I have 2006 s197 Brakes on my 66. I am forced to run a 17 inch wheels, not that's a bad thing but will I have issues clearing the 12.5 inch rotors and calipers with a 4.75 back space wheel? The original 17 inch rims on the 2006 mustang had 6.29 back space, so I'm kinda worried I wont be able to find rims that clear.
I have 17" rims with 4.5" backspacing and the same brakes as you. The calipers are incredibly close to the inside of the rim and the spokes but there are no problems. The backspacing shouldn't affect your caliper clearance but it will affect how close your tire comes to the fender.
Thanks ZPD. I'll be using 4.75 backspacing, so that should give me another 1/4 inch of clearance if my understanding is correct.
Fletch yeah I used Mustang Steve's kit. I feel likes its kinda expensive at $230 bucks, but it high quality stuff and easy to install. I upgraded my 2006 S197 to GT500 Brembo take offs. I'm glad Steve makes a kit because these brakes look big, beefy, and awesome on a 66.
I have Mustang Steve's kit too. You shouldn't have any problems with caliper clearance but you are understanding backspacing incorrectly. Backspacing is the side to side distance from the mounting surface of the wheel to the inner lip of the rim. It won't affect your caliper clearance at all. The diameter of your wheel (you need at least 17" rims for this kit) and the side to side distance from the mounting surface to the inside of the spokes is what determines caliper clearance. You won't know the latter until you mount the rim because manufacturers do not advertise this distance although I have never heard of anyone having any problems.
Do a little research on the backspacing. You might need a spacer with 4.75" to keep the tire or rim from rubbing on the upper ball joint on a '66.
S197 callipers are all the same, but v6 rotors are 1" smaller and will allow for 16" wheels - may require an alteration of the calliper mounts that come in the kit (I don't know)
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I know some people don't care for the look but I'd be open to it. Anyone know if 18's will fit in a 66 wheel well? Can 18's even be found with the proper rim width and backspace? That would alleviate any caliper clearance issues.
Was unaware of this great swap idea. Questions - are you using the 66 spindles or something else? How does this hardware bolt up?
The kit uses your stock spindles and hubs. No major surgery required at all. It's all bolt and go. Even if you went to your local Autozone or something similar, and bought brand new S197 rotors and calipers it would still be similarly priced or even cheaper than buying say the CRSP Brake kit other similar disc brake kits. And the S197 brakes are better actually because of the 12.5 inch rotors. Mustang Steve actually sells take off S197 Rotors and calipers at a decent price.
Only downside is you have to use 17" wheels, but IMO that's not really a bad thing. But worth mentioning if someone doesn't wanna buy wheels and tires.
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2006 S197 brakes and 17" wheels?
but will I have issues clearing the 12.5 inch rotors and calipers with a 4.75 back space wheel? The original 17 inch rims on the 2006 mustang had 6.29 back space, so I'm kinda worried I wont be able to find rims that clear.
