MK4 + IRS + 15” Wheels - What brakes to buy?

[P100DHG]

Hello all on the Roadster side. I have managed to wonder over here after a lull in my coupe build. If you have ever found yourself wondering over on the Coupe side of the forum you may have seen my build progressing. While my build is out at paint and upholstery the wheels in my head are turning about the possibility of what might be next.

I love the look of the 15” wheels with those meaty side walls. But also want the option of putting on 18” wheels. So my constraints are a 15” wheel and therefore limiting the brake size. I can order what Factory Five offers but I was wondering if anyone has enjoyed success with another brake kick with drilled and slotted rotors and high performance brake pads.

If you have any advice I would love it. Any specifics are great. Thanks!

- Danny

[Yama-Bro]

Hi Danny! Gordon Levy has a 4 piston Wilwood brake package that I purchased that does exactly what you are asking. He put together a combo of Wilwood parts that gets you the biggest brakes you can fit under the 15" FFR Halibrand replica rims. It's a nice kit. I installed them awhile back, but haven't finished my roadster yet to know how they perform. I suspect very good. Check out my build thread for pics and assembly details. Post #56 is the front brakes and # 178 covers the rear.

[Duke]

Search the forum & check my build thread. I was the prototype for his kit.

[P100DHG]

Guys thank you so much!!!

[Padawan]

I would say depends on your setup:
Power Brakes - order Factory solution for the rear end (rotors won’t be slotted)

Manual Brakes - Go with Gordon

I just got done with 15 inch wheels with IRS — I went with Factory Five solution, then PowerStop everything for the front wheels (brake booster from Whitney)

[P100DHG]

Power brakes I imagine require different pedal boxes? Give me the some insight on this.

[Padawan]

Power brakes I imagine require different pedal boxes? Give me the some insight on this.

Whitby has solutions for the Power Brakes: Mustang and Wilwood Pedal Box

https://www.whitbymotorcars.com/product/power-brake-kit-complete/

If you go with Wilwood brake kit do not use the Power Brake Booster...everyone I discussed this with said its way to much brake...

I'm building a cruiser so I wanted as many comfort options as possible...power brakes, power steering, hydraulic clutch, AC and Heating...

You first need to decide - do I want Power or Manual Brakes - if Manual go Wilwood

[P100DHG]

Hi Danny! Gordon Levy has a 4 piston Wilwood brake package that I purchased that does exactly what you are asking. He put together a combo of Wilwood parts that gets you the biggest brakes you can fit under the 15" FFR Halibrand replica rims. It's a nice kit. I installed them awhile back, but haven't finished my roadster yet to know how they perform. I suspect very good. Check out my build thread for pics and assembly details. Post #56 is the front brakes and # 178 covers the rear.


Search the forum & check my build thread. I was the prototype for his kit.


Read both build threads and I’m convinced. Thanks for the tip!


Question Palawan brings up is a good one, is if I add hyrdoboost will it be too much brake? Or I stick with manual with these brakes? What’s the consensus?

[Gordon Levy]

Yes, stick to manual brakes. Hydroboost would turn them into an on/off switch. I am also working on an electronic park brake for this kit that is 50 state legal.