Possible new product development, 13" brakes, aluminum

[Guest JAMIE T]

Hey guys, I'm getting a quote from a machine shop for Aluminum front wheel hubs. The idea grew from my own need for a 5-lub hub with the OE S30 offset. My front wheels set out alittle farther than I'd like with the Z31 hub. What I will have machined is a stock offset hub that can be drilled for whatever lug pattern you desire. The center of the hub will be machined to a size that will fit a '94+ Ford Mustang Cobra brake rotor. These are 13" rotors that are readily available anywhere. You will not have to wait to get your rotors mail order if you need to make a track event, etc...

 

Also, I will have made caliper adapters to use OEM Ford Cobra Calipers. What this means is you can buy a Cobra 13" brake upgrade kit for use on '94+ Mustangs and basically get all the parts you need for a BIG brake kit with OEM quality parts.

 

I've already had spacers machined to adapt the Cobra rotor to the Z31 hub. I had that set-up at Mikes party.

 

Since I need this style set-up, I figured others might have the same need. So, I offer it to you. I should have the quote back in a couple of days. Post here if this sounds like something you might be interested in. As usual, quantity effects price. The great part is the Cobra parts are under $500 NEW. The caliper is a PBR twin piston unit and is very high quality. The rotors are 1.10" thick and 13" diam. You can even get PowerStop drilled/slotted rotors if you want from anywhere.

 

I have no interest in selling he whole brake kit, just the parts to make the OE Cobra parts work.

 

What that also mean is you can get my parts, then get what ever big brake upgrade kits that are available for the Cobra. That includes the HUGE Wilwood kit with 6 piston calipers, and I'm sure somebody offers a 14" brake kit for the SN95 Stangs. Imagine the possibilities.

[Guest iskone]

Sounds real promising to me

I've been looking for a way to keep the offseet the same on the front and rears.

Let me know when you have some prices

[Guest hcb240z]

That sounds sweet. I've been snooping around for a good deal on the vented brake upgrade for some time now. Plus, the price is certainly right!

Go for it!

 

clay

[Mikelly]

This is the SAME brake upgrade that is on the FORD COBRA Mustang and the CHEVY C5 CORVETTE. It is like the HAND of GOD grabbing you and stopping you!

 

...I'm a little biased, because Jamie used to machine control arms for me, but his work is flawless and the parts will be top shelf.

 

Icing on the cake is these will be OVER the COUNTER auto parts supplier parts! Can't beat that guys! 8)

Mike

[tannji]

OK... interested..... lets see some pics! = )

[Brad-ManQ45]

I've been requesting 5 lug hubs w/stock offset every time someone mentions aluminum hubs - finally someone with the ability and need comes to my aid!

[Guest JAMIE T]

Just so you guys know. I'm not doing this to make any money. Really, I need these and figured others might have an interest as well. I also know that 25 pairs will be a hell of alot cheaper than just one pair for myself. I can't afford to pay up front for anymore than just my own set. My shop(alum. metal fab shop) works very closely with the machine shop that is doing this for me. They have CNC equipment and CAD design and they treat me good. I don't want to take advantage of there good nature though. They made the spacers for the Z31 hub/Cobra rotor set-up for me for free. But the hubs are alot more complicated and require a CAD drawing. So, as it stands right now, they have an OEM 240Z hub to take measurements from. They will eliminate the rear bolt rotor design(since the Cobra parts are a hat).

 

FWIW, the Cobra rotor could be re-drilled for 4-lug if someone had wheels but wanted bigger brakes. Also, This set-up may not fit 16" wheels unless the wheels are designed for 13" brakes. Ford Racing recommends 17" wheels when using the Cobra upgrade brake kit. Your wheel will need approx. 14-1/2" ID to clear the caliper. Maybe alittle less.

 

So, Honestly, how much would you be willing to pay for these hubs and caliper adapters? I can give the shop a goal, and see if they can meet it.

[DatsunATX]

That sounds great put me down, Is this just for the front or both front and back, that would be awsome.

[Guest iskone]

What were you thinking JamieT?

 

I think I need more clarity about the product.

The part to be machined is a hub with the 5x4.5 bolt pattern and a caliper bracket.

What about a rotor hat?

 

I can afford up to $200 for a hub and caliper.

I don't know if that's a deal or not.

 

After remebering the price of JSK's hat's and the cost of Z32 hubs I think $300-$350 might be more fair for a hub, caliper bracket, and rotor hat.

[Guest JAMIE T]

No rotor hat. The Cobra rotor is one piece hat/rotor. Enough folks make 5 lug rear brakes, so I don't plan anything for that YET.

[Guest iskone]

I didn't know the rotor and hat were one peice with the cobra brakes.

 

In that case $200 would be good for me.

 

Do you have an idea yet about the price?

Is $200 a good price?

[Guest JAMIE T]

I don't think $200 will cover the hubs and caliper brackets. A 12" slug of 6" round stock is $130 by itself. That doesn't include machining cost. The hub is a fairly complicated part. Hopefully the CNC equipment will help that though. That is 6061-T6. The cost of the material goes down when the quantity goes up. I also would like to have them anodized(clear). I'm going to get a quote for 5 pairs of hubs, unless more folks step up and say they want a set. So, that's 4 sets that will be for sale.

 

FWIW, I won't be able to make the bracket until the hub is made.

 

Also, I should add that they will accept all stock replacement bearings/races and the OE style dust cap, and seal.

[Guest iskone]

Ok, just let me know when you get back a qoute from the machince shop.

[JMortensen]

I think you need to put the price in context Jamie. Compare to AZC's front aluminum hub 12" brakes (estimate cost of rotors and calipers and pads). $200 is IMO ridiculously low for this.

 

Also, weren't both Juan and Ross working on aluminum hubs too? Seems to me there might not be a large enough market to support 4 different companies selling aluminum hubs. I guess if you just wanted to do 25 sets and call it quits that might be feasible, but I wouldn't put too much into it until you get people who put up cash, and we've got way too many nitpickers who will try and tear you down. Be prepared for that, and good luck.

[Guest JAMIE T]

I am aware of that. I'm not a business trying to make money. I need these parts for my own set-up. I know others would like to have similar parts. My set-up is specifically designed to use the Cobra parts. That is what will set my set-up apart from Ross' and Juan's. I'm only getting a quote for 5 sets. After that, I'll probably not make anymore. Unless five more guys decide they want them. Ross and Juan make great products. My parts are for folks who may not be able to afford the $1200 out-right cost of Ross's set-up, or would like the easy access to OEM parts. With my set-up, you can buy the parts a piece at a time if you can't afford the whole thing. Even if the hubs and brackets cost $500(which they won't probably) you will still save a good chunk of money.

 

I'm very sure the hubs will be more than $200 by themselves.

[Mikelly]

John Makes some good points... But it doesn't HURT to have others out there making parts as well. Tim H. came up with a GREAT ALTERNATIVE for the R230 CV adapter/ Axle and immediately guys were mentioning MMS and Ross...

 

All I'm saying is, and I've said this before, Competition is good and only drive the market and THE CONSUMER wins.

 

Jamie, Put me down for a set of whatever you make... Guaranteed it will be cheaper than the other solutions out there, and likely as good or better.

 

And TIM H., If you are READING THIS, PACKAGE that damned R230 Axle/ adapter package and sell it! 8)

 

ALL HAIL the wonders of the free market base.

Mike

[Mikelly]

Oh, and as for sourcing the parts to go with this setup...

 

http://www.discbrakesRus.com

 

You can get the FULL front Cobra SETUP with new calipers, rotors, pads and braded lines for $429 SHIPPED.

 

Mike

[Guest iskone]

Oh' date=' and as for sourcing the parts to go with this setup...

 

http://www.discbrakesRus.com

 

You can get the FULL front Cobra SETUP with new calipers, rotors, pads and braded lines for $429 SHIPPED.

 

Mike [/quote']

 

How did you get $429?

I was on the site yesterday and the cheapesy I saw was for $599

These were in a kit and were 13" rotors.

What parts are you talking about?

[Mikelly]

I'm going based on what I paid for the kit from the website last year... If they had a price increase, I was NOT aware.

 

mike

[Guest iskone]

That makes sence, I would like the $429 price though