kngdaka

I'm looking at sets of 18 inch polished bullitt takeoffs and heard that the stock V6 brakes need to be switched out when going to a bigger rim.

Any truth in this? Want to hear your experience with a rim switch

Avalanch3

Well think of it this way, you can get the take off GT brakes which are bigger than the V6 brakes! They are only 170 for the rear set.

But no, I haven't heard of bigger rims requiring bigger brakes, usually its the other way around.. smaller rims = smaller brakes.

TGUNS06GT

with a bigger rim you will want a bigger brake because it looks extremely weird if you have small brakes on a large rim... there would be a huge gap in behind the rim which looks kinda dumb

danbevsv6rumbler

actually... you should worry about the functionality of brakes moreso than their looks.

I upgraded to the GT Takeoffs - if they're good for stopping an extra 300lbs on the GT model, then why not?

Basically all you need are the GT rotors and the GT Caliper brackets... Maybe $100 for everything (rotors from newtakeoff.com, caliper brackets from fordpartsguy.com).

Now i have heard of issues where the v6 calipers (because of their placement in relation to the hub of the wheels) can rub on 18 in wheels...

basketballord

I think(key word) the issues with v6 calipers applies to Ford OEM and FRPP products, so you may have a problem with takeoffs. I think other aftermarket wheels don't have troubles with the v6 calipers.

loveless75

Can you put 14 inch "big brakes" on a v6 with 18inch rims?

themac5150

Yes, there were issues with the front V6 calipers and the Ford Racing 18" Bullitt wheels. There are NO issues with the 17" takeoff Bullitts. Funny, it used to state that they were not compatible with the V6, and now... no mention any where. The V6 calipers are too close to center for them from what I remember, and it rubbed. I wonder if they changed the part numbers now and they are all good to go? Hmm... Still, I checked at Tire Rack, and for the V6, they don't offer you the choice of the SVT 18" bullitt, for the GT, they do. My $.02
Oh yeah, and where are you finding take-off 18" bullitts anyway? Who'd take those off? They are making those new 18" things they're putting on the V6s these days, but I don't like'em.

157dB

I found mine on the Forum for $400 shipped. The previous owner wanted
black 18" bullitts and promptly removed the 18" chrome ones right after
the new car purchase.
Speaking for experience, the rim rubs sometime and sometimes it does not.
There are minor differences in V6 caliper mounting brackets where the
interference takes place. It just depends how much casting flash was
removed from that area when the V6 caliper brackets were being
manufactured before coating them with the rustproof coating.
Its only a problem with the OEM 18x8.5" Bullitts on V6 brake equipped S197 Stangs.
The pics below are of a V6 with the 16x7" rim, the 17X8" rim and the
problematic 18X8.5" Bullitt rim. My gap as acceptable but I went ahead
and got the GT brake caliper brackets and GT rotors because its just
worth it and fills in the caliper to rim gap better.

157dB

Oh yea, you will need steering stops also.
I have 255/45-18s and they rub on the insides
with a full lock turn with any downward suspension
movement. Slow, flat lock to lock turns produce no rub
until the front takes a dive on either side when in a full
lock turn situation. I did not get the steering stops as
they are cheap but a PITA to install.
There are three flavors availabe.
Pick the applicable part # for your application.

Note: For vehicles with 16" wheels from the factory:
-installing 17" x 8" wheels, use steering stop 4R3Z-3932-BA
-Installing 18" x 8.5" or 18" x 9.5" wheels, use steering stop 6R3Z-3932-CA
For vehicles with 17" wheels from the factory:
-installing 18" x 8.5" or 18" x 9.5" wheels, use steering stop 6R3Z-3932-CA


Search function is working pretty darn good these days.
https://mustangforums.com/forum/s197-handling-section/410203-brake-upgrade-kit.html
https://mustangforums.com/forum/v6-s197-general-discussion/446738-has-anyone-here-upgraded-from-v6-front-brakes-to-gt.html
https://mustangforums.com/forum/v6-s197-general-discussion/487633-need-help-need-to-install-wheel-stop.html
https://mustangforums.com/forum/2005-2014-mustangs/483769-upgrading-from-stock-17-bullitts.html
https://mustangforums.com/forum/2005-2014-mustangs/464836-steering-stop-with-18-wheels.html
https://mustangforums.com/forum/v6-s197-general-discussion/423931-factory-wheels-to-18-wheels.html
https://mustangforums.com/forum/v6-s197-general-discussion/453646-steering-stops.html
https://mustangforums.com/forum/s197-handling-section/453644-steering-stops.html
And just for you:
https://mustangforums.com/forum/2005-2014-mustangs/435215-where-do-you-put-a-floor-jack.html