Saul "The Surgeon" Gutierrez...
Saul "The Surgeon" Gutierrez of Extreme Automotive in Canoga Park, California, checks the clearance between the mounting clips for MGP's new S197 brake-caliper cover (PN 10197 Series; $200) and the rotor itself. MGP recommends a minimum 0.013-inch clearance between the clips and the discs. The affordable covers, available in red, black, and satin, are attractive alternatives for '05-'10 'Stang owners who desire the big-brake look for their Ponies, but don't want to drop big coin to get it and don't care to spend hours of down time, painting the stock pieces.
This month we bring you a quick and easy cosmetic upgrade for '05-'10 Mustangs. Notice we didn't just say Mustang GTs this time?
That's right, Marshall Genuine Products' S197 brake-caliper covers (PN 10197 Series; $200) install in 10 minutes with just hand tools, bringing bright-colored pop to the plain-looking OEM brake gear on the V-8 'Stangs we all love, and their six-cylinder siblings as well.
Along with their physical size difference, most aftermarket big-brake upgrade systems for Mustangs are distinguished by their brightly colored, usually powdercoated calipers. While improved stopping power is the important quality of aftermarket brakes, their look, highlighted by the colored calipers, definitely is another.
For S197 owners on a budget or those who simply want the show pizzazz without the shorter stops-bone-stock 'Stangs, show cars, and so on-cleaning, priming, and painting stock brake calipers certainly is one method of bringing color through the spokes of a Pony's wheels. However, installing MGP's bolt-on covers is a much easier and better alternative than painting, as covers add style to a 'Stang. They are also said to help reduce heat and excessive brake-dust buildup on the wheels.
We stopped in on the boys at Extreme Automotive in Canoga Park, California, and caught Saul "The Surgeon" Gutierrez installing a set of caliper covers on a brand-spanking-new Mustang GT. The 'Stang was one from the fleet of all-white, bare-bones '08 GTs that Galpin Ford was blowing out for $18,000 in early 2009. The covers are the Pony's first upgrade, and as you'll see in the following photos and captions, they really do make a nice difference over the plain-looking brake hardware that once poked through the spokes of each wheel.
Stock as a rock.
The wire clips on each caliper...
The wire clips on each caliper are the only pieces that require minor modification. Their bulge is too deep, and if they're not flattened down, they will push the covers too close to the wheels. A simple set of pliers is used for the battle of the bulge.
Each caliper cover is made...
Each caliper cover is made from 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum, and finished in brilliant red, black, or satin powdercoat. MGP also offers custom colors and logo engraving as extra-cost options for the covers.
The covers are attached to...
The covers are attached to each caliper using clips that are installed at the top and bottom of each one. The clips may require slight bending in or out for adjustment to ensure a snug fit. A 3/8-inch wrench is all that's needed for securing each cover over a Mustang's stock calipers, and they're easily removed when it's time to service the brakes.
Cover-to-wheel-spoke clearance...
Cover-to-wheel-spoke clearance is easily verified with a business card.
Saul has our '08 Mustang back...
Saul has our '08 Mustang back on all four feet in roughly 10 minutes. The bright red covers really pop through the spokes of the factory Bullitt-style wheels on our test subject, dramatically changing the appearance of what technically is a plain white Mustang. Also, the OEM brake calipers are said to remain cooler and be better protected from brake dust and road debris with the covers in place.