'll see how they work. I ought to get them installed over Labor Day -- and will post pics then.

Next upgrade will be tires. I'm still dissapointed with the 235-50-18 BFG's that are stock -- I'm working on whether to go with 275-45-18's or the more standard 255-45-18's to get more rubber on the road.

 

Do the 275's. They fit just fine and make a world of difference in handling.

 

Won't he have to change wheels to do that properly and safely?
You have 9.5" rims. I don't really have any interest in changing rims.

 

Yes... he will definitely will need to change rims to go with the 275's. No doubt. If he or you want to stay with the stockers than the 255's are as wide as you can go safely. But the 275's give you almost 8 more inches of rubber on the ground combined and it really is worth the expense to upgrade to the wider tire that in my opinion should have been an option for us thru Ford.

 

Great way to go, but I haven't found any 9.5-10" wheels that look like the stock 18" 64W Bullitts.
Do you know of any with the euro rim edge in that size.

 

No but Tom281 has some great looking aftermarket 9.5 inch wide (Chrome) Bullitts that look just awesome but I don't know what brand they are. If you like the chrome style his look great!! He is also running 275 wide tires. Send him a PM.
Scott

 

I would be willing to go with chrome no problem.
Tom's wheels are nice, but not the exact same style.
It will still be a little longer before I wear out my rubber.
Maybe they will come out with a better match to the 64W that's on the CS and my car.

 

Actually, you can use the 275-45's but not the 275-40's on the 8.5 inch Bullits. 8.5 inch wheels are the minimum allowed size on the 275-45's but you need a 9" wheel for the 275-40's. The 45's have a .5" larger diameter than stock 27.7 v. 27.2. The 255-45-18's are 27.0. Since my car is lowered, I'm thinking that the extra quarter inch and the slightly higher sidewall may be of benefit. The rotors are scheduled to arrive Monday. I'll post pics. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to install them next week.

 

I'll add another vote for the 275/40 size, and as for the wheels, you CAN get the stockers widened...

 

Where did you see that 8.5" was the minimum RECOMMENDED size for 275-45?
I looked at Tire Rack and didn't find any tires that said that.
No matter what, personally I wouldn't want to run that combo.

 

Check the tire specs for the size and tire on Tire Rack.com. It shows a "rim width range" of 8.5" - 10.5" for the 275-45-18's from Pirelli, Michelin and Continental. The Bridgestone's don't have a number filled in their, but you can find it on their site.

I'm interested in your reasoning on the combo. I have seen other users who have been happy with the size. Is it the tire size or the tire size / wheel size that makes you reach that decision?

Thanks.

 

Maybe I should have said "narrowest" rather than "minimum".

 

I just think that too narrow a rim doesn't support the tire well enough in hard cornering.
Happy with does not always mean safest.

 

i too like the stock CS wheels, but i dont like the way they tuck in the fenderwell and the rears need to be wider. my solution will be 1 inch spacers from mustangwheelspacers.com and eventually adding an inch or two to the stock rims by selding them to weldcraft (weldcraftwheels.com/Wide.htm). doesnt save much money as the spacers are $280 for all four plus install kit and the wheels will be about $235 each to be widened. then you have to by the rubber for them.

 

Got the rotors & pads installed today. As the guy who helped me said, "you can stop on a dime and get a nickel in change. Noticeable improvement in grab and feel. I think that they're worth the money. +++ they look good. If Hanna doesn't keep me in the dark garage tomorrow -- and there is some sunshine, I'll take and post some pics.

 

Here are the pics of the installed two piece DBA's as promised. With the HPS pads and the Steeda braided lines, they are sweet.

 

So how does it feel compared to stock? Can you see much of a difference?