Brake questions for 15" wheel setup (opinions and advice needed)

[dbo_texas]

I'm planning to do a complete kit build but I have a lot of questions about the brake setup that comes with the kit. I love the look of the 15" wheels with the classic high sidewall tires. My build will be mild (300-350HP) strictly street driving. I don't plan on bringing it out to the track. I'm mainly interested in getting a safe setup with good stopping power. If any of you experienced builders can provide some input/guidance this would help me out a lot. As of right now I've got very limited knowledge on this topic so really just trying to educate myself before making a poor decision down the road.


For the stock FFR front brakes that come with the complete kit (11" Mustang GT rotors w/ twin piston PBR calipers) - are these good enough for typical street driving or should I consider upgrading to something better? I'm more concerned with having a safe set of brakes over something that would be good for racing. Think emergency braking situations.
Manual vs. Power - Assuming the stock FFR brake setup, does the power option help improve stopping ability (w/ regards to improving safety)? Or is the manual sufficient and feel OK without power option? I've never driven a car without power brakes, so not sure what to assume about with vs. without. I've ready many opinions on manual vs. power with the Wilwood big brake upgrade, but not so much with the stock setup. Is this just a "feel" preference or does it make a difference in actual stopping ability?
Am I correct to assume that the Wilwood brake upgrade won't fit with the 15" wheels? Seems like the configuration page specifically says this is the case. I've done some searching and it seems like some after market kits might work with the 15" wheels (Gordy Levy 4-piston comes to mind). Are there any other options to consider? What about something like the Wilwood Dynalight 12.19" conversion kit? Says it fits 15" wheels, but not sure if that is universal, or if it is even really necessary.
If I can't do the Wilwood big brake upgrade (due to 15" wheel size), and IF the stock brakes aren't sufficient, what are potential upgrades that can be done to the stock setup to improve them keeping in mind the 15" wheel limitation? I've read several forum posts that discuss upgrading just the pads alone from the PBRs to something like Hawk HPS (for street use) makes a big difference - they give a good balance between performance and the amount of dust they generate. Anyone have opinions on this? Are there other things that can be done to improve the stock setup?
What upgrades/changes would require messing with the master cylinder? I've read you need to match the cylinder size w/ the calipers...is that also affected by power vs. manual? What other changes would dictate messing with the MC?
For the rear brakes, since they don't come with the complete kit, do you typically get these with a rear-end purchase? For example if I got the rear end from Forte's or another well respected vendor, what would be a typical rear brake setup? Is that included automatically or do you need to specify exactly what you need?


Thanks for any input. Looking forward to reading some of the responses.

[GSides9]

Only your wallet limits your options. My Coupe is a complete kit build. I bought the Cobra rear brakes as an option from FFR. The brake pads are "standard" FFR too. They fit inside the 15" FFR Halibrand style wheels. I also have the 3 link suspension. Keep in mind that the brakes are designed for a much heavier car. That said, I would feel more secure with more stopping power. That could come from a power brake setup, or different pads as you mentioned. Call Gordon. You may want to use one of his setups and get a credit for the fronts from FFR. I try to avoid mix and match stuff since you never know how it works out. If you plan on using stock-type tires the "standard" brakes may be more than enough to lock them up. My 408 Windsor makes 510 horsepower. Mike Forte does a great job with powertrains, I just don't know if he does brakes.

[Murd]

I am just wrapping up my build so can’t comment on how it stops, although I can confirm it does.
I also wanted 15” wheels and went with them and the 2 piston pbr Mustang brakes up front and the cobra rears, same as FFR offers but I got mine and the brackets from fortes. I have the wilwood pedal box manual set up and got some hawk hps pads. I also got a wilwood bias adjuster from fortes.
I figure if those Mustang brakes can stop a 3500lb Mustang they should stop a 2200lb cobra.
I also keep reading about being able to lock them up as a measure of braking power. You can lock up any brakes if you put enough pressure on the pads, the idea is to get more friction while they are still turning, either through pads that create more friction or more swept area creating more friction. Better brakes will be able to create more friction and therefore stop harder without locking up.