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1965-66 GT350 Front Brake Specs

Discussion in '1965-1970 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT500' started by SoCo66, Oct 6, 2012.

  1. Oct 6, 2012 #1
    SoCo66

    SoCo66 New Member

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    Greetings:

    I am in the process of compiling information regarding the differences between the stock 1965-'66 Mustangs and their GT350 counterparts, as my plan is to limit my Mustang's "upgrades" to period-correct Ford Cobra and/or Shelby mechanical specs.

    For all of you Shelby gurus, my specific question is in regards to the front disc brakes. I have seen a number of references to "bigger brakes" being installed on the knock-down Mustangs delivered to Shelby American (possibly borrowed from the Galaxy?). While I am aware that the calipers were the 4-piston type Kelsey-Haynes units, were there any changes to the corresponding rotors or were stock Mustang rotors used with the "larger" calipers?

    Thanks in advance for your assistance.

    pws
     
    SoCo66, Oct 6, 2012
    SoCo66, Oct 6, 2012
    #1
  2. Oct 6, 2012 #2
    OVERRIDE

    OVERRIDE Well-Known Member

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    The used 2 1/2 rear metallic brake shoes and drums. They used the same K/H calipers as the Mustang excpt they used metallic pads.
     
    OVERRIDE, Oct 6, 2012
    OVERRIDE, Oct 6, 2012
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  3. Oct 6, 2012 #3
    Bob Gaines

    Bob Gaines Well-Known Member

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    Stock 65/66 GT350's used stock 65/66 disc brakes. The" big brakes" were not race legally used until 1968 on the Trans AM cars .They were large KH calipers from the larger car line T bird and the like. The larger calipers used larger rotors too. The big brakes were retro fit upgrades on 65-67 cars or are considered "cheater" brakes by many vintage race venues on 65-67 cars.
     
    Bob Gaines, Oct 6, 2012
    Bob Gaines, Oct 6, 2012
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  4. Oct 8, 2012 #4
    SFM6S087

    SFM6S087 Well-Known Member

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    As noted above the GT350 changes were:
    Front – replace stock pads with metallic “racing” pads
    Back – replace the stock drums & shoes with larger 2 1/2” wide versions
    The replacement rear shoes had metallic linings to match the front pads

    If you use original type metallic pads & shoes on your car get ready for a little excitement the first time you come to a stop. When cold, they are quite ineffective. You’ll find yourself pushing the brake pedal harder and harder wondering if you’re ever going to start slowing down. I don’t recommend them unless you absolutely must have that original GT350 experience. There are much better materials to pick from today.

    Steve
     
    SFM6S087, Oct 8, 2012
    SFM6S087, Oct 8, 2012
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  5. Oct 9, 2012 #5
    turbonut48

    turbonut48 New Member

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    Heck Yea ! I remember the first stop I did with my 1968 GT350. I rolled right past the stop sign by over a car length.

    You Have to drag them for a while when you leave your driveway.
    Get some heat in them, they work great !
    After the first scare, you never forget.

    The Nut
     
    turbonut48, Oct 9, 2012
    turbonut48, Oct 9, 2012
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