I own a 05 GT and have 3 sets of 17" wheels; 1 for the streets (Dark Grey Bullits), 1 for winter (95 GT double-tri spokes) and 1 for the track (5Zigen flat black 18lbs wheels). I'm looking to buy a 2011 GT.

I never upgraded the calipers nor the rotors as New Take Off are so cheap and makes my track events (lapping not drag) affordable; I only upgrade the pads/fluid for events. I can say that my brakes were never a problem (fade or boiling) so the Brembos are tempting for the extra braking power but having to upgrade the rotors, pads, wheels and tires are making me think twice for going for the Brembos package.

On one hand, the current brakes with decent fluid and pads are pretty good but on the other hand upgrading to the Brembos will be a greater cost.

The make it or break it for me is if these Brembos can clear 18" wheels; there is no way I will put 19" street, winter AND track tires on this car.

Does anybody know if the Brembos will clear 18" ? A good hint would be to know what size the spare is ?

Thanks !

 

Well, if they are the same as the GT500 brakes, then 18s should clear them. Also, I would bet there is no spare, just like GT500 and 2010 GT Track Pack.

 

It really depends WHICH 18's you are talking about as there are even a few 17's that will clear 14" brakes. It's really not so much the diameter but the offset that is the issue. If you're looking for cheap wheels that will clear the brembos go one ebay and do a seach for 07-09 shelby wheels. There's a place in MI selling the GT500KR take offs for $125-$150 per wheel.

Hope that helps!

 

Well, if you use SN95 wheels, offset is definitely not issue as there is 10mm extra offset on average. But you got me excited with the 17" clearing these calipers, any examples ?

This a picture of my track wheels on the car; there is much more clearance in diameter than stock 17" and also in offset; so there is a possibility I could keep my 17" for the track

Here is a pic of the 5zigen (yeah, there is rust but I live in Canada !) Think they would clear the Brembos ????

 

2007-2009 Shelby 14" rotors with Alcon 4 piston brake calipers:







Yes, it's tight but it does fit and doesn't interfer......

 

Can't see the pics ??

 

18s should clear, but 17s will be a crapshoot.

 

I might have to ask the dealer to try to fit one of my 17" 5Zigen on a showroom car before I order the 2011 GT.

 

Don't bother--they won't fit judging by your pic. I just installed the GT500 kit on my car a couple weeks ago. I have American Muscle GT500 18's, could be a "cheap" route for you to get some wheels that clear.

However, as far as I know, if you get the factory brembos, you are also mandated to get 19" wheels from the factory.

 

Sorry, let me try it again.

Personally I'd go with the 18" 07-09 Shelby wheel if you were looking for an 18".

 

Wow.. what a perfect fit.

 

I think width is more important than height. The 2009 GT500 had 18 inch wheels and the 2010 GT500 convertible has 18 inch wheels. I think its the width, 9.5 inches, that clears the calipers.

 

It really depends on the spoke design of the wheel. The wheel hoop ID is important to clear the top faces of the caliper, but the spokes need to be far enough off of the wheel flange to clear the caliper's width.

 

I don't mind running the 19" on the streets; my streets last 3 years. My winters will last 5 years but my track last one season ! There is a major price increase from 17" to 18" and running Toyo RA1 (R888) 275/40R17 are pretty cheap. I'm sure my 5zigens would be OK on the offset (I could use spacers) and it has a bigger ID than any Ford 17". Looking at those Cobra R mags clearing the Alcons give me a little hope !

 

 

 

Does anyone know if they will work with fanblades?

 

There is not enough offset to clear the calipers.

 

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead, BUT....

What brakes are those and where can I buy them? 14" brakes + 17" track wheels = budget friendly!

 

yep the right 18"s clear with no issue: