The idea of using the stock Pantera caliper, modified to the thicker rotor actually isn't a bad idea. Clever actually.
I actually have an 11.75"od x 1.1" vented rotor here from my 07 Fusion. It actually weighs a little more then 2 pounds more then the 11.73"od x 1.24"thick Tbird rotors. So, sofar, I see little disadvantage to running that Tbird front rotor.
I've gotta say that at this point I think the best rear rotor to run on the Pantera is the Mustang front 11.3" x .81" vented rotor. The offset is exact and the difference in od is nominal.
Now calipers. The Wilwoods are really nice. The six piston Superlite for the front is probably my choice. It is kind of pricey though. Can't argue that it is half the weight of the big Lincoln 4 piston calipers. Those have 4 1.65" pistons and are very easy to adapt to the front Pantera hubs. So will the Wilwoods. 4 piston Wilwoods are cheaper by quite a bit. No decision made here yet but I have my Wish List.
The rears will work nicely with the four piston Wilwood Superlite calipers I think. Again, pretty simple to adapt.
I have to pull off my master cylinder to measure the bore. I have Halls polished unit on there and never thought of measuring the cylinder bore before I installed it.
I have as it turns out, the original master cylinder from the Boss"Trans-Am" kit on my Shelby. Interesting because the number stamped into the side, the suffix, can't be found in cross reference anywhere. It measures about 1-5/16" bore.
It is thought that it was sourced from an F series truck of the era. It has a much larger reservoir then the stock Mustang but bolts right up to the stock mounts, and is rebuild-able. Interesting.
Yes the pedal is hard but it requires so little travel to move the brakes I find it very easy to use. You don't have to stand on it at all to get braking. Just touch it.
I'm not sure the Pantera needs anywhere near that kind of pressure. 1-1/8" bore is most likely more then adequate for the most severe conditions.
One of the brake vendors, who shall remain nameless, told me (confided?) that the reason he recommends a 1-1/8" bore is because he got to many complaints about the pedal hardness on anything larger. Not the pedal effort mind you...the hardness. Ironic. To me that's what I like about the big bore?
Firmness in a car offers me comfort. Softness...is discomforting. Personal preferences I suppose?
