Bit of an update:
Closing in on finishing the S197 Mustang knuckle, spindle, rotor, and caliper swap. I’m using Fortune Auto 500s with FC3S upper mounts, S197 lower mounts, OEM Mazda ball joints, and yet-to-be-tested: E21 BMW inner tie rods with S197 QA1 bumpsteer kit. It's turning out to be a
relatively bolt-on affair.
One added benefit to the Mustang knuckles – there is quite an improvement in steering angle. I measured 58* total angle. I didn’t measure the Mazda stuff, but I’ve read it’s around 40*. I don’t really have the patience to measure Ackerman, so that’s TBD.
I did have to slot the upper bolt hold on the S197 lower mounts from Fortune Auto to get more camber. After some grinding, I’m able to get close to 4* at rideheight with both the upper camber plate and slotted hole.
I bought some cheap factory brake lines to see if I can make something work before I resort to making custom lines.
The BIG difference I didn’t really consider was the weight increase with the 14” Brembos. Here are the weights:
Knuckle/Spindle (Mazda w/ ABS):12.6#
Knuckle/Spindle (Ford w/ ABS): 17.4#
Caliper (Mazda 4 pot - bare): 6.0#
Caliper (Ford Brembo - bare): 9.0#
Rotor (Mazda 10.9” – used): 12.6#
Rotor (Ford 14” - used) 24.4#
ADDED WEIGHT: 19.6# PER CORNER ![embarrassed :embarrassed:](https://norotors.com/Smileys/classic/embarrassed.gif)
At least most of it is in the rotors as thermal mass.
There are 2-piece rotor options available but they cost more than my entire swap setup and only save about 5#.
It's also nice that OEM Motorcraft rotors are $45/per.
![](https://i.imgur.com/PHpxI8e.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/ZkHnFpB.jpg)
To try and balance out the F/R brakes, I’m attempting to retrofit bigger rear rotors. The 13-14 GT500 uses 13.8” rear rotors which are very close in thickness to Mazda rotors with about 0.75” lower offset (more outboard). I bought some 0.75” bar stock and am in the middle of making an adapter plate to remount the OEM calipers with the GT500 rotors.
![](https://i.imgur.com/enhQFXr.jpg)
![](https://i.imgur.com/n7yU9NS.jpg)
Switch Panel/gauges are finished. Everything is on Molex connectors so the entire console can be removed in less than a minute. This way I am able to put fuses and relays behind the console. With all the HVAC stuff still in the car there is NOT much room.
![](https://i.imgur.com/o3bOhb0.jpg)
Turbo setup is finished and just needs to be cleaned and put on the car. Waiting on the POR15 on the frame rails to cure first.
![](https://i.imgur.com/e7mul5X.jpg)