Why does ford say to upgrade to m-2300-d brake kit when installing the 18x8.5 bullitt wheels? I put one on and it seems like everything clears just fine.

 

The front brakes on the V6 are not big enough to handle the rotational mass of the larger rims. You will see increased brake pad wear and at high speeds you will see longer stopping distances. Upgrade your front brakes to the Gt version.

 

that's not it at all. but good guess...
It's only a clearance issue, the bullitt wheels hit the front calipers.
The kit relocates them out a little further.







.

 

Well, I ran the v6 brakes on 18x9 Magnum 500's for two years and the Powerslot rotors and Hawk pads wore normally, even autocrossing. I run GT fronts now , same rotors/pads, no issues. Rear brakes are same on GT as V6 and I know lot of folks run 18 and up rims, no issues. I run 17" Bullitts in winter with snow tires, no issues, 2005 V6 car.

 

you could run any size on the V6. the ONLY issue is specifically with the 18x8.5 Bullitt wheels. that's it,
it's the way they're shaped, nothing to do with them being 18's

 

Good thing we have options then :-)

 

I ran 20" Foose Nitrous on the V6 brake setup....had a little extra wear, but nothing huge. Car handled great, and with the extras I did to the car, had no problem getting up and going, and then stopping again.

 

Yeah those Bullitt rims are very specific on fitment.