Hi All! Just curious if anyone has ran Wilwood front brakes on a Mustang II suspension? Curious if it stops better than the 11" Granada rotors and GM metric calipers kit that is usually included with a Mustang II kit nowadays? I know this isn't the most proper place to ask this question. But Being its the OT section I figured there were at least a few that have done this conversion before. Thanks!
something i often thought about.big problem with the metric gm calipers is rust .mp power brakes do a kit with zinc finish on calipers and brackets.wilwood calipers look very nice but not all their calipers have dirt seals on the pistons.i fitted performance machine calipers on a harley i had.they looked well but some calipers have thin linings on the pads and dont last too long.their basic 2 piston caliper was the best all round caliper with plenty lining on the pads .something to think about if you drive in less than ideal conditions
Depends on what caliper you're looking at, but the GM Metric caliper is basically a single piston caliper whereas the Wilwood is probably going to be a four piston unit. So, you're comparing a caliper that is basically pushing against itself with a large, single piston versus four smaller pistons that are clamping the rotor evenly. The Wilwood is likely the better design and in my opinion, work very well, but it depends on what you're after. On a light car, the GM Metric brakes are probably more than enough. In a full-size car that's going to be driven even slightly aggressively, I think you'll find the Wilwood brakes are a logical improvement.
https://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/B...&option=Superide+II++(74-78+Mustang+II+Based)why settle for 4 pistons
Very good points. I have a '51 Ford F-1 that has metric calipers on it. I've never been happy with the way it stops. The truck gets driven a lot! so I'm looking for a decent upgrade as well as making sure that what I get is reliable and doesn't give me more grief. Thanks!
Since this is in OT, I'll mention that tires will make a big difference in stopping, along with pads. I doubt the metric calipers on that F1 are getting pushed beyond design, unless it's got a half ton of stuff in back all the time. It's probably the components used. I PM'ed this to another member. It shows how much of a difference tires can have even on a late model that has all the brakes and suspension, something the F1 probably isn't as refined in. It may be long and boring to vintage guys, but the testing is shown and the results are clear. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXNolTd5i20
.i havnt purchased the calipers yet .but i spoke with a helpfull guy at master power brakes.he asked about vacuum for the booster.ive changed a cam for one that will give better vacuum. and changed pads for hawk pads .not on the road yet so cant comment also reworked my brake pedal it was bottoming out on a bump on the floor.have max travel now. wilwood do their version of the metric caliper in 1 piston and 2 piston versions.the pads arnt any bigger than the metric caliper so i wouldnt expect any great improvment there
I have the older Wilwoods that had the external line connecting the halves on my 28 A PU with power brakes on GM 11" rotors on a mustang type II suspension. More brakes than the 205/60-15 tires can support . They look nice on a fancy chrome and SS suspension but you can't really see them . Lot of muscle car guys run them hard for many miles. the lighter unsprung weight is nice , aftermarket rotors would be even better. I didn't need power brakes and im even considering removing the booster as there a bit touchy and easy to lock up Here is the suspensionthr day a bolt to the arm came off
There have been many threads about the metric calipers. Not everybody was happy with them. I'm among that group. I think it's important to remember that most kits are designed to a price point. Then they have all of the upgrades.
I got a 36 Ford incomplete project with a M2 front. Bought a Wilwood brake kit fairly late in the build process only to find it pushed the wheels out an inch or so each side, that nobody mentioned, or was it that mine was already narrower than stock? I never knew what the rotors that were on it ever were, and I had no calipers or brackets hence the Wilwoods. Looked for a replacement. Got a lead on kinda secret Wilwood stuff, combination of parts not sold as a kit, but doing that from the UK seemed kinda troublesome. Ended up with a Baer kit that was narrower than stock and approximately replaced the narrow original setup. Brakes worked great. They were 2 pot calipers with the pots on one side, like the gm's, but double. Wilwoods as daily driver? They're principally race stuff which will be thoroughly serviced every season. I've had a pair of dynalites get gummed up over time to the extent that they quite literally stopped working! I thought it was me ageing! Stripdown and cleanup was comparatively simple though, but they'd never seen harsh conditions, eg Road salt. All this happened as they don't have the outer seals / bellows, just the fluid seal. I note Wilwood now do offer calipers with the outer seals, probably for this very reason? Finally, I also have a 41 Chevy Coupe with m2 front with metric calipers, 350 motor. Stops great. No complaints. Chris
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