Brake option for the 5.0

[Misty]

Hi everyone,

I am planning to purchase a 2011 GT in a few weeks, and I have been pulling my hair out about if I should get the Brembo brake package or not.

I understand that it has a tighter suspension than a GT without it, and the rims are really nice looking. But its never going to see a race track. Im more of a cruiser than a racer, I just like hearing that growl while I'm puttering around town and knowing I have the power when I need it.

But my problem is...the tires. This vehicle (until I can save up for a cheap used car for my main commuter) is going to be my commuter car. This means ... wet roads.

Ive always had all weather tires so I'm not familiar at all with summer tires. How good are they in wet weather? Can I replace them with all weather tires? Or are summer tires the only ones that can fit on the rims? (please excuse me if that's a silly question, I'm a novice about cars)

Since I have to drive 60 miles one way to work, so a total of 120 miles round trip. Which one has a more comfortable ride, with the package or without? In you're opinion ( I know it depends on my preferences, but its nice to know what others think) which one do you guys think would be the rational choice? (not like there's anything rational about mustangs, its all about fun)

Thank you for your time and knowledge.

 

[JKidd]

OK, here goes:

1) I do not believe the Brembo-equipped cars have any different suspension than any other 2011 GT. The 2011 GT's have the suspension that was the 2010 Track-Pak suspension. The only thing different about the Brembo cars (other than the brakes, of course) is a more "lenient" programming in the traction control (allowing a bit more slip than the "standard" programming the leave a bit more room for aggressive driving with TC on).

2) If you really don't intend on driving your car that hard (in more than a straight line), you probably don't need the Brembo package.

3) The tires are nice and (relatively) sticky summer tires. They are FINE in the rain. They will not do well when it gets colder or in snow. You will need a dedicated snow tire (or all-season if you prefer) for safely driving in that type of weather. I'm sure they make all-season tires that would fit those rims but then you are paying for brakes and tires that you are not really going to use to their potential. I'm sure you could find nicer rims if you want to spend money and swap them out.

Based on all your questions, I would suggest you NOT get the Brembo package. Save that money for other things that you would really appreciate (ie. exhaust, CAI/tune, shifter, etc.).

 

[Misty]

Thanks for your reply. I think your right and I won't be going with the brembo package.

Ive read that the tires don't last long and are really expensive to replace. And considering the fact I do live in a area that gets cold, the summer tires don't make sense.

Thanks for your advice, Im finally able to take that option off the table.

 

[ArkansasHogGT]

+1 ^ JKidd

 

[1995cobraR]

1) I do not believe the Brembo-equipped cars have any different suspension than any other 2011 GT. The 2011 GT's have the suspension that was the 2010 Track-Pak suspension. The only thing different about the Brembo cars (other than the brakes, of course) is a more "lenient" programming in the traction control (allowing a bit more slip than the "standard" programming the leave a bit more room for aggressive driving with TC on).

Here is the 2010 Track Pac suspension:

GT Track Package (manual only)
Performance front/rear brake pads
GT500 Sta-Bars and rear lower control arms
Retuned struts and shocks
19-inch Pirelli Summer tires
3.73 axle ratio with carbon plates in the differential
Recalibrated AdvanceTrac®, traction control and anti-lock brakes

I can't find any official specifics on the exact numbers of the retune, but my (former) 2010 GT Tack Pac was much more stiff than the standard 2010 GT. The 2011 Brembo brake car is stiffer than the non-Brembo 2011 GT.

Another thing. The Pirelli P-Zero 255/40/ZR-19 tire will not last as long as the standard tire (I'd guess half as much). It has a treadwear rating of 220, a traction rating of AA, and a temperature rating of A. You'll pay more for tires (The P-Zero isn't cheap).

Then you will get back some of the extra cost of the Brembo package at re-sale time.

And it looks nice.

 

[Sparty92]

1. The Brembo package is an incredible deal. The wheels and tires would cost you what the price of the whole package cost = free Brembo brakes.

2. Every car on the road can benefit from better brakes/pads. Since these are basically "free", (see #1), you win.

3. Summer tires are typically excellent in the rain. They will not work when it gets very cold or there is snow on the ground. At all.

4. If you are using the car as a daily, year-round driver (with snow), get a dedicated snow tire or wheel/snow tire package. Make sure your wheels are big enough to clear the Brembo brakes (18 inch stock wheel should be fine). All-season tires will not work in the snow with a Mustang. Trust me on this. Snow tires are 100% better.

5. I have GT500 wheels/tires. The UTQG rating is 220 I believe. I have driven them for about 3-4 months this summer, and they look brand new. Tread wear all depends on how you drive. My 1995 GT had Gatorbacks rated at 220 and I got 40,000 miles on them.



If you can afford it, I'd get the package.

 

[GroverDill]

The stock GT brakes are bigger than the loved 94-03 Cobras brakes, they are more than enough.
Dual piston 13.2" rotors will be up to the task of all but hardcore open tracking.

All 2011 GTs get the same suspension, no difference from a Brembo car to a non, minus the STB

With all that said, my 11 is a BBP car

 

[billfisher]

mines a Brembo. change pads and u r track ready.

 

[2005 white s197]

The 2011 Ford Mustang brochure says that the BREMBO package comes with unique suspension tuning or "ESC".